Passengers heading to Cuba have reported that at Miami International Airport (MIA), their "raped" luggage—wrapped in nylon at home to save on the cost of that service—is being unwrapped as soon as they arrive at the airport.
"They are forcing those who arrive with their luggage already 'wrapped' in nylon to use the airport's equipment. They remove the nylon covers they bring from home to make them do it at the airport. This is not legal and is happening right now, especially on trips to Cuba," Mario Vallejo reported on Facebook.
The journalist documented the complaint with a brief video of some Cubans who witnessed how the wrappers were removed from their luggage before entering the airport.
In the comments section, dozens of citizens shared their experiences, with some claiming to have been victims of similar practices. One woman stated that such incidents also occur at airports like Tampa, where she was told it was a decision made by Southwest Airlines.
Several Cubans described the practice as illegal and reported that many individuals pocket the money when cash is bundled at the airport.
Although it is not mandatory to have your luggage packed by one of the companies that provide this service at Miami Airport, several internet users have agreed that it is advisable for Cuba to have your luggage protected, given the tendency of customs agents on the island to open bags and, in some cases, remove belongings.
Several commentators urged that the complaint be brought to the attention of the Miami-Dade County mayor, Daniella Levine-Cava, to review these practices at the airport and assess the legality of the prohibition.
A Cuban resident in Germany took the opportunity to mention that she had a similar experience at Frankfurt Airport.
The general perception is that breaking open informal packaging is a way to force passengers to incur additional expenses.
"This country is becoming worse than Cuba, pure communism," declared a commentator.
In the case of Miami, the cost of wrapping a suitcase at the airport varies depending on the provider and the dimensions of the luggage.
Secure Wrap, the official luggage protection company at the airport, offers regular wrapping service for $15, while the price increases to $22 for large or irregular items.
"Wrapped luggage" refers to a practice of covering or packaging suitcases with a special plastic—typically polyethylene—to protect them during travel. This service, commonly found in airports around the world, encases the luggage in several layers of nylon to prevent damage and provide added security.
The word "rapeado" is actually an adaptation of the English word "wrap."
The packaging helps to prevent scratches and dents, theft or unauthorized openings, and weather conditions, such as rain or humidity, that could damage the contents.
As of the publication of this note, there are no further details regarding the aforementioned reports at Miami Airport.
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