11.   But even the devices used on carry-on bags, much less checked baggage, are too cumbersome for routine full-body searches.

12.   But government transportation experts, even before the recent terrorist attacks, said the screening of checked baggage requires far more urgency.

13.   By the end of the year, explosive-detection machines must be installed at airports to ensure that all checked baggage goes through them.

14.   Despite the potential for delays, Long said he is pleased to see airlines screening all checked baggage.

15.   Federal Aviation Administration security agents will monitor the airlines to make sure they are screening all checked baggage, Takemoto said.

16.   He added that his office was looking into the practice of companies sending what is essentially cargo as checked baggage.

17.   He says it may be impossible to meet the mid-January statutory deadline for inspecting all checked baggage.

18.   He said that some security officials at airports with explosive-detection machines still fail to properly screen checked baggage.

19.   He said Amtrak plans to buy machines to scan checked baggage but has no plans to use metal detectors on passengers or X-ray machines on their carry-on luggage.

20.   In a letter dated Monday, Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., urged Mineta to screen checked baggage and put air marshals on all long-distance flights immediately.