Airport security pops every air bubble in passenger’s backpack straps ruining backpack

An unusual story has emerged on Reddit where a traveler shared a picture of his backpack after traversing through airport security. The backpack, which features air-cushioned “bubbles” on the straps had every single air bubble popped by security.

To be clear, we don’t have much information on this story other than the very limited information posted to Reddit by the original poster. It would seem that a traveler passing through airport security with a Nike Max Air backpack had his backpack damaged, if not destroyed, by security.

While we can’t verify these claims, the story is interesting. Why would the security officers think the air bubbles are a security risk? Perhaps the traveler was smuggling something like drugs?

Here’s the original post and picture:

And here’s a picture of the unscathed backpack as sold on a retailer’s website – which we think is an older, no longer actively sold Nike Max Air backpack, possibly the Vapor model:

It’s possible that the air pockets showed up as unclear on the security screening and the officer felt compelled to ensure no drugs were being smuggled (or any other illicit substances). Given that the bubbles are not clear, it’s even harder to discern.

One clever commenter on the now viral post is clearly a points and miles enthusiast. They added this response in reply to someone who suggested they file a claim:

“Not only this, but also see if your trip was insured somehow. For example via your credit card that you used to book it, or even some house content insurance sometimes. You can then also claim from them”

/anonduplo

We are curious if any other readers have experienced this before? Has anyone ever had their Reebok Pump shoes popped by airport security? Or their Nike backpack? Drop us a comment, below.

Cover image credit: Reddit