Which practice became standard for checked baggage in the late 1980s?

The practice of matching baggage with passengers on flights became standard in the late 1980s as a crucial step in enhancing aviation security. This was a response to increasing concerns about safety and the potential for terrorism involving unchecked luggage. By ensuring that every piece of checked baggage was accounted for and matched to a specific passenger, airlines could more effectively minimize the risk of hazardous materials or unauthorized items being brought on board without detection. This process significantly bolstered the overall safety of air travel, requiring that any baggage accompanying a passenger must be tracked and verified before being loaded onto the aircraft. This method became a foundational element of modern aviation security procedures, aiming to prevent incidents that could jeopardize passenger safety and airline operations.