The fine line: something not often considered is that of a handler's situation vis-a-vis a carrier when it comes to malpractice. Len Kirsch reviews the potential penalties.(LEGAL COLUMN)

Ground handlers providing services to carriers travelling to the US, or ground handlers in the US providing services for outbound aircraft, are often are required to indemnify carriers for a variety of fines and penalties imposed by US governmental entities.

Thus, outside of the US, a passenger handler may be liable to its airline customer for allowing passengers to board flights to the US without proper non-immigrant visas and passports; and both outside and inside the US, a handler may be responsible to its airline customer and to authorities for storing hazardous materials improperly on board aircraft. Soon, fines and penalties will be imposed for violations of security rules and regulations and security programmes.

Until fines and penalties are actually imposed for security violations, it is …