Owais Crawford
When travelling by air, passengers need to be aware of the security procedures that their baggage will go through. Most airports use Explosive Detection Systems (EDS) to screen checked baggage for explosives and other dangerous items. This involves X-rays and CT scans to build a 3D picture of the contents. If something suspicious is detected, a Transportation Security Officer (TSO) will review the scan and may open and physically inspect the bag. It is recommended that passengers keep their bags organised to facilitate the screening process and reduce delays. In addition to security screening, checked baggage also undergoes processes such as weighing, labelling, and sorting before being loaded onto the aircraft. Passengers should be mindful of any restrictions on items in carry-on versus checked baggage and plan their packing accordingly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Screening process | TSA officers screen checked bags for explosives and other dangerous items. |
| Items allowed | Hazardous materials are forbidden. Powder-like substances over 12 oz should be placed in checked bags. |
| Time taken | Keeping bags organised can help speed up the screening process. |
| Baggage fees | Checking bags may incur extra costs. |
| Wait times | Checking bags may result in longer wait times at the airport. |
| Convenience | Travellers without checked bags can skip check-in counters and proceed directly to security. |
| Baggage claim | Checked bags must be collected from baggage claim upon arrival at the destination. |
| Baggage handling | TSA may inspect checked baggage and will place a notice inside if the bag is opened. |
| Baggage tracking | Luggage tags help track bags through every stage of their journey. |
| Layovers/stopovers | Separate bookings may require collecting and re-checking bags at each layover. |
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Screening procedures
Check-in
Before checking in, it is recommended to keep your bag organised to facilitate the screening process. At the check-in desk or self-service kiosk, your bag will be weighed. If it exceeds the airline's weight limit, you may have to pay additional fees. Your bag will then be tagged with a barcode or an RFID chip, which contains essential information such as your flight number, destination, and a unique code linked to you. This tag is crucial for tracking your luggage throughout its journey.
Initial Handling and Sorting
Once tagged, your checked baggage enters the initial handling and sorting phase. It moves through the airport's baggage handling system, where it is scanned, sorted, and directed to the correct loading area for your flight.
Security Screening
The security screening process for checked baggage aims to identify prohibited items and other security threats. Most airports utilise Explosive Detection Systems (EDS), employing X-rays and CT scans to create a 3D image of the bag's contents. If the scan identifies potential concerns, the image is sent to a Transportation Security Officer (TSO) for further review. Bags requiring a physical inspection are moved to a secure area, where a TSO will open and manually check the contents. If your bag is locked and cannot be opened with a TSA key, they may have to cut the lock. A notice will be placed inside your bag if it has been physically inspected.
Loading
Once your checked baggage has passed security screening, baggage handlers, also known as ramp agents, will load it onto baggage carts or Unit Load Devices (ULDs). ULDs are used to group luggage by flight.
Transit and Layovers
If you have a layover or a connecting flight, the procedures may vary. If your flights are booked separately or on different airlines that do not work together, you will likely need to collect your luggage, go through customs (if applicable), and re-check your baggage. However, if your flights are ticketed through to your final destination, your checked baggage should be automatically transferred to your next flight without you needing to collect it during the layover.
Final Destination
Upon reaching your final destination, you will need to head to the baggage claim area to retrieve your checked baggage. It is important to double-check the tag on your bag to ensure it matches your final destination to avoid any mishandling.
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Baggage security
Checked Baggage Screening:
Checked baggage undergoes a thorough security screening process to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers screen approximately 1.3 million checked bags daily for explosives and other dangerous items. The screening methods may vary, with most airports utilising Explosive Detection Systems (EDS) that employ X-rays and CT scans to build a 3D image of the bag's contents. If something requires further examination, a Transportation Security Officer (TSO) will review the scan and decide if the bag needs to be opened and manually inspected. It is recommended to keep your bag organised to facilitate the screening process, as cluttered bags may take longer to clear security.
Check-In Procedures:
Before reaching security, passengers typically go to the airline's check-in or baggage desk. Here, you may be asked questions to ensure you are not carrying any prohibited items, and your bag will be weighed to ensure it meets the weight limit. If your bag exceeds the weight limit, you may need to pay additional fees. Your bag will then be tagged with a barcode or an RFID chip, containing essential flight information and a unique code linked to you. This tag helps track your luggage throughout its journey, reducing delays and preventing bags from going missing.
Carry-On vs Checked Baggage:
It is essential to understand the difference between carry-on and checked baggage. Carry-on bags accompany you on the plane and must fit in the overhead compartment, while checked luggage is relinquished to the airline and stored in the cargo hold area, inaccessible during the flight. Carry-on bags have size and content restrictions, and certain items, such as firearms and large scissors, must be packed in checked luggage. If you opt for checked baggage, you may move faster through security, but you will need to wait for your bags at baggage claim upon arrival. Carry-on bags offer the convenience of having your belongings with you at all times, but they may slow you down during connections or when using airport facilities.
International Travel and Connections:
When travelling internationally or dealing with connections, baggage procedures can vary. If you have separate tickets or are switching between airlines that don't work together, you will likely need to collect your luggage, check-in again, and go through security at each point. When flying into the US, even for a connection, you must collect your bag, go through customs, and re-check it. However, if your tickets are booked together and tagged to the final destination, your bags will usually be checked through without the need to collect and re-check at each layover.
Prohibited Items and Locks:
It is crucial to familiarise yourself with the list of prohibited items provided by the TSA and your airline. Most hazardous materials are forbidden in both carry-on and checked baggage. Additionally, powder-like substances over 12 oz (350 mL) should be placed in checked bags to avoid secondary screening. Regarding locks, using TSA-approved locks is advisable, as non-approved locks may need to be cut if your bag requires manual inspection.
By following these guidelines and staying informed about the latest security measures, passengers can ensure a smoother travel experience and contribute to the overall safety of air travel.
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Baggage claim
At your final destination, you will go to baggage claim and retrieve your bag. If you have a layover or stopover and your connecting flight is on a different airline or was booked separately, you may need to exit and pick up your bags from baggage claim before rechecking them and going through security again. Make sure you have a long layover to allow enough time for this process. If your connecting flight is on the same airline or is ticketed through to your final destination, your bags will likely be checked through to your final destination without you needing to do anything.
If you are flying into the US from abroad, even if you are just connecting, you must collect your bag, go through customs, and recheck it unless you are arriving from a country with US pre-clearance. Always double-check the tag on your bag at check-in to ensure it is tagged through to your final destination.
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Baggage fees
For example, the first bag fee for Eco Basic fare is $77 each way, while an upgrade to Eco Classic fare costs $50 each way. Basic Economy fares in certain markets, such as South America, Europe, North Africa, Israel, and Tahiti, range from $30 to $60. Main Cabin fares and all fares to Asia and Southern Africa are typically free. Economy Light fares range from $55 to $76, while an upgrade to Economy Standard, which includes one bag, is usually only $45 to $60 each way. Discount Fares vary from $85 to Europe or Morocco to $155-$185 for other regions. An upgrade to Basic Fare, which includes one free checked bag, is typically $25 to $66 more each way.
To avoid unexpected costs, it is recommended to plan ahead and check the baggage fee policies of the specific airline you are flying with.
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Baggage restrictions
When checking in your baggage, you will likely be asked questions to ensure you are not carrying anything banned, such as flammable items. You may also need to have your bag weighed and pay for any overweight baggage. It is recommended that you keep your bag organised to help ease the screening process as cluttered bags take longer to screen. Most checked baggage is screened without the need for a physical bag search, but your bag may be inspected during the screening process. If this happens, you will receive a notice of baggage inspection inside your bag.
In some cases, you may need to collect your bags during a layover and re-check them in again. This is particularly true if you have separately booked flights that are not on the same air alliance. If you have a through ticket, it is rare that your bags will not be checked through to your final destination.
Some airlines place limits on bags and other items on board during busy travel seasons. For example, American Airlines only allow three checked bags to certain destinations and have oversize, overweight, and excess bag limitations for select cities. They also have specific restrictions for travel to Cuba and Mexico, such as only allowing one new/unused power generator in the original packaging per reservation as a checked item for travel to Cuba.
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Frequently asked questions
After check-in, your checked baggage will be weighed, tagged with a barcode and large print of the airport code, and provided to the TSA for security screening. Once the screening process is complete, your airline will transport your checked baggage to your respective flight and deliver it to the baggage claim area.
If you have a layover or stopover and these were separately booked flights that are not on the same air alliance, you may need to exit and pick up your bags from baggage claim, then recheck and go through security again. If your ticket is through to your final destination, you don't need to do anything on the layover/stopover.
Most hazardous materials are forbidden in checked baggage. It is recommended that powder-like substances over 12 oz. / 350 mL be placed in checked bags. Firearms, scissors with a cutting edge larger than 4 inches, and certain tools are also prohibited in carry-on baggage and must be packed in checked luggage.
