Jazmin Li
When checking in a bag at the airport, you will be asked to weigh your suitcase and attach a label with an ID, flight information, destination, airline, and flight number. Your bag will then be placed on a conveyor belt and screened by an X-ray machine and chemical sniffers. If there is any doubt or something suspicious, security personnel will inspect it by hand and leave a note to inform you of the inspection. After screening, your bag will be loaded onto a cart and transported to the plane.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What happens to checked bags at check-in? | Your suitcase will be weighed and you will be asked to attach a label with a specific ID, flight information, and barcode. You will be given a sticker with details of your baggage to attach to your passport. |
| What happens to checked bags after check-in? | Your suitcase will go off on a conveyor belt to the sorting office, where robots or staff will sort them to go to the right plane. Your bags will be screened at a security checkpoint, using an X-ray machine or CT scanner. |
| What happens to checked bags during a layover? | If you have a domestic layover, your bag will be dealt with by the airline so that it is tagged and transported to your end destination. If you have an international layover, you may have to collect and recheck your luggage. |
| What happens to checked baggage if I miss a connecting flight? | If you miss your connecting flight due to the first leg being delayed, your baggage will also miss the connecting flight. If you miss the connecting flight through your own fault, your bag will probably be on the plane and end up at the destination without you. |
| How do you check a bag at the airport? | Prior to security, you will go to the airline's check-in or baggage desk/area. You will answer questions about banned items, and your bag may be weighed. You will pay for any baggage or overweight baggage by card. Your bag will then be tagged with a barcode and the airport code. |
| What happens to checked bags at the airport? | Checked bags are scanned for security reasons, both when in the airport and when on the plane. They are screened for explosives and other dangerous items. |
What You'll Learn
Checked bags are screened for explosives and other dangerous items
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens approximately 1.3 million checked bags for explosives and other dangerous items daily. This is part of the TSA's layered approach to security to ensure passenger safety. The TSA works closely with intelligence and law enforcement communities to share information and adjust its processes and procedures to meet evolving threats.
Checked baggage will be provided to TSA personnel for security screening upon check-in. The screening process involves scanning checked luggage with X-ray machines or CT scanners to detect prohibited items. When a dangerous substance or item is detected, security personnel are notified. Items that are prohibited include weapons, explosives, flammable liquids, and other dangerous substances.
In most cases, checked baggage is screened without the need for a physical bag search. However, if a physical inspection is required, TSA will place a notice of baggage inspection inside the bag to inform the passenger. TSA has been provided with universal "master" keys to open certain types of locks without cutting them. If your property is lost or damaged during the screening process, you may file a claim with TSA.
TSA's screening procedures are designed to prevent prohibited items and other threats from entering the sterile area of the airport. These procedures are developed based on information on evolving threats to transportation security.
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Use TSA-approved locks to avoid them being cut off during inspection
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) works with several companies to develop locks that can be opened by security officers using universal "master" keys. These locks are known as TSA-approved locks and can be found at most airports and many travel stores across the nation.
TSA-approved locks are essential for hassle-free travel. They feature a universal "master" key that allows TSA agents to open and relock your luggage without cutting open the lock. This not only ensures the security of your belongings but also saves you the inconvenience of having your lock permanently damaged during a routine security inspection.
TSA-approved locks come in various styles and configurations, including combination locks and keyed locks. They provide convenience and peace of mind, and they play a crucial role in maintaining the safety and integrity of your luggage during air travel. These locks prevent unauthorized access to your belongings and minimize the risk of theft or tampering.
You can identify TSA-approved locks by looking for the Red Diamond logo, which is universally recognized by security agencies. This logo lets airport security personnel know that the lock is TSA-approved and can be opened using their special tool if necessary. The Travel Sentry program, which is one such TSA-approved lock program, is approved in 44 countries and over 650 airports, covering two billion travelers annually.
By using a TSA-approved lock, you can rest assured that your luggage will remain secure throughout your journey, and you won't have to worry about your locks being cut off during inspection.
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Check your airline's bag size and weight allowance
Checking in a bag at the airport can be a confusing process, especially for new travellers. Here is a step-by-step guide to checking in your bag, with a focus on bag size and weight allowance.
Firstly, it is important to check your airline's bag size and weight allowance. Most airlines allow bags up to 62 linear inches (158 cm) and 50 lbs (23 kg), but these limits can vary depending on the airline and route. Some airlines, like American Airlines, calculate the size limits of your bag by adding the total outside dimensions (length + width + height). Therefore, it is crucial to check your airline's specific rules to avoid unexpected charges.
Before arriving at the airport, ensure your bag complies with the size and weight restrictions. Weigh your bag and measure its dimensions to confirm it falls within the allowed limits.
When you arrive at the airport, proceed to the airline's check-in or baggage desk/area. Here, you may use a kiosk or wait in line to speak to an agent. You will need to answer questions about the contents of your bag to ensure you are not carrying any prohibited items. You may also need to pay for baggage fees or overweight baggage charges at this point. It is recommended to use a credit card for any payments.
After completing the check-in process, your bag will be weighed and tagged with a barcode and the destination airport code. It will then be placed on a conveyor belt or cart and taken through baggage security.
If you have a layover, and your flights are separately booked and not on the same airline, you may need to pick up your bag from baggage claim and re-check it at your connecting airport. However, if your flights are on the same airline or alliance and are ticketed through to your final destination, your bag will automatically be transferred to your next flight.
Finally, upon reaching your destination, you will go to the baggage claim area to retrieve your checked bag.
By following these steps and being mindful of your airline's specific bag size and weight allowances, you can ensure a smooth process for checking in your luggage at the airport.
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Take photos of your packed bag in case it is lost or damaged
Taking photos of your packed suitcase before checking it in at the airport is a good idea for several reasons. Firstly, it helps to have a record of your luggage and its contents in case it is lost or stolen. Having a visual record of your bag, including its brand, colour, size, and contents, will aid the process of filing a claim and locating your bag. It is also useful to have a record of the contents of your bag in case any items are damaged during transit. This can be used as proof when claiming compensation from the airline.
Additionally, taking photos of your bag from all angles will help if your bag is damaged during transit. You can use the photos as evidence to show that your bag was in good condition before you checked it in. This will strengthen any claim you make for compensation. It is also a good idea to take a photo of the baggage tag, as these are easily lost, yet vital if something goes wrong with your luggage.
Furthermore, taking photos of your packed bag can help you keep track of your belongings. If you have a visual record of what you have packed, you can easily check that all your items are still with you when you reach your destination. This is especially useful if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with valuable items.
Overall, taking photos of your packed bag before checking it in at the airport is a simple step that can save you a lot of hassle in the event of lost, stolen, or damaged luggage. It can also help you keep track of your belongings and provide proof for any compensation claims. So, next time you're packing for a trip, don't forget to snap a few photos of your bag and its contents before you head to the airport!
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Checked bags are scanned by X-ray and chemical sniffers
After check-in, your checked suitcase will be sent off on a conveyor belt to be processed. During this journey, your bag will be screened at a security checkpoint. This process is similar to the one you go through with your hand luggage, where bags are scanned with an X-ray machine or CT scanner.
Checked bags are scanned for security reasons, to check for prohibited items. The X-ray technology used can be a conventional 2D X-ray, or a CT scanner that uses cross-sectional X-rays to map a 3D image in colour. In addition to X-ray systems, some airports use chemical sniffers to detect suspicious items. These machines can be fixed or mobile, scanning cargo or luggage for anything that could be dangerous.
If a bag is flagged as suspicious, it will be inspected by hand. If a bag is locked, security personnel will attempt to open it with a master key, and if this is not possible, they will use other means to open it. If a bag has to be opened by force, it will be wrapped up and secured after inspection.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, your checked suitcase will be screened by an X-ray machine and sometimes with chemical sniffers. If there is any doubt or something suspicious, security personnel will inspect it by hand.
They are checking for prohibited items and other threats to transportation security.
It is recommended that you keep all valuables, money, and expensive electronics in your carry-on luggage.
