Airport Security: Do They Search Checked Bags?

When it comes to air travel, security is paramount. We are all familiar with the stringent security checks for carry-on luggage and our own persons, but what about checked luggage? The answer is yes, checked luggage does go through a scanning process to ensure no weapons, drugs, or other contraband items are being transported on the plane. This process includes X-ray scanning and sometimes sniffer dogs and laser scanners. If something suspicious is detected, security personnel may open and search the bag. While this can add time and inconvenience to your airport experience, it is done to ensure the safety of everyone on board.

Scanning and searching checked luggage

Weighing and Dropping Off:

When checking in your luggage, you will be asked to weigh your bags and attach a label with specific ID and flight information. Some airports may also provide a sticker to be attached to your passport, containing details of your baggage, which is helpful in case your luggage is lost. After check-in, your suitcase will be placed on a conveyor belt and transported to the next stage of its journey: security screening.

Security Scanning:

Checked luggage undergoes a scanning process similar to that of carry-on bags and passengers. The bags are typically screened using X-ray machines or advanced CT scanners. CT scanners create detailed images of the bag's contents by bombarding it with X-rays from different angles. These scanners can calculate the mass and density of objects, alerting operators to potentially hazardous items. In some cases, luggage may also be inspected by sniffer dogs or machines designed to detect trace amounts of banned substances.

Search and Clearance:

If suspicious items are detected during the scanning process, airport security personnel may conduct a manual search of your luggage. They have the authority to open locked bags, and in some cases, may change the locks if necessary. It is recommended not to lock your checked luggage, as failing to provide access may result in locks being broken. After the security screening and any necessary searches, your cleared luggage will continue its journey to be loaded onto the aircraft.

Loading and Transit:

Once your luggage passes through security, it will be loaded onto carts and then onto the plane. If you have a connecting flight, your checked baggage will typically be transferred directly to the next flight without undergoing an additional security scan. However, in some cases, such as international layovers, you may need to collect and recheck your luggage before the next flight.

While the scanning and searching process for checked luggage can add some time and inconvenience to your airport experience, it is a crucial step to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew on board. By understanding these procedures, you can better prepare for your travels and ensure a smoother journey.

Reasons for searching checked luggage

Checked luggage is searched to ensure the safety and security of everyone on the flight. The primary objective is to identify and confiscate any prohibited items, including weapons, explosives, and illegal drugs. Here are some additional reasons and context for why checked luggage is searched:

Security Scanning Process

Checked luggage undergoes a security scanning process similar to that of carry-on bags and passengers. This process includes X-ray scanning, CT scanning, or both, depending on the country and airport. These scans allow for the detection of suspicious items and prohibited substances. If something suspicious is detected, security personnel may conduct a manual search of the luggage.

Prohibited and Dangerous Items

The primary reason for searching checked luggage is to identify and confiscate prohibited items that may pose a safety risk. This includes weapons such as guns, knives, or any sharp objects that could be used as weapons. Additionally, explosives, including certain types of fireworks, are strictly prohibited and searched for. Illegal drugs, including both recreational and controlled substances, are also commonly searched for during the security scanning process.

Preventing Contraband Transportation

Checked luggage searches are essential in preventing the transportation of contraband items. This includes not only weapons and drugs but also other contraband items such as stolen goods, illegal substances, or items prohibited by customs regulations. By searching checked luggage, authorities can help prevent criminal activities and ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.

Safety of Passengers and Crew

The safety of passengers and crew is paramount, and checked luggage searches play a crucial role in achieving this. By identifying and removing dangerous or prohibited items, the risk of accidents, violence, or illegal activities on board is significantly reduced. This helps maintain a secure environment for everyone on the flight and prevents the misuse of certain items that could compromise the safety of the aircraft.

Compliance with Airport Security Regulations

Searching checked luggage is a mandatory part of airport security regulations. These regulations are in place to maintain a safe and secure aviation environment and are enforced by airport security authorities worldwide. By complying with these regulations, airports, airlines, and security personnel contribute to a consistent and effective security framework that protects passengers, crew, and the aviation industry as a whole.

Locking checked luggage

When checking in luggage at the airport, it goes through many hands and places before it's back in your possession. This can cause travellers to worry about the safety of their belongings, especially if they've packed valuable items.

The Benefits of Locking Checked Luggage

Locking your suitcase makes it more difficult for baggage handlers or strangers to rifle through your goods at the airport. It's also a great way to ensure your personal belongings won't fall out during transit, as the zippers are held together.

The Drawbacks of Locking Checked Luggage

Locking your checked luggage is not a guarantee that your personal belongings will be safe. Some thieves know how to break open combination locks, and others may simply slice through a soft-sided bag to grab its contents. It's always best to keep any valuables, heirlooms, or favourite items in your carry-on bag.

If you're travelling with a connecting flight, there's a chance your checked luggage won't make it onto the second plane in time. In this case, it's likely that your suitcase will be shipped out to you separately. However, if your checked bag is locked, the airline may not be able to quickly access and transfer your luggage, causing further delays.

Additionally, if something in your locked luggage triggers a security inspection, airport staff will break the lock to search your bag. They may then re-wrap it in security tape or plastic, but you will be left with an unusable lock.

The Best Luggage Locks

The best lock to secure your luggage is a TSA-approved lock. This means that all TSA agents have a master key that allows them to open your bag if they feel it needs extra screening. If you use a non-TSA lock, they'll have to cut it off. The Travel Sentry program is approved in 44 countries and over 650 airports, covering two billion travellers annually.

Another alternative to a lock is zip ties, which are easy and inexpensive. Some travellers also choose to wrap their suitcases in plastic, which prevents theft and breakage. However, this option is not environmentally friendly.

Items prohibited in checked luggage

Checked luggage goes through a scanning process to ensure that no weapons, drugs, or other contraband items are being transported on the plane. While the process can be inconvenient, it is necessary to ensure the safety and security of everyone on the flight. Here is a list of items that are prohibited in checked luggage:

• Aerosol sprays, except for medicinal or toiletry use such as insect repellent or hairspray. These must be securely capped.
• Any device containing lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries. If damaged, or if the terminals are short-circuited, they can catch fire.
• Bear spray, or any bug spray that is sprayed into the air or at insects.
• Party poppers, as they contain a tiny amount of gunpowder.
• Oxygen tanks, SCUBA tanks, butane, propane, and other compressed or flammable gases.
• Corrosive or oxidizing chemicals that could be considered hazardous materials, such as chlorine, strong acids, paint stripper, or drain cleaner.
• Cremated remains, as some airlines prohibit them in checked luggage.
• Firearms, unless they are unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided container, and declared to the airline at check-in.
• Fireworks, including sparklers, poppers, and bang snaps.
• Hazardous materials, including radioactive materials, poisonous or toxic substances, or flammable liquids.
• Live lobsters, which must be packed in a transparent container of water and placed in carry-on baggage.
• Matches, including a single book of safety matches.
• Marijuana, as it is illegal under federal law.
• Mercury thermometers or barometers, unless for use by a government weather agency.
• Spray paint, paint thinner, or any other flammable kind of paint.
• Replicas of explosive or incendiary devices, including realistic replicas of bombs or grenades.
• Self-defense sprays containing more than 2% by mass of tear gas.
• Torch lighters, which emit a high-temperature jet of flame.

This list is not exhaustive, and it is always best to check with the TSA or local regulations for the most up-to-date information on prohibited items. Additionally, some items are not allowed in checked luggage but can be carried in carry-on baggage, such as prescription medications, passports, electronics, jewelry, and other valuable or important items.

What to do if your checked luggage is lost

Losing checked luggage is a rare occurrence, but it can be a stressful situation. Here are some steps you can take to handle the situation effectively:

Before Your Trip:

• Book nonstop flights if possible. Bags are more likely to get lost during transfers between connecting flights, especially with tight connections.
• Consider discount airlines as they tend to have more nonstop flights, reducing the risk of losing your bag in transit.
• Take pictures of your luggage and its contents. This will help you provide detailed information if your bag goes missing.
• Use baggage tracking services or devices like AirTags to monitor the location of your luggage.
• Properly identify your suitcases, both inside and outside. Include your contact information in case the external tag gets detached.
• Keep essential and valuable items in your carry-on luggage, such as medication, electronics, jewellery, cash, and important documents.
• Review your credit card coverage for any travel protection benefits that may be applicable.

At the Airport:

• Check your bags in a timely manner. Last-minute check-ins can increase the chances of your luggage being misplaced.
• Take pictures of your luggage just before handing it over to the airline staff.
• Double-check your baggage tag's destination to ensure it matches your final destination, especially if you're doing curbside check-in.
• Retain your baggage claim ticket or sticker for reference in case of any issues.

If Your Baggage Is Delayed or Lost:

• Wait patiently for 30 to 45 minutes, especially at large airports, as luggage from a single flight may arrive in waves.
• Check other carousels and the airline's baggage office or holding areas to ensure your bag hasn't been misplaced.
• Alert the airline about your missing bag. Stay calm and provide them with your baggage tag and any relevant information.
• File a missing baggage report with the airline. Include detailed information about your bag, such as size, colour, material, and any identifying tags or features. Also, provide your local address and contact information.
• Inquire about compensation and reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred due to the delay or loss. Different airlines have varying policies, so be sure to review their guidelines.
• Make them deliver your bag to you if it is located. Provide your local address, and do not agree to return to the airport to retrieve your luggage.
• Purchase essential items like clothing, toiletries, or other necessities while waiting for your bag to be located. Retain the receipts for reimbursement.
• Continue to track your bag using the airline's online systems or by contacting their customer service representatives.
• Escalate your claim if necessary. Contact the airline via social media, call customer service, or file a complaint with the relevant aviation authority if you're not receiving updates or assistance.

Frequently asked questions