Ruth Haines
Airport security is a necessary inconvenience, but it can be a stressful experience for travellers, especially when there is a risk of personal belongings being damaged or lost. While most airports keep passengers close to their belongings during security checks, there are times when items are taken away to be searched or scanned, and this is when breakages can occur. In some cases, items may be confiscated, and it is not always possible to get them back. So, what can travellers do to minimise the risk of their possessions being damaged or lost at airport security?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Items that are confiscated by TSA | Firearms, knives, weapons, sharp objects, flammable items, liquids, gels, aerosols, tools larger than seven inches |
| Items that are voluntarily surrendered to TSA | Liquids, gels, aerosols, knives, tools larger than seven inches |
| TSA's responsibility for lost or damaged items | If your property is lost or damaged during the screening process, TSA is responsible. If it is lost or damaged during transport to the plane or baggage claim, the airline is responsible. |
| TSA's retention period for lost and found items | 30 days |
| What happens to unclaimed lost and found items | Destroyed, turned over to a state agency for surplus property, or sold by TSA as excess property |
| What to do if your items are lost or damaged | File a claim with TSA |
| How to keep your items secure during screening | Keep items in your bag instead of leaving them out in a tray, stay close to your bag, mark/sticker/tie something on the bag to distinguish it from others |
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What You'll Learn
How to keep your stuff safe when going through security
It is important to be vigilant when going through airport security to ensure your items remain safe and unbroken. Here are some tips to keep your belongings secure:
Firstly, always keep your valuables on your person or within sight. If you must place them in a tray or on a conveyor belt, try to remain close by and keep an eye on them. It is also a good idea to put a distinguishing mark, sticker, or tie something noticeable on your bag to prevent someone from accidentally grabbing the wrong luggage. This is especially useful for checked bags at baggage claim.
Secondly, be mindful of what you pack. Do not pack firearms, knives, or weapons in your carry-on luggage. Other prohibited items include liquids over 3.4 ounces (100ml), oversized gels, and aerosols. These items should be placed in a transparent, resealable plastic bag. Additionally, personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone, such as laptops and tablets, will need to be removed from your carry-on bag and placed separately in a bin for X-ray screening.
Thirdly, keep important documents and money safe by using a money belt. This allows you to conceal your cash and documents that you may not need quick access to. Divide your cash and cards and keep them in different places so that if one is stolen, you still have some money on hand.
Finally, consider purchasing a lock for your suitcase to secure your checked baggage. TSA-approved locks are commercially available and can be opened by TSA officers without being cut. Alternatively, wrapping your checked baggage can help protect your items from theft and damage.
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What to do if your stuff gets damaged during screening
It can be frustrating to have your belongings damaged during airport security screening. Here are some steps you can take to prevent damage and seek compensation if needed:
Preventative Measures:
Before going through security screening, it is important to be aware of what items are prohibited. Common prohibited items include knives, oversized liquids, gels, and aerosols. Packing prohibited items in your carry-on bag can lead to additional screening and potential damage. Place valuable items in your carry-on bag and keep them within sight during the screening process. Most airports will allow you to accompany your bag through the X-ray machine conveyor belt until it goes into the machine. You can also place a distinguishing mark, sticker, or tie on your bag to make it easily identifiable.
Documentation and Claims:
If your items are damaged during the screening process, take clear photos of the damage as soon as you discover it. These photos will be crucial when filing a claim. Contact the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and inform them of the damage. You may be able to file a claim with the TSA or your airline, depending on where the damage occurred. Keep in mind that there may be time constraints for filing a claim, so act promptly.
Insurance:
If you have travel insurance or a similar policy that covers damaged items, contact your insurance provider to understand your coverage and make a claim. Provide them with detailed information and photos of the damage to support your claim.
Feedback and Improvement:
Consider providing feedback to the airport and security authorities about your experience. Constructive feedback can help improve screening processes and reduce the likelihood of similar incidents in the future.
Remember to remain calm and professional when dealing with airport staff and authorities. By following these steps, you can effectively navigate the process of seeking compensation and increase the chances of a positive outcome.
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What happens to items confiscated at the airport
While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) claims that they do not confiscate items, only identifying them and letting travellers know that they cannot pass through security, there are still a number of options for travellers to consider when dealing with prohibited items. Firstly, travellers can check the item in question by going back to the check-in desk, getting a box for the item, and having officials scan and attach an extra luggage tag to it. Alternatively, travellers can check their items before passing through security. If a non-flying companion is present, they can hold onto the item, or mail it to the traveller's home or destination.
If travellers are unable or unwilling to use the options above, they must abandon the item. Once abandoned, the item cannot be recovered directly from the TSA. Depending on the item, it may be auctioned off, with each TSA-federalized airport having a contract with a state surplus agency that puts certain items up for sale. However, some items are simply thrown away, such as drinks, lotions, and shampoos, while hazardous materials are properly disposed of.
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What happens to items left behind at the airport
If you've left an item behind at the airport, the first thing you should do is contact the TSA Lost and Found. They will retain your items for a minimum of 30 days and make every effort to reunite passengers with their belongings. You can also check the airport's website for contact information. The more detail you can provide, the better—include the date, time, and a description of the item. If it's an electronic device, provide the make and model, and any distinctive traits. You can also place your contact information on the outside of your electronics in case they are lost.
If you left the item on a plane, you won't be able to get back on to retrieve it, but the flight crew can often help you out. If you're still at the airport, flight attendants and gate agents are usually happy to assist. If you've already left the airport, your best option is to consult the airline's website, where you'll likely be instructed to fill out a report for a lost item. Provide your email address so you can be contacted if your item is found.
If an item is not claimed within 30 days, it will either be destroyed, turned over to a state agency, or sold by the TSA. Unclaimed electronics will have their memory removed and destroyed to protect personal data. Any money from the sale of lost and found items goes to the U.S. Department of the Treasury to pay off the national debt.
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How to avoid long security lines
It can be frustrating to spend a lot of time in security lines at the airport. Here are some tips to help you avoid long security lines and get to your gate faster:
Sign up for expedited security programs
Government-run programs like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and Clear allow members to use expedited security lanes at many US airports. With these programs, you can speed through security without having to remove your shoes, laptops, belts, or jackets. You can sign up for TSA PreCheck by submitting an online application and then scheduling an in-person appointment at a Transportation Security Administration Enrollment Center. Global Entry offers all the benefits of TSA PreCheck, plus the ability to avoid the general customs line when returning to the US from abroad. Clear is a paid private membership that uses biometric technology to verify your identity and allow you to move to the front of the security line.
Choose your flight wisely
You can avoid long security lines by choosing a flight that departs at less busy times. Early morning flights, especially on Mondays, tend to be very busy with business travelers. Sunday mornings may be less crowded. You can also consider flying during off-peak seasons and choosing a morning flight instead of an afternoon flight. Many airports list current or expected wait times at different checkpoints on their websites, so check a few days in advance to anticipate potential lines.
Choose a smaller airport
If you're flying in or out of a major city, consider using a smaller, less centrally located airport to avoid the longest lines.
Pack wisely
Review the items you've packed before reaching the security checkpoint to avoid holding up the line with restricted items. Common prohibited items include firearms, knives, weapons, oversized liquids, gels, and aerosols. Understanding TSA rules and regulations can help you move through airport lines more smoothly. For example, you can save time by taking your laptop out of its case and placing it in an individual bin unless you have TSA PreCheck.
Check-in online
Many airlines allow you to check in online up to 24 hours in advance, which can help you skip the ticket counter. Print or bring a digital copy of your tickets, and consider using the airline's mobile app to easily access your boarding pass on your phone.
Limit yourself to a carry-on
Bringing only a carry-on instead of checking a bag can save you time by skipping the bag-check line and avoiding the wait at the baggage claim area. Just make sure your carry-on meets the airline's weight and size restrictions.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the time spent in security lines and make your travel experience more efficient and enjoyable.
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Frequently asked questions
If your property is lost or damaged during the screening process, you may file a claim with the TSA. If your property is lost or damaged during transport to the plane or baggage claim, contact your airline.
Prohibited items include firearms, knives, weapons, oversized liquids, oversized gels, oversized aerosols, and tools larger than seven inches.
Confiscated items are either destroyed, turned over to a state agency for surplus property, or sold by the TSA as excess property. The state may dispose of the items through sales, destruction, donations, or charities.
Put your important items in the bag that's going through the machine. Try to keep an eye on your bag at all times. You can also put a distinguishing mark, sticker, or tie on your bag so that no one accidentally grabs the wrong one.
