Checked Baggage

Checked Bag Screening Processes

No change -- You check in at the ticket counter or with the skycaps as you have in the past.  The new screening

equipment will be out of your view and the screening of your checked baggage will occur behind the scenes.

Ticket counter first -- You will still check-in at the ticket counter or with the skycap as you have in the past but you will next proceed to a new baggage screening area nearby.  At most airports you will next take your checked bag to the checked baggage screening area where it will be screened there and afterwards delivered directly to your airline for loading.  At some airports someone will take your checked baggage from you at the ticket counter and deliver it to the screening area.  In a growing number of airports you will have the option to drop off your bags at the screening area and proceed directly to your gate without waiting for your bags to be screened.

Baggage screening first -- You will go first to the checked baggage screening area in the airport lobby.  After baggage screening the screener will direct you to the ticket counter and an authorized person will bring your bag from the screening area to the ticket counter for you to complete the check-in process.

Please watch for signs and other instructions that will direct you to the correct line.  Unless you see signs directing you otherwise go to the ticket counter to check-in with your airline.

Several methods are being used to screen 100% of checked baggage. The most common methods that you will encounter involve electronic screening either by an Explosives Detection System (EDS) or Explosives Trace Detection (ETD) device.

The EDS machines are the large machines that can be over 20 feet long and weigh up three tons.  Your baggage will be loaded on a conveyor belt of the EDS machine by a screener for screening.  If your bag requires further inspection it may be brought to an ETD machine.

The ETD machine are much smaller machines and are the primary machine used in many airports.  When your bag is screened with an ETD machine the screener will take a swab of your bag and then place the swab into the ETD machine for analysis.

There are other methods that may be used at airports to ensure that 100% of all bags are screened.  Regardless of which system is used all checked bags will be screened before they are loaded onto the plane.

Unlocking Checked Bags -- TSA suggests that you help prevent the need to break your locks by keeping your bags unlocked.  In some cases screeners will have to open your baggage as part of the screening process.  If your bag is unlocked then TSA will simply open the bag and screen the bag.  However, if the bag is locked and TSA needs to open your bag then locks may have to be broken.  You may keep your bag locked if you choose but TSA is not liable for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes.

If TSA screeners open your bag during the screening procedure they will close it with a tamper evident seal and place a notice in your bag alerting you to the fact that TSA screeners opened your bag for inspection.

In the near future, TSA will provide seals at the airport for you to use to secure your bags as an alternative to locks.  Until that time you may want to consider purchasing standard 'cable ties' which can be found at your local hardware store.  The 4 to 5 inch variety cable ties generally work best since they are the easiest to remove at your destination and can be used to close almost every bag with zippers.  If TSA needs to inspect your bag the screeners will cut off the seal and replace it with another seal.

Missing Contents -- TSA screeners exercise great care during the screening process to ensure that your contents are returned to your bag every time a bag needs to be opened.  TSA will assess on an individual basis any loss or damage claims made to TSA.  You may call the TSA Contact Center toll-free at 1-866-289-9673 if you have questions.

Packing Tips

• Do not put film in your checked baggage.  Some of the new checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film.
• Avoid packing food and drink items in checked baggage.
• Avoid over-packing your bag.  This will make it easier for the screener to reseal your bag if it is opened for inspection.  If possible spread your contents over several bags.  Check with your airline or travel agent for maximum weight limitations and any fees that may apply
• Spread out books and documents within your baggage; do not stack them on top of each other.
• Consider putting personal belongings in clear plastic bags.  This will reduce the chance that a TSA screener will have to handle them.

See our Travel Preparation section for a complete listing of other packing and timesaving tips.

Transporting Firearms and Ammunition

Subject to state local and airline restrictions, you may still transport a firearm and ammunition in your checked baggage provided it is declared to the aircraft operator (airline) at check in and that you comply with other applicable regulations.  Please note that you should never unlock your bag if you are carrying a firearm and your bag serves as the locked hard-sided case for transporting your firearm.