Does TSA Check Checked Luggage Or Carry-On Bags Only?

When you pack your bags for a trip, you know to put extra thought into the contents of your carry-on bag. With TSA's strict rules, you must limit your liquids to a quart-sized bag, make sure your electronic devices are charged before being screened, and remove any sharp objects that could be dangerous on a plane. Chances are you're much more relaxed when it comes to your checked luggage. However, don't assume that TSA won't inspect your checked bags too.

Screenings for carry-on bags are known to be rigorous, but know that airport security will also take a look at your checked suitcase to ensure there are no dangerous or restricted items inside. Once you drop your bag off at the airline check-in counter, it gets moved on a conveyor belt to another room to be screened. In most airports, this room contains a large X-ray machine that instantly produces an image of the contents packed inside the bag. If the machine detects a questionable object, the bag will be sent to another conveyor belt for thorough screening performed by an officer.

Some of TSA's practices are a mystery to travelers, but one thing that should never be kept secret is whether an officer rummaged through your checked bag. According to TSA, only about 5% of checked bags sound the alarm and require manual searches by an officer. If your luggage is one of them, you'll find an inspection notice placed inside. You may also (unfortunately) discover that your lock has been broken, signaling that a TSA employee had to force their way inside. This is less likely to occur when using a TSA-approved luggage lock.

If TSA finds anything dangerous or illegal in your bag, they will remove the items and potentially escalate the situation, depending on what they've found. Certain items, such as large quantities of flammable goods or illicit drugs, could result in you being stopped at the gate or even arrested. At the same time, some travelers claim the TSA stole their things, even if they didn't pack any restricted items. If this happens to you, you can file a claim, though be aware that security officers aren't always to blame. Sometimes, airline baggage handlers are the real culprits behind lost valuables.

TSA screenings of checked luggage aren't usually random. Physical searches are performed whenever the X-ray machines detect things that you should never pack in your checked bag, including explosive and flammable objects. Items that are deemed dangerous aren't always obvious, which can explain why you may receive an inspection note even if you never intended to break any rules. For example, lighters with fuel, liquid bleach, some lithium batteries, power banks, spray paint, and matches are among the flammable items prohibited in checked luggage by TSA.

Anything that looks like a weapon or explosive may also trigger a TSA search. This includes harmless items shaped like grenades and bombs or toy guns, for instance. Even if they can't do any real damage, it's best to keep these items at home if you want to avoid a physical search of your checked luggage.

Other everyday belongings may also warrant a search, such as laptops and cordless curling irons. Be sure to review TSA's rules for checked baggage before your trip to reduce your chances of having your belongings inspected. And if the thought of your luggage being scrutinized behind closed doors still makes you nervous, skip the checked bag and stick with a carry-on instead.