Michael Turner
Airports use X-ray machines for cabin bags, automated explosive detection for hold items and random manual inspection procedures; selected pieces may be opened by security personnel and resealed with an official tag. Enrollment in expedited programs (for example, TSA PreCheck in the U.S.) often allows devices and approved liquids to remain inside the carry-on during screening.
Liquid rule: containers ≤100 ml (3.4 oz) must fit into a single transparent resealable bag (≈1 quart) – one bag per passenger. Battery policy: spare lithium cells and power banks must travel in the cabin with terminals insulated or in original packaging; batteries built into devices are allowed subject to airline limits. Sharp tools and large blades are banned from the cabin and should be placed in the hold or omitted from travel entirely.
Size and weight: many carriers set hold allowance at 23 kg (50 lb) per piece in economy; typical carry-on limits are near 7–10 kg with dimensions around 56×36×23 cm (22×14×9 in). Fees on national routes commonly start at $25–35 for the first hold item and $35–45 for the second; overweight and oversize surcharges apply. Weigh and measure bags at home and purchase additional allowance online if needed.
If a piece is opened by security, inspect contents at the airline desk and retain the security tag; report missing or damaged items to the airline immediately and keep purchase receipts for claims. Use soft locks on cabin bags and use TSA-approved locks on hold items so authorized staff can access contents without damage. Keep travel documents, medications and high-value electronics in the cabin compartment.
Which agencies and carriers perform screening on in-country air routes?
Follow national security rules: expect X‑ray screening of carry‑on items and explosive detection for bags destined for the aircraft hold; present valid ID and remove prohibited liquids and electronics at the security screening area.
United States: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operates public‑area screening at commercial airports, runs hold‑bag explosive detection systems and authorizes physical searches by TSA officers. Local airport police and federal law‑enforcement units intervene for threats or prohibited items.
Canada: Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) performs checkpoint and hold‑bag screening; airports use CATSA protocols for item inspection and hand‑searches when alarms occur.
European Union & United Kingdom: national civil aviation authorities enforce EU/EASA or UK security regulations; contracted screening providers at airports carry out X‑ray and EDS screening under regulator oversight and may open bags under supervision.
Major carriers in the U.S. that coordinate operationally with screening agencies: Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue. Ground handling companies employed by carriers perform baggage handling and, when required, open hold bags under supervision from the security agency or airline operations staff.
Operational triggers for a manual inspection: X‑ray alarm, visible prohibited item during processing, passenger report, or random selection. When a hold bag is opened, documentation is generated and a receipt left with the passenger; law‑enforcement presence occurs if a weapon or suspect material is found.
Practical recommendations: keep medications, valuables and spare lithium batteries in the cabin; declare firearms and follow airline paperwork at the ticket counter; label bags clearly and retain drop receipts. Check the specific carrier and national security agency webpages for the exact prohibited‑item lists and declaration procedures before travel.
When and why TSA or airline staff will open and inspect a bag stored in the aircraft hold
Expect TSA or airline personnel to open a bag stored in the aircraft hold whenever screening tools or operational staff identify a potential security, safety, or regulatory concern.
Common triggers for opening a hold bag
- Automated screening alarms from explosive detection systems or X‑ray images that are unclear or show suspicious densities.
- Explosive trace detection swabs or canine alerts indicating possible residue or scent of prohibited substances.
- Discovery or suspicion of forbidden or hazardous items (spare lithium batteries, undeclared flammable aerosols, improperly stowed firearms, compressed gas canisters).
- Passenger reports at the ticket counter that prompt verification (damage, lost items reported before boarding, or inconsistencies in declared contents).
- Visible damage to seals, broken locks, or baggage with no readable identification that requires verification for ownership or safety.
- Random manual inspections selected as part of routine screening protocols or targeted intelligence/ law‑enforcement alerts.
Inspection process and recommended passenger actions
- What happens during inspection: personnel open the bag, perform a visual inspection, swab suspicious areas for trace detection, remove prohibited items if present, then reseal the bag. TSA commonly leaves a “Notice of Baggage Inspection” inside when a bag has been opened.
- If a prohibited item is found: confiscation may occur and local authorities could be notified; fines or criminal referral are possible for serious violations (for example, undeclared firearms or explosives).
- If the bag is damaged or items are missing: document immediately – photograph the bag, contents, and the notice left by screening staff; report the issue at the airline’s baggage service office before leaving the airport and obtain a written report or receipt.
- Filing a claim: follow the carrier’s published procedures and time limits for lost, damaged, or seized items; retain boarding passes, baggage tags, receipts for high‑value items, and the inspection notice.
Ways to reduce the chance of an opening and to simplify resolution if one occurs:
- Keep valuables, medications, spare batteries, and electronic devices in carry‑on; spare lithium batteries must travel in the cabin per federal guidelines.
- Declare firearms per airline rules and local law, store them in a locked hard case, and place ammunition in approved packaging; failure to declare increases the likelihood of inspection and penalties.
- Use TSA‑recognized locks (screening authorities can open these without cutting them) or choose easily accessible fastenings for items that may require verification.
- Do not wrap gifts; wrapped items will be opened and unwrapped if inspection is required, which often results in delayed resealing or visible tampering.
- Place a simple packing list inside the bag and attach clear outside identification with current contact details; that speeds verification and return if an issue arises.
- Take photos of bag condition and contents before handing the bag over; those images strengthen any damage or loss claim.
How to pack hold baggage to reduce the chance of inspections and delays
Place valuables, prescription medication, spare lithium batteries and important documents in carry-on; keep the hold bag free of loose batteries, high-value items and large quantities of powders or food that can trigger secondary screening.
Quick packing rules
Use a hard-sided case with internal organization (packing cubes or clear pouches) so X‑ray images are orderly and items stay put if an agent needs to open the case.
Arrange electronics and cords near the top of the bag for easy visibility; remove dense clusters of mixed metal objects (tools, large hardware) that produce confusing X‑ray signatures.
Protect battery terminals: spare lithium cells and powerbanks must travel in cabin baggage only; batteries installed in devices should have device power switched off and terminals insulated if loose.
Seal toiletries and aerosols inside sturdy, leakproof bags; place them in the center of the case surrounded by soft clothing to limit spill damage if opened.
Leave 10–20% empty space to allow repacking without crushing contents and to let screeners reseal quickly when an inspection occurs.
Label the exterior with name and phone plus a hidden internal card listing contents and contact details to speed claim handling after an opened bag.
What to avoid
Do not pack loose powders in bulk, unusual chemical containers, or cigar/food quantities that resemble commercial shipments; such items frequently require manual examination.
Avoid non‑approved locks or duct tape over zippers; use TSA‑approved locks where permitted so authorized agents can open and relock without damaging the case.
Skip packing large amounts of cash, jewelry, irreplaceable photographs or passports in the hold; loss or delayed retrieval after an opened bag causes the greatest disruptions.
| Item | Best placement | Packing action |
|---|---|---|
| Spare lithium batteries / powerbanks | Carry-on only | Protect terminals, keep in original packaging or individual plastic sleeves; never stow loose spares in the hold. |
| Devices with installed batteries (laptop, camera) | Carry-on preferred; installed allowed in hold | Power off devices, pad between screens, place near top for visibility. |
| Medications, prescriptions | Carry-on | Keep in original containers and bring paper or digital prescriptions. |
| Toiletries and liquids | Either; observe size limits for cabin | Double-bag liquids in sealed pouches and place centrally to contain leaks. |
| Firearms and ammunition | Permitted only in properly declared, locked, hard-sided hold baggage per carrier rules | Declare to carrier at check-in, follow case and packaging specifications; check carrier policy before packing. |
| Food, powders, sporting goods | Depends on type; avoid large quantities | Pack in clear bags, label contents, avoid professional/industrial quantities that prompt manual inspection. |
What to do if a registered bag is searched, opened, or arrives damaged
Photograph the exterior and interior of the case, all damaged items, the baggage tag, and the boarding pass immediately; capture at least five clear images including serial numbers and timestamp metadata.
Locate any inspection notice left in the bag and request a written copy of the screening report from the airport security office; record the name, badge number, and contact details of the staff member who handled the inspection.
Report the incident at the carrier counter before leaving the terminal and obtain a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) or equivalent reference number; if the counter is closed, use the carrier’s online claim portal and include the PIR or incident reference in that submission.
Preserve all original items and the outer case until the carrier or security authority has completed an inspection; do not dispose of packing materials or damaged components that could be used as evidence.
Compile a written inventory of missing or damaged contents with purchase dates, serial numbers, and original receipts; attach high-resolution photos and send this documentation to the carrier within 24 hours for travel within the United States, following the deadlines stated in the carrier’s contract of carriage.
If personal valuables are missing, file a theft report with airport police and include the police report number in the carrier claim; for high-value electronics, include IMEI/serial numbers and original proof of purchase to speed reimbursement decisions.
Keep repair or replacement receipts; many credit cards and independent travel insurers reimburse emergency purchases and repairs when accompanied by a carrier claim reference and receipts–submit those to the card benefits administrator and to the carrier.
If the inspection raised privacy concerns (opened sensitive documents, personal records), request the screening report, escalate to the airport security supervisor, and submit a formal complaint to the appropriate security authority through its official website; retain copies of all correspondence.
If the carrier denies liability, escalate with a written appeal citing the PIR, photo evidence, receipts, and the contract of carriage clause; for unresolved disputes within the United States, consider filing with the Department of Transportation or pursuing small-claims court using the claim reference and supporting evidence.
To reduce future risk, place irreplaceable items and fragile electronics in hand baggage, use tamper-evident seals or approved locks, and invest in a durable case with warranty coverage – see best luggage lifetime guarantee. Keep a compact umbrella in carry-on gear to avoid last-minute replacements: best small mens umbrella.
Restricted and prohibited items for checked versus carry-on baggage on domestic routes
Keep spare lithium-ion batteries, power banks and e-cigarettes in the cabin; place unloaded firearms in a locked hard-sided case and declare them at the airline counter for transport in the aircraft hold.
Items prohibited or tightly restricted in the cabin (carry-on)
Lithium-ion spare batteries and power banks: loose spares must be carried in the cabin only. Individual batteries up to 100 Wh are permitted in cabin without airline approval; batteries between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require airline approval and are typically limited to two spares per passenger; batteries greater than 160 Wh are not permitted in cabin or hold. Tape exposed terminals or use original packaging.
E-cigarettes and vaping devices: permitted only in the cabin. Use or charging onboard is forbidden. Do not place in checked baggage.
Disposable lighters and one book of safety matches: one lighter is usually allowed in cabin on U.S. services; torch or “blue flame” lighters are prohibited entirely. Strike-anywhere matches are not allowed.
Liquids exceeding 3.4 oz (100 ml) per container: must be in checked bags or left at home; cabin rule is 3.4 oz containers in a single quart-sized clear bag. Medications and baby formula exceptions exist with documentation.
Non-flammable aerosols for personal care (small sizes) generally permitted, but flammable aerosols and large pressurized containers are forbidden in cabin.
Sharp objects with a blade length over permitted limits (large knives, box cutters, many multitools) and most tools are disallowed from cabin carriage; small scissors with blades under ~4 inches are typically permitted.
Items allowed only in the aircraft hold (checked baggage) or subject to conditions
Firearms and ammunition: unloaded firearms transported in locked hard-sided cases are accepted in the aircraft hold if declared at the airline counter. Ammunition is generally allowed only in the hold in secure, original or commercial packaging; per-carrier quantity limits and packaging requirements apply–verify with the airline before travel.
Alcoholic beverages: bottles under 24% ABV have no special checked restriction beyond normal packing. Alcohol 24%–70% ABV is limited to 5 liters per person in unopened retail packaging in the hold. Alcohol over 70% ABV is prohibited in both cabin and hold.
Flammable liquids and fuels (including gasoline, lighter fluid, paint thinner) and compressed flammable gases (butane, propane) are prohibited in both cabin and hold; empty but recently used fuel containers usually not accepted.
Compressed gas cylinders (scuba tanks, medical oxygen) require airline approval, must meet valve and pressure requirements and often must be transported with proof of service or certification; many carriers disallow full cylinders in the hold without advance coordination.
Tools and sporting equipment (baseball bats, golf clubs, large knives for sport): permitted in the hold when properly packed and secured; carriage in cabin is not allowed for most of these items.
Large quantities of toiletry aerosols and pressurized containers may be accepted in the hold but must comply with net quantity limits and airline rules; flammable aerosols are banned.
Special-case items: medical devices with batteries, lithium batteries installed in checked devices, and disabled-device batteries require airline notification and may need documentation or special packing. Camera equipment and spare batteries are best kept in the cabin–see an example camera recommendation: best digital camera for 9 year old boy.
