Michael Turner
Recommendation: Fasten checked baggage using Travel Sentry or Safe Skies–approved devices labeled “TSA Accepted”. Transportation Security Administration screeners have master access tools and will open non‑approved seals or fasteners, which can result in forced entry and damaged hardware.
Carry items of high value–electronics, passports, medications, cash and jewelry–in the cabin compartment rather than in hold baggage. Items sent to the hold or gate‑checked at departure remain subject to security inspection and may be opened without owner presence.
Before handing a bag to an agent, photograph the exterior, serial numbers and contents; keep combination codes and keys in the cabin bag. Apply an extra tamper‑evident zip tie or numbered seal in addition to a TSA‑accepted fastener for visual indication of entry.
If a screeners’ inspection occurs, expect a written notice inside the bag. Photograph any damage, retain boarding passes and baggage receipts, then report the issue to the carrier and to TSA with time, location and photos to support claims.
Confirm carrier and international entry requirements prior to travel: approved security devices are allowed, but customs or destination rules can restrict sealed containers–verify policies for specific routes to avoid detention or forced opening at arrival.
Securing bags on the carrier
Use TSA‑approved fasteners (Travel Sentry or Safe Skies) on checked baggage; non‑approved devices are frequently cut when Transportation Security Administration agents perform inspections.
Checked baggage guidance
TSA authority: Checked items are subject to mandatory TSA inspection in the United States; agents may open containers without passenger presence. Use only fasteners that display Travel Sentry or Safe Skies marks so inspectors can resecure with special keys. For international itineraries expect foreign security agencies to ignore those programs and possibly remove non‑compatible devices.
Recommendations: place valuable electronics, medications, documents and cash in a carry‑on. Photograph contents and note serial numbers before handing over checked items. Attach a business card or durable tag with contact details inside and outside the case. Keep purchase receipts for checked valuables to simplify damage or loss claims.
Carry‑on and screening tips
Carry‑on bags may be secured with built‑in combination systems or zipper pulls paired with tamper‑evident ties; security checkpoints will generally not cut such devices unless manual inspection is required. If an item is selected for additional screening at the checkpoint, remove electronics and powders into bins to reduce the chance of forced opening. When gate agents request voluntary inspection during boarding, cooperate to avoid forced entry and possible damage.
Additional measures: consider using a brightly colored strap or unique identifier to spot possible tampering quickly; file claims promptly with the carrier and TSA when damage or unexplained access occurs.
Are security devices permitted on checked baggage and which types are accepted?
Use TSA‑approved security devices (Travel Sentry or Safe Skies) on checked baggage; non‑approved fasteners may be severed or removed during screening.
Accepted security device types
TSA‑recognized combination closures that display the Travel Sentry or Safe Skies mark – includes factory‑integrated combination mechanisms on hard‑shell suitcases and aftermarket TSA‑approved zipper devices.
Cable‑style security fasteners with a TSA keyway designed to secure zipper pulls or multiple compartments while still allowing authorized access.
Zipper‑securing mechanisms and zipper pulls explicitly labeled as TSA‑approved (Travel Sentry/Safe Skies logo). These are widely accepted by U.S. screening agents.
Tamper‑evident straps and security seals are acceptable as indicators of prior opening; they do not prevent inspection but help detect tampering.
Keyed or combination security devices are acceptable only if they carry a TSA recognition mark; generic or novelty fasteners without that accreditation are likely to be cut.
Practical recommendations
Keep keys and combinations in carry‑on possession or recorded in a secure location; do not store essential keys inside checked items.
Photograph packed contents and the exterior fastener before check‑in to document condition in case of inspection or damage claim.
TSA or foreign screening authorities may open checked items for inspection; expect a Notice of Baggage Inspection to be placed inside if an opening occurs.
For international routes, local security agencies may remove any security device regardless of TSA recognition; when travelling abroad, prefer tamper‑evident straps and carry valuables in hand baggage.
At purchase, verify that integrated closures or aftermarket devices explicitly show Travel Sentry or Safe Skies branding to ensure authorized access by U.S. screening personnel.
Securing Carry-On Items: TSA Screening and Gate-Check Procedures
Passengers should secure carry-on items with a TSA-approved security device (Travel Sentry or Safe Skies); non‑approved closures risk removal or destruction during screening or if gate-checked.
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TSA checkpoint actions: if imaging requires a manual inspection, officers will open sealed containers. After inspection, contents are typically resealed with a tamper-evident bag or wrap and a Notice of Inspection is placed inside.
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Gate-check process: when a carry-on is accepted at the gate for stowage in the hold, airline agents may remove non-approved closures to allow access; closures that prevent access to a bag placed in the cargo compartment are frequently cut or discarded.
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What to remove beforehand: passports, medications, electronics, cash and irreplaceable items should be carried on the person rather than placed in a bag destined for gate-check.
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Recommended security devices and marking: choose a TSA-recognized closure (Travel Sentry or Safe Skies), place a visible name/contact label on the exterior, and photograph contents and external tags before travel for claims support.
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Damage and inspection notices: if a closure is cut or a container opened, inspectors usually leave a written notification inside; file claims with the airline for damage or missing items and retain receipts and photos.
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Alternative sealing option: tamper-evident zip ties or tamper tapes can deter casual tampering and make unauthorized access obvious, but they do not prevent TSA or airline personnel from opening a bag when access is required.
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Choose and Use TSA-Recognized Security Devices
Recommendation: Select a TSA-approved combination security device bearing a Travel Sentry red-diamond or Safe Skies round emblem; set a unique numeric code, verify proper engagement, and test before travel.
How to identify TSA-recognized devices
Look for a physical emblem on the fastener or packaging: Travel Sentry displays a small red diamond; Safe Skies uses a circular mark. A model identifier such as “TS007”, “TSA002” or similar is usually stamped or printed on the item – that code specifies which master key the agency uses. Labels reading “TSA Accepted” or “TSA Approved” are valid but confirm presence of the TS number. Avoid items that only claim “airport friendly” without the emblem or stamp.
How to set and use
For combination models: open at factory code (commonly 0-0-0 or 0-0-0-0), locate the reset mechanism (small button, pinhole, or sliding tab), press/hold while rotating dials to a new code, release and scramble dials to verify. Record the chosen code in a secure note stored separately from the bag. For key-operated devices: keep the working key in a carry item; expect agency master-key access during inspections. For application: route the fastener through zipper pull tabs or the suitcase zipper port, cinch so pulls cannot be separated without releasing the device; for hard-sided cases use the built-in latch or a compatible approved fastener. Confirm the shackle or cable diameter fits the bag’s zipper pulls before travel.
Inspection and durability tips: check emblem and TS code before each trip; replace devices with missing stamps, damaged shackles or frayed cables. After an inspection, examine the fastener for cuts or replacement and swap compromised items immediately. Prefer stainless-steel or braided-steel cable variants for higher tear resistance; avoid thin plastic ties marketed as “security” unless marked TSA-recognized.
Steps when TSA or the airline opens or damages checked baggage
Document visible damage immediately: capture time-stamped photos of exterior panels, interior contents, torn seams, broken wheels, damaged handles, cut or tampered seals, baggage claim tag and airline tag; include a photo of the passenger boarding pass with matching name and flight date.
Preserve all physical evidence: do not discard detached hardware, ripped linings or removed security devices; keep original packaging for fragile items and any travel receipts showing pre-trip condition or value.
Request a written Property Irregularity Report (PIR) or equivalent at the airline’s baggage service office before leaving the airport; obtain the report number, staff name and contact details, and a printed copy of the report.
When TSA performed the inspection, submit a report via the TSA Contact Center online form (tsa.gov/contact) and retain the TSA incident reference; attach the TSA reference to the airline PIR and to all subsequent claim materials.
Compile a claim packet: PIR copy, TSA reference, high-resolution photos, itemized inventory with serial numbers, original purchase receipts or invoices, and repair estimates from certified repair centers or manufacturer service departments.
Submit the claim through the carrier’s official baggage-claims channel using tracked delivery or the carrier’s online portal; include a concise chronology of events and demand a written acknowledgement with a claims reference number.
If theft of contents is suspected, file a police report at the arrival location and include the police report number in the airline claim and any insurance claims; obtain copies of law-enforcement documentation for insurers and card issuers.
Keep meticulous records of all communications (dates, times, agent names, emails, scanned letters). If the carrier’s response is unsatisfactory, escalate to the applicable civil aviation authority or the U.S. Department of Transportation Aviation Consumer Protection Division for U.S. carriers, submitting the entire claim packet and the carrier’s final position.
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