Checked Bag Screening Processes

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 Electronic Detection System (EDS) or Electronic Trace Detection (ETD) machine. 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 machines 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 would be screened before they are loaded onto the plane.

Unlocking Checked Bags

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 Consumer Response Center toll-free at 1-866-289-9673 if you have questions.

Packing Tips

Transporting Firearms and Ammunition

Access Requirements Restrict Authorization to the Screening Area

Access is limited to passengers with:

• Boarding Pass
• Ticket
• Ticket confirmation Persons with parental, official, medical, business, or similar reasons with:
• Gate pass or other authorization issued by the airline Employees with:
• Valid ID

Food and Beverage Policy

Food All food must go through the X-ray machine. Do NOT bring food to the security checkpoint unless it is wrapped or in a container. Unpeeled natural foods like fruit are okay, but half-eaten fruits must be wrapped.

Beverages You may carry beverages and other liquids in a paper or polystyrene container, (such as Styrofoam), through the metal detector. All other liquid containers, including aluminum, glass, and plastic, must go through the X-ray machine. Liquid containers sent through the X-ray machine must be in either sealed or seal-able/spill-proof containers. Examples of permitted containers include: screw-top bottles or cups, baby bottles with nipples, and plastic containers with snap-on lids.

Note: You should consume or dispose of any food or beverage that does not meet these requirements before entering the checkpoint.

Can I Take It With Me? - Permitted and Prohibited Items

What Happens to Prohibited Items?
If you bring a prohibited item to the checkpoint, you may be criminally and/or civilly prosecuted or, at the least, asked to rid yourself of the item. A screener and/or Law Enforcement Officer will make this determination, depending on what the item is and the circumstances. This is because bringing a prohibited item to a security checkpoint - even accidentally - is illegal. Your prohibited item may be detained for use in an investigation and, if necessary, as evidence in your criminal and/or civil prosecution. If permitted by the screener or Law Enforcement Officer, you may be allowed to: consult with the airlines for possible assistance in placing the prohibited item in checked baggage; withdraw with the item from the screening checkpoint at that time; make other arrangements for the item, such as taking it to your car; or, voluntarily abandon the item. Items that are voluntarily abandoned cannot be recovered and will not be returned to you.

Prepare for Takeoff! There are preparations you can make before you arrive at the airport to help you move more quickly and efficiently through the new security processes. Here you will find suggestions on what to wear to the airport and how to pack for your trip. We've also included a pre-flight checklist to help you prepare for takeoff.

Be Prepared - Dress the Part
Be aware that any metal detected at the checkpoint must be identified. If you set off the alarm, you will be required to undergo a secondary screening, including a hand-wanding and a pat-down inspection. You can remove metal items at the security checkpoint and place them in the bins provided. The bins will be sent through the X-ray machine. You can save time, however, by not wearing metal items or by placing such items in your carry-on baggage before you get in line.

• TIP: Avoid placing metal items in your pockets. Place jewelry and other metal items in your carry-on baggage until you clear security.
• TIP: Pack your outer coat or jacket in your baggage when possible. Outer coats including trench coats, ski jackets, leather jackets, overcoats and parkas must go through the X-ray machine for inspection. If you choose to wear an outer coat to the checkpoint, you will need to either place it in your carry-on or put it in the bin that is provided for you. You will not need to remove suit jackets or blazers unless requested by the screener.

Plan Ahead - Pack Smart

Below are a number of tips for packing your checked baggage that will help to speed your trip and ensure that your checked bag makes the flight with you.

• Don't put film in your checked baggage, as the screening equipment will damage it.
• Pack shoes, boots, sneakers, and other footwear on top of other contents in your luggage.
• Avoid over-packing your bag so that the screener will be able to easily 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.
• Avoid packing food and drink items in checked baggage.
• Don't stack piles of books or documents on top of each other; spread them out within your baggage.

• Do NOT pack or bring prohibited items to the airport. See permitted and prohibited items.
• Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film in your carry-on baggage. If your bag will pass through the X-ray machine more than 5 times ask for a hand inspection to prevent damage.
• Check ahead of time with your airline or travel agent to determine the airline's baggage policy, including number of pieces you can bring and size and weight limitations.
• Carry-on baggage is limited to one carry-on bag plus one personal item. Personal items include laptops, purses, small backpacks, briefcases, or camera cases. Remember, 1+1.
• Don't forget to place identification tags with your name, address and phone number on all of your baggage, including your laptop computer. It is a good idea to place an identification tag inside your baggage as well.
• Consider putting personal belongings in clear plastic bags to reduce the chance that a TSA screener will have to handle them.
• Think carefully about the personal items you place in your carry-on baggage. The screeners may have to open your bag and examine its contents.
• Consider putting personal belongings in clear plastic bags to reduce the chance that a TSA screener will have to handle them.
• Wait to wrap your gifts. Be aware that wrapped gifts may need to be opened for inspection. This applies to both carry-on and checked baggage.

Before You Arrive Final Checklist

• To determine how early to arrive at the airport. Recommended check-in times differ by airline and airport.
• To determine whether you should go to the ticket counter or checked-baggage screening area first. Not all airports are the same since the addition of checked-baggage screening. Curbside check-in may also be available.
• If you do not have checked baggage and you already have a boarding pass, ticket or ticket confirmation, you can proceed directly to your gate through the security checkpoint. Please note that certain airlines do not offer gate check-in.

• To confirm which parking lots are open if you will be parking at the airport. Some lots may be closed for security reasons. Be sure to allow extra time for parking and shuttle transportation.

• Bring a boarding pass, ticket, or ticket confirmation, such as a printed itinerary and a government-issued photo ID. Children under the age of 18 do not require an ID.
• Bring evidence verifying you have a medical implant or other device if it is likely to set off the alarm on the metal detector, bring evidence verifying this condition. Although this is not a requirement, it may help to expedite the screening process.
• Have removed prohibited items such as pocketknives, scissors, and tools from your carry-on baggage.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

What happens if my belongings are missing from my bag when I arrive at my destination?
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 any claims made to TSA on an individual basis.

Are there any tips on packing that will help me save time at the airport?
There are some tips that will help you to speed your trip through the screening process: 1. Don't put film in your checked baggage, as the screening equipment will damage it. 2. Consider putting personal belongings in clear plastic bags to reduce the chance that a TSA screener will have to handle them. 3. Pack shoes, boots, sneakers, and other footwear on top of other contents in your luggage. 4. Avoid over-packing your bag so that the screener will be able to easily 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. 5. Avoid packing food and drink items in checked baggage. 6. Don't stack piles of books or documents on top of each other; spread them out within your baggage.

Is the check-in procedure different now that TSA is screening all checked baggage?
This depends on the airport from which you are departing. If you are at an airport where the screening equipment is "behind the scenes," you will not notice any difference. In many airports you will see screening equipment in the lobby. Unless you see signs directing you otherwise, go to the ticket counter to check-in with your airline. In a limited number of airports, you will be directed to proceed to baggage screening before you check-in with your airline. Please watch for these signs and other instructions to ensure that you go the correct line.

Will TSA relock my bag if it is opened for screening?
If TSA screeners open your bag during the screening procedure, they will close it with a security seal. In addition, TSA will place a notice in your bag alerting you to the fact that TSA screeners opened your bag for inspection. Our highly trained screeners will take great care to secure your bag for the rest of your trip.

Should I lock my luggage?
In some cases, the TSA 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. Therefore, TSA suggests that you help prevent the need to break your locks by keeping your bag unlocked. In the near future, TSA will provide seals at the airport for you to use to secure your luggage as an alternative to locking your bag. Until that time, you may want to consider purchasing standard cable ties to secure your bags if it has zippers.

Will all checked baggage be screened on January 1?
The TSA will be screening all checked baggage on January 1 using several methods. Some of the screening equipment will be visible in the lobby while other equipment will be "behind the scenes." Whether you see differences or not, please be assured that all checked bags will be screened.

How early should I arrive at the airport?
Check with your airline. Recommended check-in times differ by airline and airport.

Can I access the gate area if I am not a passenger?

• UNACCOMPANIED CHILD, ELDERLY PERSON, OR SPECIAL NEEDS: If you are going to assist an unaccompanied child, elderly person, or person with special needs through the security checkpoint, you will need to get a gate pass/authorization at the airport ticket counter of your airline.
• FREQUENT FLYERS CLUBS AND LOUNGES: When airline and airport clubs and lounges are located beyond the passenger security checkpoint, passengers without tickets should contact their airline representative to gain access. Access to the security checkpoints is controlled by the airlines. In regards to Frequent Fliers Clubs and Lounges, when airline and airport clubs and lounges are located beyond the passenger security checkpoint, passengers without tickets should contact their airline representative to gain access. Access to the security checkpoints is controlled by the airlines.

What may happen to my prohibited item at the security checkpoint?
Your prohibited item may be detained for use in an investigation and, if necessary, as evidence in your criminal and/or civil prosecution. If permitted by the screener or law enforcement officer, you may be allowed to: consult with the airlines for possible assistance in placing the prohibited item in checked baggage, withdraw with the item from the screening checkpoint at that time, make other arrangements for the item, such as taking it to your car, or voluntarily abandon the item. Items that are voluntarily abandoned cannot be recovered and will not be returned to you.

What may happen to me if I bring a prohibited item to a security checkpoint?
You may be criminally and/or civilly prosecuted or, at the least, asked to rid yourself of the item. A screener and/or law enforcement officer will make this determination, depending on what the item is and the circumstances. This is because bringing a prohibited item to a security checkpoint-even accidentally-is illegal.

Can I transport guns or firearms?
Guns and firearms are NOT permitted in your carry-on baggage, but depending on the policy of your airline, they may be included with your checked baggage. Check with your airline or travel agent to see if firearms are permitted in checked baggage on the airline you are flying. Firearms carried as checked baggage MUST be unloaded, packed in a locked hard-sided gun case, and declared to the airline at check-in. Only you, the passenger, may have the key or combination.

What about ammunition?
Ammunition is NOT permitted in your carry-on baggage, but depending on the policy of your airline, may be included with your checked baggage. Check with your airline or travel agent to see if ammunition is permitted in checked baggage on the airline you are flying. If ammunition is permitted, it must be declared to the airline at check-in. Small arms ammunitions for personal use must be securely packed in fiber, wood or metal boxes, or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Ask about limitations or fees, if any, that apply.

Source: http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_0598.xml