If your bag is unlocked, then our officer will simply open and screen the baggage if any item alarms. However, if you decide to lock your checked baggage and TSA cannot open it through other means, then the locks may have to be cut. For soft-sided baggage, this process will not damage your zippers or zipper pulls.

Yes, airport security (such as the TSA in the U.S. or equivalent agencies internationally) has the legal authority to open and inspect your luggage at their discretion. If your checked bag triggers an alarm during the automated X-ray or CT scanning process—indicating a high-density object or a suspicious chemical signature—security officers will perform a manual physical inspection. If you have locked your bag with a non-approved lock, they are permitted to break the lock or cut the bag to gain entry. This is why using "TSA-Approved" locks is essential, as these can be opened by a master key held by security personnel. When a bag is opened in the owner's absence, the agency is required to leave a notification slip (a "Notice of Baggage Inspection") inside the bag to inform you that your property was searched for security reasons. In 2026, many airports use advanced 3D scanners that reduce the need for physical searches, but the right of the state to inspect any item entering the aviation system remains absolute for public safety.