Checked Baggage Screening The majority of checked baggage is screened without the need for a physical bag search. Inspection Notices: TSA may inspect your checked baggage during the screening process. If your property is physically inspected, TSA will place a notice of baggage inspection inside your bag.

Yes, security agencies like the TSA (USA) or CATSA (Canada) and airport security teams worldwide have the legal authority to open and physically inspect your checked luggage in 2026. This typically happens if the CT (Computed Tomography) scanner identifies an "anomaly" or an item that the AI software cannot definitively clear (such as a dense organic mass, a bundle of wires, or a lithium-ion battery). If your bag is opened, the officer will perform a manual search to ensure no prohibited items are present. After the inspection, they are required to place a "Notice of Inspection" card inside your bag to inform you that it was searched. In 2026, it is highly recommended to use TSA-approved locks (Travel Sentry), which allow security to use a master key to open the bag without damaging it. If you use a non-approved lock and a search is deemed necessary, they are authorized to cut the lock, and the airline is generally not liable for the damage. Physical inspections are less frequent now due to more advanced 3D imaging, but they remain a vital part of global aviation security protocols.