In the vast majority of international airports, including those in the U.S., UK, and EU, you must collect your checked bags before passing through customs. The standard arrival flow involves first clearing Immigration (where your passport is checked), then proceeding to the baggage claim carousels to retrieve your suitcases. Once you have all your belongings in your physical possession, you then walk through the Customs area. This is because "Customs" is the inspection of goods rather than people. You must have your bags with you so that you can "declare" any items that exceed duty-free limits, such as alcohol, tobacco, or commercial goods. If you are selected for a random search, the officers need your bags present to inspect them. A notable exception is "International-to-International" transfers in certain world hubs where bags may be checked through to the final destination, but for most travelers arriving at their first point of entry in a country, the bag comes first.