The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is required by law to screen every bag that is transported on a commercial aircraft, regardless of whether the bag travels in the cabin of the aircraft as carry-on luggage or if it is checked with the airline.

Yes, the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) screens 100% of all checked and carry-on suitcases for explosives and other dangerous items. In 2026, this is primarily done using Advanced Technology (AT) X-ray systems and CT scanners that create a 3D image of the bag's contents. While every bag is "checked" electronically, only a small percentage (roughly 5% to 10%) are subject to a physical search by an officer. A physical search typically only occurs if the scanner detects a "shielded" area it can't see through (like a dense block of chocolate or electronics) or if an item matches the density profile of a threat. If your bag is physically opened, the TSA is required to place a "Notice of Baggage Inspection" inside. So, while your bag is always "vetted" by a machine to ensure the safety of the flight, a human will only ruffle through your clothes if the technology cannot definitively clear the bag on its own.

That’s an excellent and very common question. The short answer is: No, the TSA does not physically open and inspect every single suitcase.

However, they do screen 100% of checked luggage using technology. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

1. Primary Screening: Automated Systems

Every checked bag passes through a CT (Computed Tomography) scanner or an EDS (Explosive Detection System). These are large machines, often located behind the check-in counters on conveyor belts. These scanners create detailed 3D images and use sophisticated algorithms to automatically detect potential threats, primarily explosives and explosive components. Most bags (the vast majority) pass through this automated system without any issue and proceed directly to the airline’s baggage handling system.

2. If the System Alarms or Can’t Clear a Bag

If the automated system alarms or cannot get a clear read on an item, the bag is flagged for a secondary inspection. This can involve:

• Physical Inspection: A TSA officer will open your suitcase and examine its contents. They are required to have another officer present as a witness.
• TSA Notification: If your bag is physically opened, the TSA is required to place a printed notice inside your luggage (often on top of the contents) stating that it was inspected by the TSA.
• Tamper-Evident Seal: After inspection, they may resecure your bag with a tamper-evident seal or a zip tie.

3. Other Reasons for Inspection

Even if the scanner doesn’t alarm, bags may be selected for a random physical inspection as part of TSA’s layered security approach. Additionally, bags with certain characteristics (e.g., unusual density, organic materials, electronics with wires) might be pulled for a closer look.

What You Can Expect & Tips:

• The Notice is Normal: Finding a TSA inspection notice in your bag is not a cause for alarm. It simply means your bag required a secondary look.
• Use TSA-Approved Locks: If you lock your checked bag, only use TSA-recognized locks. These have a special keyhole that allows TSA officers to open them with a master key without breaking the lock. If you use a non-TSA lock, they will cut it off if they need to inspect the bag.