Does US Customs inspect luggage?

Can CBP inspect the contents of my luggage? CBP and other law enforcement officials at airports have broad authority to search all luggage and all contents. All persons, baggage, and merchandise arriving in the U.S. are subject to inspection, search, and possible detention.



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162.6, which states that, All persons, baggage and merchandise arriving in the Customs territory of the United States from places outside thereof are liable to inspection by a CBP officer. Unless exempt by diplomatic status, all persons entering the United States, including U.S. citizens, are subject to examination ...

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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.

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For example, TSA guidance is very clear: If prohibited items are found during security checks, they won't be returned to their owners. That may vary in other countries, but the general rule is that confiscations are permanent.

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Flammable liquids like butane, chlorine, and gasoline are banned on board (and in checked luggage), as are fireworks and explosive toys like bang snaps and blasting caps. However, some lighters are allowed, along with cigarettes and cigars – though you're forbidden to smoke them anywhere on the plane.

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The following list are the items that look like part of an explosive device and could trigger a TSA search:
  • Personal electronics.
  • Hair driers.
  • Curling Irons.
  • Electric Razors.
  • iPods / Music players.
  • Connecting cables and wires.
  • Battery chargers.
  • Shoes (especially shoe soles)


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Airline check-in staff are trained to recognize the Travel Sentry? mark so they understand that baggage with this special mark is permitted to remain locked. The TSA screeners have access to special tools that allow them to open TSA-Approved locks in the event that your bags must be opened for inspection.

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If you're using a lock that isn't approved by TSA, agents have the authority to break open that lock to search through a bag. If you're carrying your valuables with you in your carry-on bags, and you don't have anything really valuable in your checked luggage, then you may not need to use a luggage lock.

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In the air passenger environment, air carriers transmit passenger information to CBP through the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS). CBP officers also rely on the Interagency Border Inspection System (IBIS) to determine which individuals to target for secondary examination upon arrival in the United States.

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Gate agents often keep track of the number of passengers who board with carry-on bags that are too large to fit underneath their seats. Planes don't have enough overhead bin space to allow every passenger to bring a carry-on bag, so there has to be a cut-off at some point.

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Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

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A TSA lock is one to which only TSA officials have a key. You set the combination yourself and, if a TSA agent has to look inside your bag because they see something suspicious on the scanner, it can be easily opened with their master key.

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Generally, a passenger cannot opt out of a pat-down search. The scanning process is the only part of the airport screening process that may be denied. If a passenger declines the scanning procedure, they may be subject to a pat-down.

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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.

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The TSA prohibits containers with more than 3.4 ounces of liquid in carry-on luggage, so if you have a liquid or semi-liquid antiperspirant, be sure to check the quantity on the container. For example, many stick deodorants and antiperspirants come in sizes under 3.4 ounces, so it's fine to bring in your carry-on bag.

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Is toothpaste considered a liquid by the TSA? Yes, toothpaste must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule for liquids and gels. Toothpaste can be brought through TSA security in your carry-on as long as it is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a 1-quart bag.

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This is because of the fact that these lithium-ion batteries pose a serious threat of uncontrollable fire inside the aircraft hold. That is why there was a worldwide ban on putting laptops in the check-in luggage, and the same will be done with smart bags as well, as they also possess an inbuilt lithium-ion battery.

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We recommend packing all liquids, gels, and aerosols that are over 3.4 oz or 100 ml in your checked baggage, even if they are in a secure, tamper-evident bag. Liquids more than 3.4 oz or 100 ml not in a secure, tamper-evident bag must be packed in checked baggage.

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