“The most common reason for airport security to open the luggage heading to cargo is that there's a prohibited item – an item that isn't safe for aircraft transport – in the bag.

If you discovered a "Notice of Baggage Inspection" inside your luggage, it means the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) or local customs authorities conducted a physical search. While every bag is screened via X-ray, certain items can appear "opaque" or suspicious on the monitor, triggering a manual inspection. Dense organic materials (like large blocks of cheese or chocolate), tangled electronics/cables, or containers of liquids and powders are common culprits. Additionally, if your bag was not locked with a TSA-approved lock, security may have had to force it open to resolve an alarm. In international contexts, customs officers may open bags to check for undeclared high-value goods, prohibited agricultural products, or "sin" items like excess tobacco and alcohol. Security protocols in 2026 have become more automated, but the "random search" remains a standard deterrent to ensure that automated systems haven't missed non-metallic threats or contraband tucked into the lining of the suitcase.