Travel tips from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration
As of January 1, 2003, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) of the United States initiated rules and regulations for air travel and several methods of thoroughly screening 100% of departure baggage at all US airports.
In some cases, screeners open your checked baggage as part of the security process. The TSA suggests that you leave your checked baggage unlocked to help avoid breakage of your luggage locks. If your bag is locked and the TSA screeners have to open it, the locks may be broken. You can lock your bags if you choose but TSA cannot be responsible for any damage that may occur to locked bags that must be opened for security procedures. Whenever TSA screeners open your bag, they will place a tamper-evidence seal on the outside and leave a notice inside to signify that they inspected it.
There are some so-called dual-use items that could possibly become weapons and cannot be carried onboard the aircraft in your hand luggage or allowed past security checkpoints. Please check the TSA's list of banned carry-on items before you travel.
For information about the TSA security procedures, packing and timesaving tips, please visit U.S. Transportation Security Administration. If you need to report lost or missing items that may have been left at a TSA screening or baggage checkpoint, or in case there has been damage to your luggage or its contents, this page provides links to Lost and Found departments and to the TSA Claims Management Office. It also provides links to download forms needed to report lost/missing items or damages related to TSA security procedures. These forms can be submitted online or mailed to:
TSA Claims Management Office
601 So. 12th Street – TSA 9
Arlington, VA 22202
You can call the TSA Contact Center with questions or to inquire about loss or damage claims toll free at (USA) 1-866-289-9673 or e-mail tsa-contactcenter@dhs.gov
Please note that you should contact the last airline flown if your luggage is missing, not the TSA.
Additionally, other optional service fees, i.e. Unaccompanied Minors, Stretcher, Oxygen, please click here for more information.

