In some cases, screeners will open your checked baggage as part of the security process. The TSA suggests that you leave your checked baggage unlocked to prevent the need to break your luggage locks. If your bag is locked and the TSA screeners request an inspection, the locks may be broken. You can lock your bags at your own will but the TSA will not be responsible for any damage that may occur to locked bags when 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 have inspected it.

There are some so-called dual-use items that could possibly be used as weapons and cannot be carried on board 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 US Transportation Security Administration (Opens in new window). 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 the forms needed to report lost/missing items or damage related to TSA security procedures. These forms can be submitted online or posted 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 email tsa-contactcenter@dhs.gov.

Please note that you should contact the last airline flown with if your luggage is missing, not the TSA.

We also remind you that commercial goods will be delivered to the United States and handled in accordance with the specifications of 19 CFR Part 141 - ENTRY OF MERCHANDISE, and are forbidden to be accepted as checked baggage.

Your checked bags will be screened and may be physically searched. Although you may lock bags on flights departing from Canadian airports, please note:

• Screening officers are not allowed to break locks; they can, however, use special tools to open and re-secure recognised and accepted travel locks.
• These locks are widely used in the United States and other countries and can be purchased at travel stores, airports and retailers in Canada and abroad.
• Ask your retailer and read the packaging to confirm that the locks can be opened by airport security agencies before you buy them.
• If screening officers cannot open your lock, they will ask an airline representative to try to locate you so that you can provide the required key or combination.
• If you cannot be found, the airline representative may break the lock to allow a physical search of your checked bag.
• Any bag that requires a search but cannot be opened will not clear security.
• Checked bags that do not clear security are returned to the airline.
• If your checked bag is opened for a physical search, a "Notification of Checked Baggage Inspection" card will be placed inside.
• CATSA assumes no liability for damage to personal property resulting from this necessary security measure. We appreciate your understanding and co-operation.

*CATSA does not recommend or endorse any lock manufacturer or provider, nor any specific travel lock. There may be other lock brands in addition to those noted above. CATSA does not claim or warrant that travel locks are effective, can be opened by CATSA or that the search can be completed. Please click here for more details about locked baggage.

• The United Kingdom limits every single piece of checked baggage departing from any airport in the country to a maximum weight of 32kg/70lb. If you have a bag that exceeds the weight limit, you should rearrange its contents and pack items in different bags. The maximum size for oversized baggage is 240cm in length, and 75cm in height and width. Any item exceeding this size will be refused by security and delivered as cargo.
• There is a discrepancy between Heathrow Airport and EVA Air regarding regulations on the size and number of carry-on bags. Please follow EVA Air’s hand baggage policy that only ONE piece of carry-on baggage and ONE personal item may be taken through security control if you are flying Premium Economy or Economy class. Items larger than 56 × 36 × 23cm (22 × 14 × 9in) in size, or with combined dimensions totally 115cm (45in), must be checked in as hold baggage.

• Advisory warning about carrying offensive items for passengers travelling to/from or transferring in Hong Kong/Macau - According to the Laws of Hong Kong and Macau, passengers travelling to/from or transferring in Hong Kong/Macau are prohibited from carrying offensive items such as Electric Stunning Devices, Tear Gas, Extendable Batons, Knuckle Dusters, Flick Knives, Comb Knives, etc. Any person found in possession of any such items will be prosecuted by law enforcement for breaking the law. For more information, please click here to visit the Hong Kong Police Force website.
• Hong Kong's new regulations for passengers carrying a total value of more than HKD 120,000 (or equivalent) into Hong Kong - From 16 July, 2018, any person arriving in Hong Kong at a specified control point and in possession of a large quantity of currency and bearer negotiable instruments ("CBNIs") (i.e., CBNIs of a total value of more than HKD 120,000 (or equivalent)) must make a written declaration to a customs officer, using the Red Channel under the Red and Green Channel System. Any person arriving in Hong Kong other than at a specified control point, or any person about to leave Hong Kong, must, upon the requirement of a customs officer, disclose whether they are in possession of a large quantity of CBNIs. If so, they must make a written declaration. An adult who is accompanying a young person (i.e., a person under the age of 16 years) and knows that the young person is in possession of a large quantity of CBNIs, must declare or disclose this information on behalf of the young person. For a large quantity of CBNIs imported or exported as cargo in one batch, an advance electronic declaration must be made to the Customs and Excise Department via the Currency and Bearer Negotiable Instruments Declaration System. For details, please refer to the official GovHK website.
• Prohibited the import of Non-traditional cigarettes - In accordance with the laws of Hong Kong, effective on April 30th, 2022, it is strictly prohibited the import of Non-traditional cigarettes (electronic smoking products, heated tobacco products and herbal cigarettes). The maximum penalty will be sentenced to 6 months’ imprisonment and a fine of HKD$50,000. For the details, please refer to the Tobacco Control Legislation from Hong Kong SAR Department of Health. 
• From 1 February, 2023, CBD (Cannabidiol) has been listed as a dangerous drug under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (DDO). Under the DDO, trafficking (including importing and exporting) and sales of substances in contravention of the law will be subject to a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of HKD$5 million. For further information, please refer to the Narcotics Division, Security Bureau website.

Important notice regarding the carrying of lighters and matches for passengers departing from or transferring in Mainland China - In accordance with the current regulations of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), lighters and matches are not permitted on one's person or in carry-on or checked baggage. If you have any of these items with you, please remove and dispose of them yourself. Otherwise you may be fined with a penalty of up to RMB 5,000 or detained by the China Ministry of Public Security. You are solely responsible for any consequences or losses resulting from your violation of the applicable laws.

• According to the regulations of Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), passengers planning to travel with rechargeable and cordless hair straighteners and curlers by air should take note of the following guidelines:
  • The device must be equipped with a “flight mode” and it is recommended to carry it as part of your carry-on baggage. In cases where there is no "flight mode" setting, if the lithium battery can be removed from the device and carried in carry-on baggage, the device can be carried in carry-on baggage or checked in.
  • If the device does not have a “flight mode” and the lithium battery cannot be removed from it, it is prohibited from both carry-on and checked baggage. Passengers heading to Japan should also be aware of this rule to avoid inconvenience during their return journey.
• Like LAGs (liquids, aerosols, and gels), a cigarette lighter that does not contain unabsorbed liquid fuel must also be carried in a clear, re-sealable plastic bag at security checkpoints.
• Self-Heating Meals (Containers with a Self-Heating agent) are not allowed as carry-on items or in checked baggage because they contain calcium oxide.
• Although bug freezing spray is non-toxic, it is dangerous to spray on human beings or animals. Therefore it is forbidden as carry-on or checked baggage.
• Please visit MLIT website for the special rules for airports in Japan.