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 request an inspection, the locks may be broken. You can lock your bags at your own will but 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 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 the forms needed to report lost/missing items or damage 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 email tsa-contactcenter@dhs.gov.

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

Also remind you that as long as it is to deliver commercial goods to the United States, it must be handled in accordance with the specifications of 19 CFR Part 141 - ENTRY OF MERCHANDISE , and it is forbidden to accept as checked baggage.

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

• Screening officers are not allowed to break locks: they can, however, use special tools to open and re-secure recognized 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 the locks that 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 cooperation.

*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 represent or warrant that travel locks are effective, can be opened by CATSA or the search completed. Please click here for more details about the locked baggage.

• The United Kingdom limits every single piece of checked baggage departing from any airport in that 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 length for oversized baggage is 240cm in length, 75cm in height and width. Any item exceeding the size will be refused by security and delivered as cargo.
• There is a discrepancy between Heathrow Airport and EVA Air for the size and number of carry-on bags regulation. Please follow EVA Air’s hand baggage policy that only ONE carry-on baggage and ONE personal item may be taken through security control if you take Premium Economy or Economy class. Items larger than 56 x 36 x 23cm (22 x 14 x 9in) in dimension or 115cm (45in) overall must be checked in as hold baggage.

• Advisory warning about carrying offensive items for passengers traveling to/from or transferring in Hong Kong/Macau - According to the Laws of Hong Kong and Macau, passengers traveling to/from or transferring in Hong Kong/Macau are prohibited to transport offensive items such as Electric Stunning Devices, Tear Gas, Extendable Batons, Knuckle Dusters, Flick Knives, and Comb Knives etc. Any person found in possession 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 regulations for passengers carrying a total value of more than HKD 120,000 (or equivalent) into Hong Kong - From July 16, 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 HKD120,000 (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 a specified control point, or any person about to leave Hong Kong, must, upon the requirement of a Customs officer disclose whether he/she is in possession of a large quantity of CBNIs. If so, he/she must make a written declaration. An adult who accompanies 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 for 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 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 about carrying lighters and matches for passengers departing or transferring from Mainland China - In accordance with the current regulations of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), lighters or 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 for penalty of up to RMB 5,000 or detention by China Ministry of Public Security. You are solely responsible for any consequences and losses from your violation of 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 handling (liquids, aerosols, and gels), a cigarette lighter that does not contain unabsorbed liquid fuel must be also carried in a clear, re-sealable plastic bag at the 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.