Could leaving a TSA notice of baggage inspection visible in my suitcase upon opening help it avoid inspection?
I would like to avoid my suitcase being inspected to prevent loss and damage. Last time I took the airplane the TSA left a notice of baggage inspection in my suitcase. If I leave it in my suitcase in such a way that it is visible upon opening, can it help avoid being inspected next time I fly?
TSA notice of baggage inspection:
Best Answer
Loss or damage comes in two kinds: deliberate (also known as theft) and accidental. I suspect the vast majority of accidental damage to the contents of a suitcase, or to a suitcase resulting in loss of contents, happens when the suitcase is not open. It's dropped off a cart, or goes down a chute oddly. There's only a tiny chance that a TSA agent legitimately searching your bag will bump something and break it, or take something out and forget to put it back. They are both trained and supervised not to do that. That leaves theft. Setting aside the issue of whether those who steal from your luggage are more likely to be TSA people or baggage handlers, do you think there's any chance a thief would see that inspection slip and decide not to rifle through your bag looking for something to steal?
The slip may or may not save your bag from an inspection once it's been pulled aside and opened. But I think it will have no effect at all on the chances of loss or damage, so if that's actually what you're worried about, you need another plan.
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Does TSA search checked luggage?
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.What happens if TSA finds something in your checked bag?
The TSA will collect your prohibited item and dispose of it according to Government Services Administration rules. Normally, this means your item will be thrown away, but some airports donate useful items to community organizations, such as schools.What is not allowed in checked baggage?
Knives, scissors, Swiss army knives and other sharp instruments. Toy replicas of fire arms and ammunition. Weapons such as whips, nan-chakus, baton, or stun gun. Electronic devices which cannot be switched off.What is not allowed on a plane?
Prohibited items include blasting caps, dynamite, flares, grenades, fireworks, replicas of explosives, aerosols, any fuel, gasoline, gas torches, strike-anywhere matches, lighters, paint-thinner, bleach, chlorine and spray paint. Other explosives or flammable objects not listed are prohibited as well.Breaking into a Suitcase with a Ballpoint Pen and What You Can Do About It
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Answer 2
If this worked, it'd be an ideal way for terrorists and smugglers to bypass security... It'd also mean that the TSA can magically look into your bag and read papers sitting inside them, at which point they'd no longer need to open them to know what's inside them.
Ergo, logic concludes that it's not going to work unless you're up against an incredibly stupid TSA worker (and no doubt they exist).
In fact, given the extremely paranoid nature of the entire agency, I'd venture to guess that the presence of the notice on opening a bag would peek their interest for an extra thorough search and get you flagged for a grilling at the boarding gate.
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