Inspection of over-packed bags
On the TSA website, their "tips for packing your checked baggage" twice emphasizes that you shouldn't over-pack your bags:
Avoid over packing your bag so that the screener will be able to easily reseal your bag if it is opened for inspection. If possible, spread your contents over several bags. Check with your airline or travel agent for maximum weight limitations.
and
Avoid over packing so that your articles don't spill out if your bag is opened for inspection.
How common is it for baggage inspectors in the US to open bags and rummage around deep inside? What happens if you have a bag packed to bursting and they're not able to easily close it after inspection?
Best Answer
I have found that my bag is inspected about 1/4 to 1/3 of the time. However, I'm often carrying 'trigger' materials like books, or closely packed chocolate or food. Supposedly, these show up on the xray or other scanning devices as matching densities of dangerous materials. When TSA inspects a bag, they're supposed to place a flyer in the bag.
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Are overhead bags checked?
A carry- on bag is the type of luggage travelers are allowed to take into an airplane. On the other hand, checked baggage is transported in the cargo area of the plane. Airplanes are designed with luggage compartment spaces to store carry-on luggage. The storage space is situated in overhead lockers or under seating.What happens if your checked bag is over?
If your bag is overflowing, call your airline before you go to the airport or do your online check-in and ask what your options are. Different airlines can have very different baggage policies and you may have more options than you realise.How does TSA inspect checked baggage?
The CBIS features a network of conveyor belts that sorts and tracks travelers' checked luggage, moving it seamlessly from the airline ticket counter, through the security screening process and onto the area where the luggage is loaded onto the aircraft.Why did my luggage get inspected?
TSA screens approximately 1.4 million checked bags for explosives and other dangerous items daily. Upon check in, your checked baggage will be provided to TSA for security screening.\
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
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