Locking Your Checked Baggage

In some cases screeners will have to open your baggage as part of the screening process.  If your bag is unlocked then TSA will simply open and screen the baggage. However, if you decide to lock your checked baggage and TSA cannot open your checked baggage through other means, then the locks may have to be broken.  TSA is not liable for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes. TSA suggests that you help prevent the need to break your locks by using a TSA recognized locking mechanism.  These "special" locks can be opened by TSA using tools provided to us by the luggage industry members.  

Please refrain from packing valuable items in your checked baggage.  

Once you drop your baggage with your air carrier, both the carrier and TSA will handle and process the baggage in some manner.  The air carriers retain possession of your checked baggage for the entire trip with the exception of a short period of time while it is screened by the TSA.

Please keep in mind that most air carriers have the following liability limitations for lost, damaged, or stolen items:

No Liability for:

• Fragile items
• Perishable items
• Previously damaged baggage
• Oversized, overweight or over packed baggage
• Minor damage such as scratches, scuffs, dents, cuts and dirt resulting from normal wear and tear 

Also:

• Air carrier liability is limited to $2500 per ticketed passenger for travel on or after December 1, 1999
• Air carrier has no liability for damage or loss of protruding baggage parts such as wheels, straps, pockets, pull handles, hanger hooks or other items attached to baggage
• Air carrier has no liability for photographic equipment, computers, VCRs and any other electronic equipment including software or components, jewelry, cash, documents, furs, works of art or other similar valuable items
• Other items that are not covered in the air carrier limit of liability include, but are not limited to: antiques, books, china, fragile items, liquids, medicines, perishable items, securities and negotiable papers or silverware.

TSA HIGHLY recommends that you do not pack the items mentioned above in your checked baggage. TSA will not pay for damage to these items unless it is clear that TSA is liable for the loss or damage.  Protect yourself and do not pack valuables in your checked baggage.

Transporting Firearms and Ammunition

Firearms, ammunition and firearm parts may only be transported in checked baggage. Firearms, ammunition and firearm parts are prohibited from carry-on baggage. There are certain limited exceptions for law enforcement officers (LEOs) who are authorized to fly armed by meeting the requirements of 49 CFR § 1544.219.

Following is a summary of key regulatory requirements to transport firearms, firearm parts or ammunition in checked baggage:

• All firearms must be declared to the air carrier during the ticket counter check-in process.  
• The firearm must be unloaded.
• The firearm must be carried in a hard-sided container.
• The container must be locked.
• The passenger must provide the key or combination to the screener if it is necessary to open the container, and then remain present during screening to take back possession of the key after the container is cleared.  
• Any ammunition transported must be securely packed in fiber (such as cardboard), wood or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.
• Firearm magazines/clips do not satisfy the packaging requirement unless they provide a complete and secure enclosure of the ammunition (e.g., by securely covering the exposed portions of the magazine or by securely placing the magazine in a pouch, holder, holster or lanyard).
• The ammunition may also be located in the same hard-sided case as the firearm, as long as it is properly packed as described above.
• Black powder and percussion caps used with black-powder type firearms are not permitted in carry-on or checked baggage.

The regulations are strictly enforced.  Violations can result in criminal prosecution and the imposition of civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation.  

Air carriers may have their own additional requirements on the carriage of firearms and the amount of ammunition an individual may place in checked baggage.  Therefore, travelers should also contact the air carrier regarding its firearm and ammunition carriage policies.