Originally Posted by
boybi
Do they scan all the checked bags upon arrival?
How about for connecting flights where the checked bags will have to be transferred to another airplane, do they scan those as well?
I have noticed in some smaller airports, the bags were just transferred from the bag carriage directly to the belts. How can the customs in those airports know if one of the bags contain prohibited items? Do they just rely on the airport of origin's security?
I know that on certain flights, CBP will do a "controlled delivery" which requires the use of a baggage claim that is isolated from the rest of the baggage claim area (in IAH it is noticeable as it is down by agriculture control, and has 3 entrances). They will either mark the bag or the CBP officers standing by will know which bags are suspect and when the bag is claimed, they will lead the individual into agriculture/secondary inspection.
It happens in other countries as well, except more obvious--like in Indonesia when they use chalk to write a large "X" on the bag.