China's New Aviation Law

China's New Aviation Law Reinforces the Value of Secure, Damage-Free Baggage Inspection

From 1 July 2026, a significant revision to China's Civil Aviation Law changes how baggage inspections can be carried out at the country's airports. 

For travelers, the change may go unnoticed, but for airport security agencies, luggage manufacturers and travel brands, however, it represents an important shift in how checked baggage inspections can be managed.

A New Approach to Security Inspections

Previously, if security needed to inspect locked baggage, passengers were often required to return to the screening area or inspection room so their luggage could be opened in their presence.

The revised law gives civil aviation security authorities the ability to inspect baggage without requiring the passenger to be present, where luggage is suspected of posing a security risk. 

The legislation also introduces safeguards around the process. Inspections conducted without the passenger present must be fully recorded and passengers must receive a written record of the inspection afterwards. Any prohibited or dangerous items must then be handled according to established procedures. 

Rather than delaying inspections while locating passengers, security officers can complete their work more efficiently while maintaining transparency and accountability.

What happens if the suitcase is locked?

Historically, security inspections requiring access to locked baggage have often presented two choices: wait for the passenger to unlock the bag or force entry if immediate inspection is required.

As inspections increasingly take place without passengers present, the ability to access luggage without causing damage becomes even more important.

This is where the Travel Sentry approved locking system plays a critical role.

Using secure, authorized tools, airport security can unlock, inspect and relock compatible luggage without cutting the lock or damaging the suitcase.

For travelers, that means:

• their belongings can be inspected when necessary
• their luggage remains securely locked after inspection
• there is no need to replace broken locks or repair damaged cases
• they receive both the inspection record required under the new law and their luggage back in working order

Supporting Both Security and the Passenger Experience

Airport security agencies have a clear responsibility to protect passengers while keeping airports moving efficiently. China's new legislation recognizes that modern aviation security sometimes requires inspections to happen independently of the traveler.

The Travel Sentry standard supports that objective by enabling authorized security agents to gain legitimate access to complete a damage-free inspection.

It is a solution that benefits everyone:

• Security authorities can carry out inspections more efficiently. 
• Travelers avoid unnecessary damage to their luggage. 
• Luggage brands can offer products designed for today's airport security environment. 

The revised Civil Aviation Law is another example of why globally recognized standards matter. When airports, security agencies and manufacturers work to common standards, inspections become more efficient, travelers enjoy a better experience and luggage remains protected throughout the journey.