Travelers, brace yourselves. What seems like a simple check-in routine might be hiding a serious red flag—literally. If customs at the airport marks your luggage with an “X,” it’s not because your suitcase got a graffiti upgrade. This symbol can send your travel plans into a tailspin.

At Ninoy Aquino International Airport and other international ports of entry, customs officials typically won’t open passengers’ baggage—unless it’s marked with an “X.” This mark signals that something in your bag triggered their attention. It could be anything from potentially taxable goods to restricted or illegal items like undeclared electronics, luxury goods, or worse—drugs or weapons.

According to government directives, only bags bearing this mark—detected via x-ray scans—can legally be opened for inspection. Otherwise, opening luggage without an “X” is prohibited.

Imagine walking off a long flight, only to be stopped because your bag showed an “X.” Panic can set in, even if you’re innocent. Passenger stories abound: one traveler on Reddit shared how a red “X” led to a secondary screening—not evidence of wrongdoing, just extra scrutiny.

Other online resources echo this: spotting anything unusual on the x-ray—even harmless items—might trigger the mark. Customs does this for safety and tax enforcement—so it’s not always about suspicion, but policy.

What does this mean for you? Always pack with transparency: declare expensive or controlled items, avoid hiding things, and anticipate that if your luggage gets marked, you’ll face inspection. It’s your best defense against detention or confiscation.

So next time you’re packing for your trip, pause. That “X” isn’t just a letter—it’s a warning that your bag isn’t in the clear.