Explained: What Those Chalk Or 'X' Marks On Your Luggage Really Mean

Ever picked up your bag from the airport carousel and noticed a mysterious chalk mark on it, maybe a squiggle, an "X," or a faint line? You're not imagining things. Those random chalk marks on your luggage actually mean something. Baggage handlers, security staff, and customs officers sometimes use chalk or wax pencils to mark bags for quick identification. It is a simple, old-school way of communicating something about your luggage without needing fancy tags or stickers.

Also Read: 10 Things To Never Pack In Your Hand Luggage At Indian Airports

A viral post on X says, "Chalk markings are signals to customs officers. There are two kinds: C and A. A-marked bags are released last on the carousel. Any holder of an A-marked bag is escorted to customs along with baggage handlers. Even officers stay quiet; these guys show off and irritate passengers. Use wet tissues or a wet cloth to wipe it off. Carry a small water bottle from the flight; it will be very useful."

Chalk markings are signals to customs officers. There are two kinds: C and A. A-marked bags are released last on the carousel.

Any holder of an A-marked bag is escorted to customs along with baggage handlers. Even officers stay quiet; these guys show off and irritate passengers.… pic.twitter.com/9Up5xMxNDf

— Prawinn Ganeshnn (@PrawinGaneshan) November 12, 2025

Why Your Bag Might Get Marked?

Suspicious or unclear contents: If your luggage looks odd on the scanner, like tightly packed items, electronics, or fabric bundles, it might get flagged, as per reports. https://viraltea.co.ke/what-that-x-marked-on-your-luggage-at-an-airport-means

• Random checks: Sometimes, airport officers mark bags at random for routine inspection.
• Past customs issues: If you've had undeclared goods before, your details could trigger closer scrutiny next time.
• Heavy or oversized luggage: Bags that are unusually large, dense, or heavy often draw attention.

Also Read: The Ultimate Guide To Travel Bags: 6 Types You Need To Know

How To Avoid Getting Flagged?

• Know the rules - Declare any items that need to be declared.
• Pack neatly - Avoid wrapping gifts in foil or overpacking.
• Stay calm - Looking anxious or rushed can raise red flags.
• If stopped, cooperate - But if someone asks for a payment without paperwork, request a supervisor.

Also Read: Where Your Checked Bag Goes At The Airport And Why It Sometimes Gets Lost

The practice has sparked controversy before. In 2022, filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri publicly complained about it, tagging then Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on X. "Dear [Jyotiraditya Scindia] ji, Please stop this pathetic system of marking bags at Mumbai airport with a 'X' made with chalk. These are very bad etiquettes and show India as a primitive and uncivilised country specially when PM Narendra Modi is talking about making India a global leader," he wrote.

Dear @JM_Scindia ji,

Please stop this pathetic system of marking bags at Mumbai airport with a ‘X' made with chalk.

These are very bad etiquettes and show India as a primitive and uncivilised country specially when PM @narendramodi is talking about making India a global leader. pic.twitter.com/QI4lpZtRoS

— Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) November 28, 2022

Author and columnist Suhel Seth later explained, "To the best of my knowledge this is done by the Customs folks if they suspect anything that needs to be declared or checked. "

To the best of my knowledge this is done by the Customs folks if they suspect anything that needs to be declared or checked. That's what the X mark is for normally right @LiveFromALounge ? @kushanmitra ? https://t.co/zlXL1oolhE

— SUHEL SETH (@Suhelseth) November 28, 2022

If you notice chalk or crayon marks on your suitcase, don't panic. It's usually a signal for customs or security staff, not a reason for alarm.