In terms of airport security, what is bag reconciliation?

Bag reconciliation refers to the process of ensuring that every piece of baggage that is loaded onto an aircraft is accompanied by a corresponding passenger. This is a critical security measure designed to prevent any baggage from being transported without a passenger on the flight. By confirming that bags are matched to their respective travelers, authorities can significantly reduce the risk of unsupervised or potentially dangerous luggage being placed on the aircraft, thereby enhancing overall airport and flight security.

The other choices do not accurately describe bag reconciliation. Loading bags correctly on the aircraft, while important, does not encompass the security aspect that bag reconciliation addresses. Performing security checks on passenger carry-ons is separate from the reconciliation process and focuses more on the immediate threat posed by items that passengers bring into the cabin. Tracking lost luggage is related to customer service and the management of baggage after a flight, rather than the preventative security measures involved in ensuring that only the correct bags travel with the corresponding passengers.