Abstract: A reticle pod includes an outer portion that includes a pod door and a pod dome, and an inner portion including a baseplate and a cover. One of the baseplate or the cover includes a reticle compartment wall extending towards the other of the baseplate or cover. The reticle compartment wall includes one or more retaining features. The pod door or the pod dome includes one or more actuating surfaces configured to contact the retaining features. The retaining features are configured to be moved by contact with the actuating surfaces. The retaining features may be in a position configured to secure a reticle within the inner portion of the reticle pod when the reticle pod is assembled by joining the baseplate and the cover, placing the joined baseplate and cover within the pod dome, and securing the pod door to the pod dome.