1. Start with an empty bag.
You are less likely than not to bring prohibited items through the checkpoint if you begin packing with an empty bag. Unsure what is not permitted? What can I get?
Know the 3-1-1 rule for liquids. If you can spray, spread, pump, or pour something, it’s a liquid. It must be packed into your checked bag. If you want to avoid the TSA opening your carry-on and removing liquids, aerosols, and gels that are larger than 3.4oz, pack them in a checked bag. This will prevent the TSO from pulling the bag aside and removing the items. The TSA 3-1-1 rule does not apply to most items that are in your diaper bag if you’re travelling with a baby. All of these items, including breast milk, baby food, powdered infant formula, bottles, and sippy cups, are allowed in the cabin. The same goes for creams and liquid medications. Separate these items and place them in a separate bin for the X-ray scan. Additional screening may be necessary if your item triggers an alarm.
2. Arrive early
Plan to arrive two hours before your scheduled flight time. This will give you time to park and navigate to the terminal. You can also check your luggage with the airline, if necessary, and go through the security screening. Arrive three hours prior to international flights.
3. Bring a valid ID
Bring a REALID-compliant ID to the airport. You must have this ID by May 7, 2025. Visit the TSA’s website to learn which IDs will be accepted at the TSA security checkpoint. Identity verification is an important step in the screening process.
4. Do you carry a firearm? Prepare, pack, and declare.
You must declare your firearm with the airline when you check-in. Even accidentally bringing a gun to a TSA security checkpoint in your carry-on luggage is costly and can cause delays for both you and other passengers. This applies even if you are in a constitutionally permitted carry jurisdiction or have a concealed carrying permit. TSA may contact the police if you bring a gun to a security checkpoint in your carry-on or on your person. Depending on the state laws, the law enforcement officer will arrest or cite you. TSA can impose civil penalties of up to $15,000 on the first offence. Those who bring a gun to a security point will also lose their TSA PreCheck(r). The second violation will result in permanent exclusion from the program as well as additional civil penalties. Be sure to follow the local, state, and international laws regarding firearms when travelling.
5. Be alert to new technologies at checkpoints.
TSA employs a wide range of technologies and methods to improve security, efficiency and passenger satisfaction. The screening protocols differ from airport to airport depending on the technology available and the current threat environment. Some airports are using the second-generation credential authentication technology, also known as CAT-2. This technology verifies the authenticity of an individual’s ID credentials, including their flight information and pre-screening status. It also includes their acceptable photo ID. TSA’s facial recognition technology helps confirm that the person at the checkpoint matches the ID. After a positive ID match, photos are not saved or stored except for limited testing environments to evaluate the effectiveness of the technology.
Passenger participation is voluntary. Passengers who do not want their photos taken can have their ID checked manually without any penalty. If a passenger does not wish to have their picture taken, they should notify the TSO, which will only verify their ID with the CAT machine. Visit TSA’s privacy impact assessments, fact sheet, and biometrics technologies pages for more information about how TSA uses facial recognition technology.
Many airports now have Computed Tomography units (CT). This technology improves the scanning and threat detection abilities of carry-on luggage. TSOs can now review 3D images of bags to reduce the need for a physical search of the contents. You do not have to remove 3-1-1 liquids and laptops from airports that use CT units, but all carry-on items, including bags, must be placed into a bin. TSA reminds travellers that they can only take one bag through security screening and one personal item.
6. TSA PreCheck makes it easy to travel.
Join the more than 20,000,000 members who benefit from TSA PreCheck’s Trusted Traveler Program. TSA PreCheck travellers are low-risk travellers and do not have to remove their shoes, belts or 3-1-1 liquids. They can also keep their laptops, light jackets, and food. TSA PreCheck lanes have a standard wait time of under 10 minutes. Standard screening lanes, on the other hand, are limited to 30 minutes. For more information about enrolling at one of the three TSA enrollment providers, visit www.tsa.gov/precheck. TSA PreCheck Members are reminded that their Known Traveler Number should be in their airline reservations so that it will appear on their boarding passes.
7. Contact the passenger assistance line in advance to confirm your request.
You can request a TSA passenger support specialist (PSS) if you or someone in your family needs additional assistance during security screening. A PSS is a TSO with specialized training in how to communicate and assist individuals with disabilities or medical conditions, as well as those who require general additional screening assistance. Contact our TSA Cares customer support line (855) 787-2227 to request help for passengers at least 72 hours in advance. TSA Cares offers live assistance weekdays from 8 am to 11 pm. ET or on weekends and public holidays, from 9 am to 8 pm. ET. A 24/7 automated service is also available.
8. Before you go to the airport, text @AskTSA.
AskTSA is available 24/7 via text message at 275-872 (“AskTSA”), @AskTSA in X Messenger or Facebook Messenger. A virtual assistant is on hand 24/7. The TSA Contact Center can be reached at 866-2899673. For more information, visit our Contact Us page.
9. Respect and listen to frontline workers.
Show gratitude to everyone who is working to ensure that you reach your destination safely, including TSA personnel, airport personnel, gate attendants, and flight attendants. Follow the instructions of TSOs during security screening. The transportation system cannot tolerate violence or unruly behaviour, which can cause significant delays for travellers. TSOs work together with frontline airport, airline, and local law enforcement employees to ensure a safe and secure journey. Assaulting TSA employees is a federal crime that can result in fines and/or arrest.
10. Be aware.
Remember: If you see something, say something ™. Remember to report suspicious activity if you see it.
