Tsa Airport Monitors: What You Need To Know

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for security screening at airports in the United States. While there are no specific restrictions on bringing monitors through airport security, travellers should be aware of the following:

- All electronic devices larger than a cell phone, including laptops, tablets, e-readers, and handheld game consoles, must be removed from carry-on baggage and placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening.

- TSA officers may instruct travellers to remove other items from carry-on bags, such as food, powders, and materials that can clutter the bag and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine. It is recommended to keep carry-on bags organised to facilitate the screening process.

- TSA has implemented strict privacy measures when using advanced imaging technology for passenger screening. The technology uses automated target recognition software that ensures passenger privacy through anonymous imaging.

- For carry-on baggage, the TSA recommends checking with the airline to ensure that the size of the monitor complies with the overhead bin or under-seat storage dimensions.

- When packing a monitor for air travel, it is essential to protect it from damage. Wrapping the monitor in bubble wrap or foam and placing it in a hardshell suitcase can help prevent scratches or breaks.

- When travelling with a monitor, it is advisable to schedule extra time for security checks and to inform TSA officers about the presence of the monitor in the carry-on baggage.

- The MyTSA app provides helpful tips for preparing for security, including information on prohibited items and delays at specific airports.

TSA's security measures

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a range of security measures in place to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. These measures are designed to prevent prohibited items and other threats from entering sterile areas of the airport.

Security Screening

TSA officers screen approximately 3.3 million carry-on bags and 1.3 million checked bags daily. Passengers are required to remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from their carry-on luggage for X-ray screening. This includes laptops, tablets, e-readers, and handheld game consoles. Food is generally allowed to remain inside carry-on bags but must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule. TSA officers may instruct travellers to separate certain items, such as food, powders, and other materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear X-ray images.

Pat-Down Procedures

Pat-down procedures may be required if the screening technology alarms, as part of unpredictable security measures, for enhanced screening, or as an alternative to other screening methods. This procedure includes inspection of the head, neck, arms, torso, legs, and feet, including sensitive areas. Passengers may request a private screening accompanied by a companion of their choice, with a TSA officer of the same gender conducting the pat-down.

Advanced Imaging Technology

TSA uses advanced imaging technology and walk-through metal detectors to screen passengers for metallic and non-metallic threats, including weapons and explosives. Passengers may decline this screening in favour of a physical screening, unless their boarding pass indicates they have been selected for enhanced screening. This technology meets national health and safety standards and protects passenger privacy through the use of automated target recognition software.

Secure Flight

Secure Flight is a risk-based passenger pre-screening program that identifies low and high-risk passengers before they arrive at the airport by matching their names against trusted traveller lists and watch lists. Personal data is collected and stored according to stringent guidelines, and passengers may receive expedited screening through the TSA PreCheck® program.

TSA PreCheck®

TSA PreCheck® allows eligible passengers to speed through security without removing shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets. This program is available for U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and U.S. nationals. It is important to note that TSA uses unpredictable security measures, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening.

Real ID

Starting May 7, 2025, travellers using state-issued IDs or driver's licenses for domestic flights must have a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification.

Passenger Support

TSA offers assistance to passengers with disabilities, medical conditions, or other special circumstances through the TSA Cares helpline. Passengers can contact TSA through the AskTSA social media integration or the TSA Contact Centre for further information or assistance.

TSA's screening procedures

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a number of screening procedures in place to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. These procedures are designed to prevent prohibited items and other threats to transportation security from entering the airport.

TSA works closely with intelligence and law enforcement communities to share information and adjust its processes and procedures to meet evolving threats. The TSA also relies on the public to report any suspicious activities, such as unattended bags or individuals in possession of threatening items.

Carry-on Baggage Screening

TSA screens approximately 3.3 million carry-on bags daily for explosives and other dangerous items. Passengers are required to remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone, such as laptops and tablets, from their carry-on bags for X-ray screening. Food items are generally allowed but must follow certain guidelines, and there are special instructions for liquids, gels, aerosols, baby food, and medically necessary items. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate certain items, such as foods and powders, from their carry-on bags to facilitate the screening process.

Checked Baggage Screening

TSA screens approximately 1.3 million checked bags daily for explosives and other dangerous items. The majority of checked baggage is screened without the need for a physical bag search. However, TSA may inspect checked baggage during the screening process and will place a notice of baggage inspection inside the bag if a physical inspection is conducted. Passengers can file a claim with TSA if their property is lost or damaged during the screening process.

Pat-down Procedures

Pat-down procedures are used to determine whether prohibited items or other threats are concealed on a person. Passengers may be required to undergo a pat-down if the screening technology alarms, as part of unpredictable security measures, or if they opt out of other types of screening, such as advanced imaging technology. The pat-down may include inspection of sensitive areas, and passengers will be advised of the procedure beforehand. Passengers can request private screening accompanied by a companion of their choice, and a second officer of the same gender will always be present during private screening.

Advanced Imaging Technology

TSA uses advanced imaging technology, such as millimeter wave technology, to screen passengers for metallic and non-metallic threats, including weapons and explosives, without physical contact. Passengers undergoing screening generally have the option to decline advanced imaging technology in favor of physical screening. However, some passengers may be required to undergo advanced imaging technology screening if they have been selected for enhanced screening prior to their arrival at the security checkpoint.

Secure Flight Program

The Secure Flight Program is a risk-based passenger pre-screening program that identifies low and high-risk passengers before they arrive at the airport by matching their names against trusted traveler lists and watchlists. This program helps enhance security and facilitate the screening process for low-risk passengers.

TSA PreCheck®

TSA PreCheck® is an expedited screening program that allows eligible passengers to speed through security without removing their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets. However, TSA uses unpredictable security measures, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening.

TSA's baggage screening technology

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens approximately 3.3 million carry-on bags and 1.3 million checked bags daily. The TSA uses advanced imaging technology and walk-through metal detectors to screen passengers for metallic and non-metallic threats, including weapons and explosives. The TSA is also testing and deploying Computed Tomography (CT) technology, which is the latest checkpoint X-ray scanning equipment to enhance threat detection capabilities for carry-on baggage.

The TSA's current screening technology for carry-on bags uses 2-D images, while CT technology applies sophisticated algorithms to detect explosives and other threats by creating a 3-D image that can be viewed and rotated 360 degrees for a thorough analysis. CT technology also enables computers to automatically detect explosives, including liquids.

The TSA assists planners and designers in developing cost-effective solutions for checked baggage inspection systems through its Electronic Baggage Screening Program. This program was established by a congressional mandate to screen all passenger checked baggage for concealed explosives. The TSA also provides funding to airports to assist in infrastructure improvements related to baggage screening, such as installing baggage conveyor systems and explosive detection systems.

The TSA has strict privacy standards when using advanced imaging technology to protect passengers' privacy. It uses automated target recognition software that eliminates passenger-specific images and instead auto-detects potential threats by indicating their location on a generic outline of a person. This generic outline is identical for all passengers.

TSA's carry-on baggage screening

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict security measures in place to ensure the safety of passengers and their baggage. Here is some information regarding TSA's carry-on baggage screening process:

Screening Process

TSA recommends that travellers arrive at the airport early to allow enough time for the screening process. The screening process involves passing carry-on baggage through X-ray machines to detect prohibited items and other threats to transportation security.

Electronics

Personal electronic devices larger than a cellphone, such as laptops, tablets, e-readers, and handheld game consoles, must be removed from carry-on baggage and placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening. It is important to note that devices such as hair dryers, electric shavers, and electric toothbrushes are exempt from this requirement.

Food

Most food items, such as fruits, health bars, and sandwiches, can remain inside carry-on baggage. However, special instructions apply to liquids, gels, aerosols, baby food, breast milk, and medically necessary items. TSA officers will provide guidance on these items during the screening process.

Packing

TSA recommends organising baggage to facilitate the screening process. Prohibited items should not be packed, and travellers should follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule. TSA officers may instruct travellers to separate certain items, such as foods, powders, and materials that can clutter the bag and obstruct clear X-ray images.

Prohibited Items

TSA has a list of prohibited items that are not allowed in carry-on baggage. These include hazardous materials, with some exceptions for personal items like toiletries, medicines, battery-powered electronics, and assistive devices. Religious knives, swords, and other objects must be packed in checked baggage.

Pat-down Procedures

In some cases, travellers may be required to undergo a pat-down procedure. This may be due to screening technology alarms, enhanced security measures, or as an alternative to other screening methods. The pat-down procedure includes inspection of the head, neck, arms, torso, legs, and feet, including sensitive areas. Travellers may request private screening accompanied by a companion of their choice, with a same-gender TSA officer explaining the procedure.

Advanced Imaging Technology

TSA uses advanced imaging technology, such as millimeter wave technology, for passenger screening. This technology creates an image of the passenger's body and can detect metallic and non-metallic threats without physical contact. Passengers have the option to decline this screening method in favour of physical screening. However, in rare cases, some passengers may be required to undergo advanced imaging technology screening if selected for enhanced screening prior to their arrival at the checkpoint.

TSA PreCheck®

TSA PreCheck® is a trusted traveller program that offers expedited screening for eligible individuals. Members can enjoy benefits such as not having to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets during the screening process. However, TSA may still employ unpredictable security measures, and expedited screening is not guaranteed.

TSA continuously adapts its processes and procedures to address evolving threats and maintain the highest levels of transportation security. By following the guidelines and cooperating with TSA officers, travellers can ensure a smoother and more efficient carry-on baggage screening experience.

TSA's checked baggage screening

The TSA screens approximately 1.3 million checked bags for explosives and other dangerous items daily. Upon check-in, your checked baggage will be provided to the TSA for security screening. Once the screening process is complete, your airline will transport your checked baggage on your respective flight and deliver it to the baggage claim area. The majority of checked baggage is screened without the need for a physical bag search.

TSA Inspection

TSA may inspect your checked baggage during the screening process. If your property is physically inspected, TSA will place a notice of baggage inspection inside your bag. This is to inform you that an officer conducted an inspection of your property.

Claims

If your property is lost or damaged during the screening process, you may file a claim with the TSA. If your property is lost or damaged during transport to the plane or baggage claim, contact your airline.

Locks

TSA has been provided with universal "master" keys under agreements with Safe Skies Luggage Locks and Travel Sentry so that certain branded locks may not have to be cut to inspect baggage. These locks are commercially available, and the packaging on the locks should indicate that they may be opened by TSA officers. TSA has no position on the validity or effectiveness of these products as a security measure and will be forced to remove these products if necessary during the inspection.

Monitoring

Responsibilities for access control and video monitoring of checked baggage facilities fall to individual airports as part of their security plan. Methods of monitoring vary from airport to airport and may include CCTV.

Frequently asked questions