Traffic Guides: Tsa's Role At Airports

Traffic guides at airports are not TSA employees. They are employed by the airport itself. The TSA, or Transportation Security Administration, is a federal agency that screens passengers and their luggage for prohibited items and other threats to transportation security. The TSA works closely with law enforcement and intelligence communities to share information and adjust its processes and procedures to meet evolving threats. The TSA also counts on the public to report unattended baggage, suspicious individuals, and other security concerns.

TSA PreCheck members can keep their shoes, light outerwear, and belts on during screening

TSA PreCheck® is a program by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that allows travellers to get through security faster. Members of the program are deemed "Trusted Travellers" and can therefore skip certain security procedures that regular travellers have to go through.

One of the benefits of being a TSA PreCheck® member is that you can keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on while you go through security. This is because TSA PreCheck® lanes are typically used by travellers who are familiar with the screening process, so the process is quicker. TSA PreCheck® members also don't have to remove their laptops or liquids from their bags.

TSA PreCheck® membership costs $85 for five years, and children under the age of 12 are allowed to join their parents in the TSA PreCheck® lane.

TSA recommends contacting your airline to determine how early to arrive at the airport

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends contacting your airline to determine how early to arrive at the airport. This is because the time required may vary depending on the airport and the date of travel. In general, you should allow time for parking/shuttle transportation, airline check-in, obtaining a boarding pass, and going through the security screening process, which includes screening your carry-on bag.

You can also check how busy the airport is likely to be on your specific day and time of travel based on historical data by downloading the MyTSA app.

• Check in online before arriving at the airport. Most airlines allow online check-in 24 hours before a flight's scheduled departure time, and some international airlines open online check-in 48 hours before departure.
• Download your airline's app and sign in with your account. The app will likely provide access to your boarding pass and additional flight information and airline updates.
• Pre-pay for checked bags when checking in online to save time at the counter.
• Work backward from your departure time to calculate when you should head out. If you’re taking a taxi, ride-share, or other private transfer, ensure it's booked in advance and allows for sufficient travel time.
• Be sure to reconfirm flights before leaving home and keep all your travel and health documents together in a carry-on.
• Ensure all your devices are charged, and consider bringing a portable charger for longer travel days.
• Download all necessary airline and travel apps and have all your travel emails in a folder so you can easily access them.
• Check the TSA guidelines before packing your carry-on and checked bags.
• Wear slip-on shoes and carry medicines in your carry-on bag, all in one Ziploc bag in their original prescription bottles to avoid any issues during security checks.
• If you’re traveling with kids, practice the security line at home so they know what to expect.
• If you have priority status or reserve a premium seat on your flight, you can save significant time and enhance your overall airport experience.
• Sign up for programs like TSA PreCheck, Clear, or Global Entry to save time at security checkpoints.
• Visit the airport website to get familiar with the airport's layout, including the terminals, gates, and details like whether you’ll need to use a tram to get to your gate.

TSA has a strict privacy policy when using advanced imaging technology to protect passenger privacy

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict privacy standards in place when using advanced imaging technology to protect passenger privacy. This technology, which meets national health and safety standards, uses non-ionizing radio-frequency energy in the millimeter spectrum to screen passengers for metallic and non-metallic threats, including weapons and explosives, that may be concealed under clothing. It does not use X-ray technology.

TSA's advanced imaging technology uses automated target recognition software that eliminates passenger-specific images. Instead, it auto-detects potential threat objects by indicating their location on a generic outline of a person, which is identical for all passengers. The software displays the location of the object on a generic figure rather than an image of the individual. This way, TSA ensures that passengers' privacy is protected during the screening process.

TSA also does not store any personally identifiable information from advanced imaging technology screening. While passengers can generally decline this type of screening in favour of a physical screening, TSA may direct mandatory advanced imaging technology screening for some passengers.

TSA Cares is a helpline that provides travellers with additional assistance during the security screening process

To request assistance, travellers should contact TSA Cares at least 72 hours before their departure. This can be done by calling (855) 787-2227 or by submitting an online form.

TSA Cares can provide assistance in the following circumstances:

• Difficulty following instructions due to a disability or medical condition.
• Internal or external devices that may affect the ability to use screening technology.
• Travelling with medically necessary liquids, gels, or aerosols over 3.4oz.
• Travelling with a child who has a disability or medical condition.
• Travelling with a service animal.
• Difficulty understanding or communicating in English.
• Travelling with religious, cultural, sacred, or spiritual items, ceremonial regalia, and headdresses requiring special handling.
• Travelling with crematory remains.

TSA does not prohibit filming at security checkpoints, as long as the screening process is not interfered with

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not prohibit filming at security checkpoints, as long as the screening process is not interfered with or sensitive information is not revealed. Interfering with the screening process includes, but is not limited to, holding a recording device up to the face of a TSA officer so that the officer is unable to see or move, refusing to assume the proper stance during screening, blocking the movement of others through the checkpoint, or refusing to submit a recording device for screening. Additionally, filming or taking pictures of equipment monitors that are shielded from public view is also prohibited.

Frequently asked questions