Lois Larson
Airport security screening is a necessary inconvenience that helps ensure the safety of passengers and staff. Screening procedures are designed to prevent prohibited items and threats to transportation security from entering the airport. Screening measures may include passing through metal detectors, full-body scanners, and X-ray machines. In some cases, additional screening may be required, such as physical searches, swabbing for explosive trace detection, or further inspection of carry-on bags. Passengers may also be subject to random searches, even if they are part of a Trusted Traveler Program. It is important to arrive at the airport early and be aware of the screening procedures to ensure a smooth and efficient security screening process.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who conducts the search? | Screening officers/TSA officers |
| Why are searches conducted? | To prevent prohibited items and other threats to transportation security from entering the airport |
| What triggers a search? | Setting off an alarm at the full-body scanner, walk-through metal detector, or X-ray machine for bags; being randomly chosen; wearing a religious head covering that triggers an alarm |
| What happens during a search? | A screening officer may use a hand-wand device to detect metal objects; conduct a partial or full physical search (pat-down) of the passenger; perform a partial or full physical search of the carry-on bag; request an ETD swab test; scan the body using a full-body scanner |
| What items are prohibited? | Marijuana and other illegal drugs; powder-like substances over 12 oz/350 mL in carry-on baggage |
| What items need to be removed before screening? | Liquids, large electronics, shoes, items from pockets, jewelry, large jackets, snacks, powders |
| What items require special handling? | Sacred and spiritual items that cannot be touched or have specific handling protocols |
| What if my property is lost or damaged during screening? | File a claim with TSA |
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What You'll Learn
Random searches
Random security checks at airports are a critical psychological and strategic deterrent against potential threats. The unpredictability of being selected for additional screening, regardless of any specific risk indicators, adds a layer of complexity for anyone attempting to circumvent security measures. Random checks also ensure that security measures focus not solely on identifiable threats but also on potential unknown threats.
While the TSA claims that the selection process is random, it isn't without significant criticism. In 2012, federal officers working in Boston's Logan Airport reported issues of racial profiling in its additional screening process. Some travellers also believe that their selection for additional screening is not random and that their demographic characteristics, behaviour, or travel plans are the reason for their selection. For example, one source suggests that old white women are highly likely to be picked because it makes the “random” checks look less biased. Another source suggests that the way a person dresses can influence whether they are selected for additional screening. For instance, wearing bulky clothing that does not conform to the contour of the person may result in additional screening.
However, randomness is not the sole factor in selecting passengers for additional screening. Airports and airlines operate under stringent security protocols guided by regulations from national and international security agencies. The TSA's protocols are designed to maximise safety while minimising risk, using a combination of random selection and specific criteria. For example, the TSA uses Secure Flight, a pre-screening process that involves identifying "low and high-risk" passengers before they arrive at the airport by matching their names against trusted traveller lists and watch lists. Similarly, in Canada, random additional screening searches are legislated requirements at all major airports.
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Screening religious garments
Screening procedures at airports are designed to prevent prohibited items and other threats to transportation security. These procedures are subject to change and adapt to evolving threats. Screening processes may vary across different countries and airports.
Passengers wearing religious garments may be subject to additional screening, particularly if the clothing is loose-fitting, bulky, or sets off an alarm. For example, a person wearing a religious head covering may be required to undergo additional screening if the head covering triggers an alarm. In most cases, passengers are allowed to keep their head coverings on during the screening process. However, if the alarm cannot be resolved, they may be asked to remove the head covering for a physical search, which can be conducted in a private search room if requested.
Passengers with religious or spiritual items, such as knives or swords, are instructed to pack these in checked baggage as they are not permitted through the security checkpoint. Before the screening process, passengers should inform the screening officer about any sacred or spiritual items in their possession and advise them of any specific handling protocols. Screening officers will provide options for screening these items, and passengers can request that the screening be conducted in a private area if they prefer.
Some religious garments may be considered bulky clothing, which is defined as very loose clothing or clothing that does not conform to the contour of the person. Examples include oversized pullover hoodies, large sweaters, cardigans, and ponchos. Passengers who are unable or unwilling to remove bulky clothing may be subject to additional screening, such as a pat-down by an officer of the same sex.
It is important to note that the screening procedures for religious garments may vary depending on the specific airport and the country's regulations. Passengers should be prepared for additional screening and are encouraged to arrive at the airport early to allow enough time for the process.
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Screening sacred items
Screening officers are instructed to treat sacred and spiritual items with the utmost respect and care. They are also required to screen these items without holding or touching them. Before the screening process begins, inform the screening officer that you have a sacred or spiritual item in your possession and advise them if it cannot be physically touched or if there is a specific protocol for handling it.
The screening officer will then provide you with screening options based on the nature of the item and your preference. You can always request to have your item screened in a private search area if you feel more comfortable.
If you are wearing a religious head covering, you may keep it on. However, if it causes an alarm, additional screening will be required, and you may be asked to remove it for a physical search. If a physical search is required, it can be conducted in a private search room at your request.
When flying within Canada or to an international (non-U.S.) destination, ceremonial knives and swords (e.g. a kirpan) with a blade 6 cm or less in length are permitted through the pre-board screening checkpoint. Blades longer than 6 cm should be packed in checked baggage, and blades of any type or length are not permitted on flights to the U.S.
It is important to note that while screening officers will respect and accommodate sacred and spiritual items, all persons and their belongings must be screened and cleared for security purposes.
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Screening with biometrics
Biometric screening systems are also being embedded into the plans of airports currently under construction, such as King Salman International. Passengers can register their biometric information through an airline app or at the airport, and this data will be securely stored for future verification. To set up their profiles, users take a selfie and provide a photo of their passport. Once travellers link their boarding passes to their biometric profiles in the app, they can utilise biometric services for their selected flights.
Biometric facial recognition technology helps to avoid baggage fraud, where passengers check in luggage under false identities. For example, in Delhi Terminals 1 and 3, baggage is automatically assigned to the passenger's biometric profile, meaning no one can fraudulently claim someone else's suitcase.
Additionally, some airports are integrating palm vein recognition and iris scanning for high-security access points. Fingerprint recognition is another key component of biometric security, commonly used in TSA PreCheck and Global Entry kiosks, allowing travellers to verify their identities with a simple touch. This technology reduces the need for extensive documentation checks, making the security process faster and more efficient.
Biometric screening also helps to enhance security accuracy by verifying passenger identities instantly. For example, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has expanded biometric entry/exit systems, reducing wait times.
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Lost or damaged items
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. The TSA works with the airport to reunite passengers with all lost or unclaimed personal property, including personal identification items such as driver's licenses and passports, left behind at a checkpoint. Lost and found items are retained by the TSA for a minimum of 30 days, and if not claimed, are either destroyed, turned over to a state agency for surplus property, or sold by the TSA as excess property. The state may dispose of the items through sales, destruction, donations, or charities. The TSA Lost and Found page provides information on retrieving items left at TSA security checkpoints or missing from checked baggage.
Passengers are advised to be aware of carry-on baggage restrictions and what to wear to ensure that they do not set off the alarm at the walk-through metal detector. If you are wearing a religious head covering, you may keep it on, however, any head covering that causes an alarm will require additional screening. If the alarm cannot be resolved, you may be required to remove your head covering for a physical search, which can be conducted in a private room at your request.
If you trigger an alarm at the full-body scanner or walk-through metal detector, or if your bag triggers an alarm at the X-ray machine, or if you or your bag are chosen at random, you may be asked to undergo additional screening. This may involve a screening officer using a hand-wand device that detects metal objects, a partial or full physical search (pat-down) of your person, a partial or full physical search of your carry-on bag, a scan of the body using a full-body scanner, or swabbing using explosive trace detection (ETD).
Screening officers are instructed to treat items with the utmost respect and care. Before the screening process begins, let the screening officer know if you have a sacred or spiritual item in your possession and advise them of any specific protocols for handling it. You can always request that your item be screened in a private search area if you feel more comfortable.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you may be searched after the initial security screening if you are chosen at random, trigger an alarm, or are found with a suspicious item.
If you trigger an alarm at the full-body scanner or walk-through metal detector, you may be asked to undergo additional screening. This could include a partial or full physical search (pat-down) or a scan using a hand-wand device that detects metal objects.
If you are unwilling to remove a light outer garment or bulky clothing, you should inform the officer, and additional screening may be conducted.
You should inform the screening officer before the screening process begins. They will provide screening options without physically touching the item, and you can request to have the item screened in a private search room.
You may file a claim with TSA if your property is lost or damaged during the screening process or transport to the plane. Contact your airline if the loss or damage occurs during baggage claim.
