Tsa Rules: Airport-Specific Or Universal?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has standard security procedures in place across all US airports. However, the specific rules and regulations may vary slightly from airport to airport, often depending on the available technology and resources.

For example, some airports have advanced 3D scanners that can easily detect items inside bags, while others use older X-ray machines that require passengers to remove electronic devices for separate screening. Similarly, some airports have machines that can verify flight information using only your ID, while others still require you to present both your ID and boarding pass.

TSA rules may also change over time as security threats evolve, and the organisation uses unpredictable security measures to maintain transportation security.

Screening technology

The TSA uses a variety of screening technologies to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. Here is an overview of some of the key technologies employed:

Millimeter Wave Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT)

Millimeter-wave AIT is a safe, non-invasive method of screening passengers for metallic and non-metallic threats, including weapons and explosives. This technology uses non-ionizing radio-frequency energy in the millimeter spectrum to scan passengers without physical contact. It meets national health and safety standards and does not use X-ray technology. AIT employs automated target recognition software to protect passenger privacy, using a generic outline of a person that is identical for all passengers.

Walk-Through Metal Detectors

Metal detectors are used to screen passengers for metallic threats.

Credential Authentication Technology (CAT)

CAT is used to verify a traveler's identity by authenticating their ID, confirming their flight status, and checking their pre-screening status. CAT-2 units are currently deployed at 84 airports and will be expanded to over 400 federalized airports in the coming years.

Facial Recognition Technology

Facial recognition technology is used at select airports to verify a traveler's identity by matching their facial features with those on their identification documents. This technology enhances security and improves the traveler experience. Participation is voluntary, and photos are not stored after a positive ID match, except for a limited number used for testing purposes.

Biometrics Technology

Biometrics technology is being evaluated for its potential to modernize aviation passenger identity verification in the coming years.

Automated Screening Lanes (ASLs)

ASLs are state-of-the-art checkpoint technology that enhances security efficiency while reducing the time travelers spend during the security screening process.

CT Scanning

CT scanning is the latest checkpoint X-ray technology, enhancing threat detection capabilities for carry-on baggage. This technology is similar to that used in the medical field and is considered the most effective for airport checkpoints.

Screening procedures

Before Leaving for the Airport:

• Give yourself enough time to arrive at the airport early.
• Wear easily removable shoes.
• If you have a disability or medical condition, you can call the TSA Cares toll-free helpline at (855) 787-2227.

Before Entering the Checkpoint:

• Look for the TSA PreCheck® lane for expedited screening if you're eligible.
• Have your ID and boarding pass ready for inspection.

In the Standard Screening Lane:

• Remove your 3-1-1 liquids bag and place it in the bin.
• Empty your pockets (keys, tissues, currency, wallets, cell phones, etc.) and remove bulky jewelry. You can place valuable items in your carry-on.
• Take off your shoes and place them directly on the X-ray belt.
• Remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone, such as laptops, tablets, e-readers, and handheld game consoles, from your carry-on bag. Place them in a separate bin for X-ray screening.
• Remember to collect all your belongings, including items from the bins, after passing through the screening.

Carry-on baggage

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) outlines a set of rules regarding carry-on baggage that apply across all airports. These rules are designed to ensure the safety and security of passengers and must be followed when packing and travelling.

Firstly, it is important to know what you can pack in your carry-on baggage. Items such as aerosol insecticides, air mattresses with built-in pumps, and devices containing lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries are permitted in carry-on bags but may be subject to additional screening. Alcoholic beverages are permitted in certain quantities and must be unopened. It is important to check with your airline for specific allowances.

Additionally, travellers are advised to pack their bags neatly and in layers to facilitate the screening process. This includes placing large electronics on the top layer for easy access. Powders over 12 oz should be placed in checked baggage, and any liquids, gels, and aerosols must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule: 3.4 ounces or less per container, with all liquids fitting into a single quart-size bag.

Furthermore, travellers are advised to declare any medically necessary liquids, gels, or aerosols to TSA officers for inspection. This includes formula, breast milk, baby food, and associated cooling accessories, which are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule.

Lastly, the TSA may subject your carry-on baggage to additional screening if it triggers an alarm, appears tampered with, or poses security concerns. This may include physical inspection or advanced imaging technology screening.

By following these guidelines, travellers can ensure a smoother and less stressful airport experience.

Checked baggage

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.

If your checked baggage is physically inspected, the TSA will place a notice of baggage inspection inside your bag. This informs you that an officer has inspected your property. 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 has been provided with universal "master" keys that allow certain branded locks to be opened by TSA officers without having to be cut. These locks are commercially available, and the packaging on the locks should indicate that they may be opened by TSA officers. The TSA takes no position on the validity or effectiveness of these locks as a security measure and will be forced to remove them during the inspection if necessary.

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

• Firearms: unloaded, placed in a locked, hard-sided container, and declared to your airline.
• Small arms ammunition: securely packed in fibre, wood, or metal boxes, or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition.
• Sports equipment that can be used as a bludgeon (such as bats and clubs).
• Solid food items (not liquids or gels).
• Sharps, such as large fish hooks, sheathed or securely wrapped.
• Artificial skeleton bones.
• Baby food in reasonable quantities.
• Alcoholic beverages with more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol: limited to 5 litres (1.3 gallons) per passenger and must be in unopened retail packaging. Alcoholic beverages with 24% alcohol or less are not subject to limitations.
• Aerosol insecticides, provided they are not labelled as hazardous material (HAZMAT).

Passenger screening

• 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, tablets, e-readers, and handheld game consoles, for separate X-ray screening. Food items like fruits, health bars, and sandwiches can generally remain in carry-on bags, but special instructions apply to liquids, gels, aerosols, baby food, breast milk, and medically necessary items. TSA officers may also instruct travelers to separate certain items, like powders, from their carry-on bags to facilitate clear X-ray images.
• Checked Baggage Screening: TSA screens approximately 1.3 million checked bags daily for explosives and other hazardous items. After check-in, the bags are provided to TSA for security screening. The majority of checked baggage is screened without the need for a physical bag search. If a physical inspection is necessary, TSA will place a notice inside the bag. TSA is not responsible for items lost or damaged during transport to the plane or baggage claim; passengers should contact their airline in such cases.
• Pat-down Procedures: Pat-downs may be required to resolve alarms, as an alternative to metal detectors or advanced imaging technology, or as part of unpredictable security measures. They are conducted by an officer of the same gender as the passenger and may include inspection of the head, neck, arms, torso, legs, and feet. Passengers will be informed of the procedure beforehand, and they can request private screening accompanied by a companion of their choice.
• Advanced Imaging Technology: TSA uses advanced imaging technology and walk-through metal detectors for passenger screening. This technology employs millimeter wave imaging to safely screen passengers for metallic and non-metallic threats without physical contact. Passengers generally have the option to decline advanced imaging technology in favor of physical screening, but in limited cases, some passengers may be required to undergo this screening if their boarding pass indicates enhanced screening.
• Secure Flight: This risk-based passenger prescreening program enhances security by identifying low and high-risk passengers before their arrival at the airport. It matches passenger names against trusted traveler lists and watchlists and transmits screening instructions to airlines.
• TSA PreCheck: TSA PreCheck is an expedited screening program that allows eligible passengers to speed through security without removing shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets. However, TSA may employ unpredictable security measures, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening.

Frequently asked questions