Airports And Warrants: What's The Connection?

The short answer is yes, you can fly with a warrant, but it depends on several factors. The type of warrant, the destination country's laws, and the severity of the crime all play a role in whether or not you'll be able to board a plane and if your flight will take off. While the TSA's primary role is to ensure passenger safety, they do coordinate with law enforcement agencies and can detain you if your name flags in their system. Additionally, international travel with a warrant is generally not advisable as it is often viewed as a heightened risk and can be interpreted as an attempt to evade justice.

Domestic vs. international travel

Domestic Travel

In the US, it is generally possible to board a domestic flight with an active warrant. However, airlines can deny boarding if they suspect that you are attempting to escape prosecution or disrupt an investigation.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not routinely check for warrants during security screenings. However, they may request immigration authorities to access state crime databases for outstanding warrants. Therefore, it is advised not to travel with an existing warrant.

Although not all airport security checkpoints have access to the same databases, most are linked to national criminal information centres that track outstanding warrants. If you have a bench warrant or a felony warrant, a standard security check may result in your detention by local law authorities.

International Travel

International travel with an outstanding warrant is not advisable, as it is often viewed as an attempt to evade justice. If you travel with an outstanding warrant, there is a high chance you will be detained at the border and charged with fleeing justice.

International flights involve database checks during security procedures at origin and arrival airports. This includes checks against the Interpol database, especially if the warrant includes severe charges.

What to Do if You Have an Outstanding Warrant

If you have an outstanding warrant, it is crucial to take immediate action. Here are the steps you should follow:

• Consult with a lawyer: Contact a criminal defence attorney who can provide legal advice and guide you through the legal process.
• Do not ignore the warrant: Ignoring the warrant can lead to your arrest at an inconvenient time and place. It is best to address the warrant proactively.
• Prepare for court: Your lawyer will help you gather necessary documentation, understand the charges against you, and plan your defence strategy.

TSA checks

The TSA's primary role is to ensure the safety of passengers by prohibiting dangerous items on planes. They do not have access to police records or criminal databases and do not routinely check for warrants during security screenings.

However, if there is an incident that requires law enforcement involvement, any outstanding warrants may be discovered during their checks. The TSA can also request immigration authorities to give them access to the state crime database to confirm any outstanding warrants.

TSA officers frequently perform routine checks to ascertain that the name on your identification matches the one on your boarding pass. They will also confirm that the photo on your ID indeed represents you. They might also investigate the validity or expiration of your ID. Your ID can be scanned using unique devices like ultraviolet scans to detect any signs of forgery. These devices can reveal additional information about you, including any outstanding warrants.

Therefore, while the TSA does not actively search for warrants, there is a chance they may uncover them during their routine checks or when coordinating with other law enforcement agencies.

Felony warrants

Law enforcement agencies are much more likely to coordinate to make an out-of-jurisdiction arrest for felony warrants. Therefore, it is not advisable to risk showing your ID to any law enforcement officer with an outstanding felony warrant.

If you are travelling with a felony warrant, there is a high chance of being detained at the border by law enforcement, and charged with fleeing justice. Therefore, it is best to avoid international travel and consult a lawyer before making any travel decisions.

The likelihood of being stopped at the airport due to a felony warrant varies based on the specifics of the warrant. However, even if you are not stopped, you must provide a valid form of identification at security checkpoints, such as a driver's license or passport.

Child support warrants

Failing to comply with child support orders can lead to warrants, which can put a damper on your travel plans. While security personnel at the airport probably won't know about a child support warrant, they can find out during routine identity verification and security checks.

In the US, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for monitoring the movement of passengers on domestic and foreign flights. They do not check for warrants for local US residents, but they might request that immigration authorities grant them access to the state crime database to confirm any outstanding warrants.

If you have a child support warrant, it is advisable to consult a legal advisor to help you design your travel plan before booking a flight.

Misdemeanour warrants

TSA and Airport Checks

Firstly, it's important to understand that the TSA's primary objective is to ensure passenger safety by screening for threats like weapons, explosives, and other prohibited items. They do not actively search for individuals with arrest warrants. When it comes to identification verification, the TSA verifies travellers' identities against secure flight databases, but these databases focus on civil aviation and national security threats rather than arrest warrants.

Law Enforcement Involvement

However, if a situation arises that requires local law enforcement involvement, such as a dispute, suspicious behaviour, or prohibited items, the police called to the scene may run your information through their databases and discover any outstanding warrants. Additionally, larger airports often have a significant police presence, and if you come into direct contact with them, they may check for outstanding warrants. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid attracting attention or engaging in any suspicious behaviour that might prompt law enforcement involvement.

Domestic and International Travel

The nature of your warrant will also play a crucial role in your ability to travel. Some warrants are only enforceable within the issuing state, while others have broader jurisdiction. If you are travelling to a different state or internationally, it is crucial to understand the specifics of your warrant. Additionally, for international travel, you must have a valid passport. Certain crimes, such as international drug trafficking charges, can result in the revocation of your passport, preventing you from leaving the country.

Addressing the Warrant

The most prudent course of action when facing a misdemeanour warrant is to consult a legal professional and address the issue directly. This may involve turning yourself in, posting bail, or appearing in court. While it is technically possible to board a flight with an outstanding warrant, the potential for arrest is real, and you may face extradition if arrested outside the jurisdiction of the issuing warrant. Seeking legal advice will help you understand your specific situation and make informed decisions about your travel plans.

In conclusion, while misdemeanour warrants may not explicitly prohibit air travel, they can create significant complications and increase your risk of arrest. It is always advisable to consult a legal expert and resolve any outstanding warrants before considering air travel to avoid unforeseen disruptions and legal consequences.

Frequently asked questions