Airport Security: Warrant Checks And Travel Concerns

Travelling with an outstanding warrant can be a stressful experience. While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not routinely check for warrants during security screenings, it is still possible to be arrested at the airport if you have one. The TSA's primary focus is on ensuring safety by screening for prohibited items such as weapons and explosives. However, if an incident occurs that requires law enforcement involvement, any outstanding warrants may be discovered during their checks. Additionally, international travel with a warrant is generally not advisable, as it is often seen as an attempt to evade justice.

TSA does not check for warrants

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not check for warrants for local US residents. The TSA is primarily concerned with security threats, particularly terroristic ones, and not with enforcing laws and penal codes. They are tasked with ensuring that people are not bringing explosives on board flights.

TSA agents are not law enforcement officers and do not have the authority to arrest passengers at security checkpoints. However, they can refer you to law enforcement, which is what you need to be cautious about if you have an outstanding warrant.

Why You Might Get Arrested When Flying with a Warrant

Although the TSA does not check for warrants, there are several scenarios in which you could be arrested at the airport if you have an outstanding warrant.

Verifying Identification

If you forget to bring your ID, you will need to go through the identification verification process, which is likely to reveal any outstanding warrants. This could lead to you being referred to law enforcement and arrested.

Disputes and Security Line Issues

If you get into an altercation with staff or another passenger, or if you are holding up the security line, law enforcement officers may get involved. While TSA agents cannot arrest you, they can detain you while waiting for law enforcement to arrive.

Prohibited Items

If you are caught trying to bring prohibited items, such as firearms, sharp objects, or explosives, through security, you will likely be referred to law enforcement. Authorities may also be called if you are found with illegal drugs, especially in significant quantities.

"Be on the Lookout" Notifications

TSA agents may receive a "Be on the Lookout" (BOLO) notification, and if you fit the description, they could stop and investigate you, which may lead to police involvement.

Tip-Offs

Someone may be aware of your travel plans and decide to inform law enforcement of your whereabouts. If the police deem it necessary, they could be waiting for you at the airport.

International Travel

When travelling internationally, your name will likely be checked against databases for at-risk individuals, including those with outstanding warrants. Your name could be flagged before you even arrive at the airport, as visa applications typically involve a background check.

In summary, while the TSA does not actively check for warrants, travelling with an outstanding warrant always carries a risk of arrest, especially when travelling internationally or if any of the above scenarios occur. It is advisable to consult with a legal advisor before booking air travel if you have an existing warrant.

Warrants may be detected during ID checks

While the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not typically check for warrants during security screenings, warrants may be detected during ID checks. The TSA's primary focus is on ensuring passenger safety by screening for prohibited items such as weapons and explosives. However, if there is an incident that requires law enforcement involvement, any outstanding warrants may be discovered during their checks.

When travelling, individuals are required to produce identity documents such as a passport, national ID card, or driver's license. The initial scanning of these documents generally does not indicate whether the traveller has a warrant. However, if there is an arrest warrant or fugitive warrant, and the individual is labelled as "wanted" or "fled", further deep-dive scanning may be conducted.

Additionally, new devices such as credential authentication technology (CAT) are being used in certain airports to scan IDs. While there is no explicit mention of checking for outstanding warrants, the use of such technology may increase the chances of warrant detection.

It is important to note that even with a minor or fugitive warrant, travel may be hindered. Therefore, it is advisable to clear any warrants before travelling to avoid potential issues and interruptions.

Fugitive warrants can disqualify you from flying

While it is possible to board a plane with an active warrant in the United States, a fugitive warrant is a more severe issue that can disqualify you from flying. A fugitive warrant is issued when an accused person, who may or may not have been convicted, is wanted by another state or country. This type of warrant can hinder both international and local travel.

When travelling, individuals must provide valid identification, such as a passport, which can be scanned by airport authorities. Initial scanning may not indicate a general warrant, but if you have a fugitive warrant, you may be subject to further, more intensive scanning. This can lead to your warrant being detected on a state or international police database, resulting in immediate arrest or denial of travel.

Even if you are travelling within the US, a fugitive warrant can still impact your ability to fly. While state-issued matters typically do not affect domestic air travel, it is still possible to be detained for investigation by the TSA or police. If you are apprehended, they may conduct a thorough investigation into your background, including any outstanding warrants. As such, it is advisable to consult an attorney and clear any warrants before travelling.

Additionally, those with fugitive warrants may be unable to obtain a passport. This is because a passport is required for international travel, and a fugitive warrant can disqualify you from both obtaining a passport and travelling internationally. Therefore, it is crucial to address and resolve any fugitive warrants before attempting to fly.

Airlines can deny boarding to those with warrants

Airlines can deny boarding to passengers for a multitude of reasons, and this includes those with warrants. While it is possible to board a plane with an active warrant, airlines can deny boarding if they suspect the passenger is attempting to escape prosecution or impede an investigation. This is particularly true for international flights, where stringent checks at border crossings are more likely to flag warrants.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not routinely check for warrants during security screenings, but they do have access to a database of individuals with arrest warrants. If there is an incident requiring law enforcement involvement, any outstanding warrants may be discovered. The TSA may also request immigration authorities to access state crime databases for outstanding warrants. Therefore, it is generally advised not to risk travelling with an existing warrant.

The consequences of being detected at the airport with a warrant can be severe. Law enforcement, whether local or federal, can arrest individuals at the airport if they have an active warrant. There is also a risk of extradition if the arrest occurs outside the area where the warrant was issued. Travel plans may be significantly impacted, and there may be legal repercussions.

To avoid these potential issues, it is recommended to consult with a lawyer and address any outstanding warrants before travelling. By taking proactive measures, individuals can reduce the risk of unexpected interruptions to their travel plans and ensure a smoother overall experience.

Domestic flights may be less risky

While travelling with a warrant is not recommended, it is possible to fly domestically with one. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not check for warrants for local US residents. However, they may request access to the state crime database to confirm any outstanding warrants.

Even if you are travelling within the US, it is still important to clear any warrants before you fly. If you are flagged by security agencies at the airport, you may be detained for further investigation, which could include a deep dive into your history. This could result in arrest or being barred from travelling.

Ultimately, there is no difference in safety between domestic and international flights. All airlines must adhere to strict safety protocols and maintenance standards, and air travel is widely considered the safest mode of transportation.

Frequently asked questions