Tsa Security: Rochester Airport's Screening Process

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for security at Rochester International Airport (RST) in Minnesota and Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) in New York. The TSA has implemented several measures to enhance security and facilitate efficient screening at these airports, including the deployment of advanced technology and the TSA PreCheck program. Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport early, familiarise themselves with the latest security regulations, and cooperate with TSA officers to ensure a smooth and secure travel experience.

TSA PreCheck

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a dedicated pre-check programme for travellers, which offers expedited screening. The TSA PreCheck® programme allows travellers to keep their shoes, jackets, belts on and enables them to keep their electronics and 3-1-1 bags in their carry-on luggage. TSA PreCheck® members must ensure their Known Traveller Number (KTN) is in their airline reservation.

To enrol in the TSA PreCheck® programme, applicants can select an enrolment provider based on cost, locations, and additional benefits. The enrolment process can be started online, and applicants can enrol in minutes without an appointment. There are 611 enrolment centres, with select locations open 7 days a week and extended hours.

The TSA PreCheck® programme is available at the Greater Rochester International Airport. The TSA has advised travellers departing from Rochester to be inside the airport terminal at least two hours before their scheduled flight. The busiest times at the security checkpoint are from 4 am to 6 am, 10 am to noon, and 4 pm to 6 pm. The busiest travel days are Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

The TSA has also installed six new advanced technology computed tomography (CT) scanners that provide 3-D imaging at the airport. The TSA recommends that travellers listen to the guidance provided by security officers at the checkpoint, as they may be sharing information on the latest technology to expedite the process.

Firearms and prohibited items

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict guidelines for the storage and transportation of firearms on passenger aircraft. Firearms are prohibited from passing through security checkpoints, even if a passenger has a concealed carry permit or is in a constitutional carry jurisdiction. Passengers may travel with firearms, but they must be secured in checked baggage, unloaded, locked in a hard-sided case, and declared to the airline when checking in. If a passenger brings a firearm to the security checkpoint, TSA will contact local law enforcement to safely unload and take possession of the firearm, and the passenger may be arrested or fined.

Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts, and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on baggage but may be transported in checked baggage. Ammunition is also prohibited in carry-on baggage but can be transported in checked baggage if it is securely packaged and declared to the airline. Rifle scopes are permitted in both carry-on and checked bags.

It is important to note that firearm regulations may vary by local, state, and international laws, so passengers should always check the regulations for their specific journey. Additionally, passengers can use the free myTSA app, which provides information on prohibited and permitted items.

When assessing civil penalties, the TSA considers a firearm to be "loaded" if an individual has access to both the firearm and ammunition, even if they are stored in separate, accessible locations. Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request access to ensure compliance with regulations. Any brand or type of lock can be used to secure the firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks.

Credential Authentication Technology (CAT)

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Greater Rochester International Airport is always prepared for the busiest travel seasons. TSA continues to modernize airport security checkpoints with a focus on enhanced detection methods to secure the aviation system.

One of the technologies that TSA has been deploying at various airports is Credential Authentication Technology (CAT). CAT is linked electronically to the Secure Flight database, which confirms travelers' flight details, ensuring they are ticketed for travel that day. CAT also displays the pre-screening status (such as TSA PreCheck®) the traveler is eligible for, all without a boarding pass. However, CAT does not eliminate the requirement for passengers to check in with their airline. Passengers still need their boarding pass to show the airline representative at their gate before boarding their flight.

CAT improves the travel document checker’s ability to accurately authenticate passenger identification and pre-screening status, addressing the vulnerabilities associated with ID and boarding pass fraud. First-generation CAT units are designed to scan a traveler’s photo identification, confirm the traveler’s identity as well as their flight details. The new CAT units, referred to as CAT-2, have the same capabilities, but are also equipped with a camera that captures a real-time photo of the traveler. CAT-2 compares the traveler’s photo on the identification credential against the in-person, real-time photo. Once the CAT-2 confirms the match, a TSA officer will verify and the traveler can proceed to security screening, without ever exchanging a boarding pass. TSA officers can perform additional passenger verification if needed.

The CAT-2 units are equipped with cameras on tablets and are used to match the face of the person standing at the checkpoint with the face that appears on the traveler’s ID, such as the person’s driver’s license or passport. The technology enhances detection capabilities for identifying fraudulent documents at the security checkpoint. The photos are not saved and are only used to match the person standing at the travel document checking podium with the photo on the ID that is being presented.

Travel volume and wait times

The Greater Rochester International Airport is known for its efficient security screening processes, which make it a preferred choice for frequent flyers. The airport is equipped with multiple security checkpoints, all designed to facilitate a seamless passenger experience through the integration of advanced technology.

To ensure a smooth security screening operation, the TSA recommends that travellers be inside the airport terminal at least two hours before their scheduled flight. The busiest times at the security checkpoint are from 4 to 6 am, 10 am to noon, and from 4 to 6 pm. The busiest travel days are Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

During the summer of 2022, the TSA reported an increase in checkpoint volume, with travel volume reaching nearly 86% of pre-pandemic levels. The TSA anticipated that the checkpoint volume would be as busy as or exceed pre-pandemic levels by the Fourth of July weekend.

To prepare for the increased travel volume, the TSA installed six new state-of-the-art advanced technology computed tomography (CT) scanners, which provide 3D imaging at the airport. These scanners enhance explosives detection capabilities for screening carry-on items and allow passengers to keep their laptops and other electronic devices in their carry-on bags.

To further streamline the security screening process, travellers can enrol in the TSA PreCheck® program, which offers expedited screening benefits. TSA PreCheck® members can keep their shoes, jackets, belts, and electronics on, and their 3-1-1 bags in their carry-on bags. The TSA PreCheck® lanes are available at all security checkpoints within the airport and move more quickly than the standard lanes.

To check current wait times for security checks at the airport, travellers can refer to iFly's website, which provides up-to-date information. However, it is important to note that these times are estimates and may fluctuate based on various factors.

Special accommodations

Rochester International Airport (RST) in Minnesota and Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) in New York both use TSA security.

Many Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees at RST are trained as Passenger Support Specialists and are available to assist passengers with special accommodations or concerns about the security screening process.

TSA Cares is a helpline that provides travellers with disabilities, medical conditions, and other special circumstances with additional assistance during the security screening process. Travellers can call 855.787.2227 before their travel with questions about screening policies, procedures, and what to expect at the security checkpoint.

Passengers with special travel needs are permitted to bring medications/syringes in carry-on bags.

If you have implants or internal medical devices, inform the TSA officer that you have an artificial knee, hip, or other metal implant, or a pacemaker, defibrillator, or another internal medical device.

The TSA has a “What Can I Bring?” tool that individuals can check prior to packing to know what is prohibited. For example, any liquids, sunscreen containers, and alcohol over 3.4 ounces must be packed in a checked bag. Liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes are allowed in carry-on bags as long as each item is 3.4 ounces or less and placed in one quart-sized bag.

The TSA has also introduced new credential authentication technology (CAT-2) at Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport, which confirms the authenticity of a passenger’s identification with an added camera feature. This technology enhances detection capabilities for identifying fraudulent IDs such as driver’s licenses and passports at a checkpoint and increases efficiency by automatically verifying a passenger’s identification. The unit is touchless, meaning that passengers insert their ID and do not have to hand it to a security officer.

TSA PreCheck is available at RST, and appointments can be made for mobile enrolment events in Rochester, Minnesota.

Alternate Enrollment Center locations and information on TSA PreCheck can be found by visiting the Universal Enroll website or by calling 855.347.8371.

Frequently asked questions