Owais Crawford
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for security screening at airports in the United States. The TSA works to prevent prohibited items and threats to transportation security from entering airports and aircraft. Passengers travelling through airports with TSA security may be subject to screening procedures such as metal detectors, advanced imaging technology, and pat-down searches. Carry-on baggage is also screened for explosives and dangerous items, and passengers may be asked to remove certain items from their bags, such as electronic devices and liquids. The TSA also provides a pre-check programme to expedite the security process for low-risk travellers, and there are specific procedures in place for travelling with pets or children.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Screening procedures | To prevent prohibited items and other threats to transportation security from entering the airport |
| Carry-on baggage screening | Screens approximately 3.3 million carry-on bags for explosives and other dangerous items daily |
| Electronics | Remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from your carry-on bag and place them in a bin for X-ray screening |
| Powder-based substances | Powder-based substances in carry-on baggage greater than 350ml or 12 oz may require additional screening; those over 12 oz or 350ml that cannot be resolved will not be allowed on the aircraft and will be disposed of |
| Food | Food must undergo X-ray screening; food that is liquid, gel, or aerosol must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule |
| Hazardous materials | If hazardous materials are found in checked baggage, the airline determines whether the item is permitted or prohibited |
| Locks | TSA has been provided with universal "master" keys to open certain branded locks without having to cut them |
| Monitoring | Individual airports are responsible for access control and video monitoring of checked baggage facilities; methods may include CCTV |
| Secure Flight | A risk-based passenger pre-screening program that identifies low and high-risk passengers before they arrive at the airport |
| TSA PreCheck | Allows low-risk travelers to have a smoother experience at the airport security checkpoint; children 17 and under can join an adult with TSA PreCheck |
| Lost and found items | TSA makes every effort to reunite passengers with items left behind at the airport checkpoint; unclaimed items are retained for a minimum of 30 days and then destroyed, turned over to a state agency, or sold |
| Interference with screening | Includes holding a recording device up to the face of a TSA officer, refusing to assume the proper stance, blocking the movement of others, or refusing to submit a recording device for screening |
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What You'll Learn
TSA PreCheck®: a faster security experience at the airport
TSA PreCheck® is an expedited security initiative designed to help travellers enjoy a more convenient journey through the airport. It is available when departing from a US airport to a foreign country, as well as for domestic and connecting flights within the US.
TSA PreCheck® members can keep their shoes, belts, light jackets, and electronics on, and their 3-1-1 liquids in their bags, during security screening. About 99% of TSA PreCheck® passengers wait less than 10 minutes.
To enrol in TSA PreCheck®, you must be a US citizen or permanent resident. The steps are as follows:
- Fill out an online application.
- Pay a $78 application fee.
- Make an appointment for a 10-minute in-person background check, which includes fingerprinting, document and photo capture, and payment.
- Once approved, get your Known Traveller Number (KTN) and add it to your airline reservations.
TSA PreCheck® membership lasts for five years and costs cover the operational costs associated with the TSA PreCheck® Application Program. TSA protects applicant data by ensuring it is encrypted, stored, and transmitted securely.
Children aged 13 to 17 may access the TSA PreCheck® lanes if they have a TSA PreCheck® logo on their boarding pass and are on the same airline reservation as a TSA PreCheck®-eligible parent or guardian. Children under 13 can join an adult with TSA PreCheck® when the indicator appears on the child's boarding pass.
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Lost and found items: retained for 30 days
If you've lost an item at an airport, don't panic—there are procedures in place to help you retrieve your belongings. Most airports have a Lost and Found service, and many are free to use. It's important to act quickly, as lost items are typically only retained for 30 days. After that, they may be destroyed, turned over to a state agency, or sold.
To begin the retrieval process, you'll need to file a claim. This can usually be done online or by contacting the airport or TSA directly. When filing a claim, be as detailed as possible in your description of the item, including information such as the date it was lost, its colour, and any unique identifying features. Providing additional documentation, such as receipts or appraisals, can also help expedite the process.
For items lost at TSA checkpoints, you'll need to contact the TSA lost and found office at the airport. Many airports, such as Boston Logan International Airport and LAX, provide a free online service for claiming lost items. You can usually find the relevant contact information or claim form on the airport's website. It's important to act quickly, as some airports, like LAX, have a 90-day window for recovering lost items.
If your claim is successful, you'll be able to arrange for your item to be shipped to you at your expense, or you may be able to pick it up in person. Remember to bring identification and any relevant documentation when retrieving your item. With these steps, you'll have the best chance of successfully recovering your lost belongings.
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Screening procedures: to prevent prohibited items
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented a range of screening procedures to prevent prohibited items and other threats to transportation security from entering sterile areas of the airport. These procedures are designed to be adaptable, evolving in response to intelligence on potential threats.
TSA officers screen approximately 3.3 million carry-on bags daily for explosives and other dangerous items. Screening technology is used to identify items that may be prohibited, such as powder-based substances in carry-on baggage over 12 oz or 350ml, which may require additional screening and will not be allowed on the aircraft if the contents cannot be resolved.
Passengers may also be subject to pat-down procedures, which can be used to resolve alarms, as an alternative to imaging technology, or as an unpredictable security measure. During a pat-down, a TSA officer will apply sufficient pressure to ensure detection, and areas may be searched more than once. Passengers will be informed of the procedure before and during the screening, and they may request a private screening with a witness present.
In addition to screening baggage, TSA officers will also screen personal electronic devices separately. Officers may ask passengers to power up their devices, and any devices without power will not be permitted onboard. Passengers are advised to check for prohibited items before travelling and to follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
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Locks: TSA has universal master keys for certain locks
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has universal master keys for certain locks. TSA has agreements with Safe Skies Luggage Locks and Travel Sentry, which provide them with universal master keys for specific branded locks. This means that TSA officers can open certain locks without having to cut them during baggage inspections. These locks are commercially available, and the packaging should indicate that they can be opened by TSA officers.
The TSA master keys are designed to fit various popular keyways, and their blades are thin and short enough to insert into different locks. However, it's important to note that TSA does not endorse the validity or effectiveness of these locks as a security measure. In some cases, they may still need to be removed or cut during the inspection process.
The TSA006 lock and key, for example, have been praised for their resistance to picking and 3D printing due to intricate warding and small dimple-style cuts on the key blade. On the other hand, many other TSA locks offer little to no protection against theft and are considered "peace of mind" devices at best.
The TSA 007 lock has become the standard for many manufacturers, especially in the United States. This lock has been the focus of much research, with locksmiths and hackers reporting mixed results in their ability to create functioning keys for it.
It's worth mentioning that the TSA master keys are often referred to as "convenience keys" because they only use the bitting on one side of the key, making them compatible with the simplistic design of many TSA locks.
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Secure Flight: a risk-based prescreening program
Secure Flight is a risk-based passenger pre-screening program that enhances security by identifying low and high-risk passengers before they arrive at the airport. The program matches passenger names against trusted traveller lists and watchlists, including the "no-fly" list and the "selectee" list. The latter is a list of individuals requiring more thorough secondary screening.
The program collects the minimum amount of personal information necessary to conduct effective matching, including full name, date of birth, and sex. This data is protected by stringent privacy guidelines and is used to transmit screening instructions to airlines. These instructions identify low-risk passengers eligible for TSA PreCheck, individuals designated for enhanced screening, and those who will receive standard screening. Secure Flight also prevents individuals on the No Fly List and the CDC's Do Not Board List from boarding an aircraft.
The program was implemented in 2009, and in its inaugural year, 600 million passengers were pre-screened. In the period from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, over 1 billion passengers were pre-screened, an increase of 66%. Secure Flight reported 8,437 confirmed matches to known or suspected terrorist watch lists, including 396 passengers on the FBI's No Fly List.
TSA PreCheck is a trusted traveller program that allows low-risk passengers to keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on during screening. Electronics and liquids can also remain in their bags. TSA PreCheck members can enrol through various providers, with costs and benefits varying.
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Frequently asked questions
TSA PreCheck is a program that allows low-risk travellers to have a smoother experience at the airport security checkpoint. Children 17 and under can join an adult with TSA PreCheck when the indicator appears on the child's boarding pass.
The fastest and easiest way to enrol in TSA PreCheck is to start the application online. You can also enrol in person at an enrolment centre near you.
You may pack food in your carry-on or checked bag, but all food must undergo x-ray screening. Foods that are liquids, gels, or aerosols must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
TSA makes every effort to reunite passengers with items left behind at the airport checkpoint. Lost and found items are retained by TSA for a minimum of 30 days, and if not claimed, they are either destroyed, turned over to a state agency, or sold.
