Roberta Aguirre
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for airport security in the United States. The TSA was created in response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, which exposed weaknesses in existing airport security procedures. The TSA employs Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) to screen passengers and their baggage, control entry and exit points, and monitor areas near checkpoints. They also employ Behavior Detection Officers and Transportation Security Inspectors to investigate and inspect transportation security. The TSA has implemented programs like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR to expedite the security process, and they work with airlines to identify low-risk passengers through the Secure Flight program. While most airport screening in the US is conducted by the TSA, some airports opt for private screening by hiring firms with TSA approval under the Screening Partnership Program (SPP).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To prevent prohibited items and other threats to transportation security from entering the sterile area of the airport |
| Screening procedures | Carry-on baggage screening, electronics screening, pat-down searches, metal detector screening, full-body scans, random additional "secondary screenings" |
| Number of Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) | 46,661 as of FY 2018 |
| TSA budget | $2.4 billion in 2020, including a $5.60 per-passenger fee |
| Creation | Authorized by the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, signed into law on November 19, 2001 |
| Opt-out option | Airports can opt out of federal screening and hire private firms to perform security checks |
| Claims | Passengers can file a claim for lost, damaged, or delayed property during the screening process |
| ID requirements | REAL ID-compliant state-issued identifications are required at TSA security checkpoints |
| PreCheck programs | TSA PreCheck and CLEAR allow pre-approved travellers to expedite the security process |
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What You'll Learn
The TSA's role in airport security
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is a government agency that is part of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The TSA was created in response to the September 11 attacks to improve airport security procedures and consolidate air travel security under a federal law enforcement agency. The TSA's primary mission is to ensure airport security and prevent aircraft hijacking.
The TSA is responsible for screening passengers and their baggage at over 450 US airports. This includes screening approximately 3.3 million carry-on bags for explosives and other dangerous items daily. The TSA also screens personal electronic devices, with devices larger than a cellphone requiring removal from carry-on baggage for X-ray screening.
In addition to airport security, the TSA has authority over the security of other transportation systems within and connecting to the United States. This includes highways, railroads, bus networks, mass transit systems, seaports, pipelines, and intermodal freight facilities. The TSA works closely with intelligence and law enforcement agencies to share information and maintain transportation security.
The TSA also has a role in setting up cybersecurity regulations. For example, the TSA responded to the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack in May 2021 by establishing new cybersecurity measures. The TSA's security measures are constantly evolving to meet new threats and achieve the highest levels of transportation security. This may result in changes to procedures from time to time.
The TSA also provides assistance to travellers with disabilities, medical conditions, or other special circumstances through its TSA Cares helpline. This service helps travellers by providing additional information and support regarding screening policies and procedures before they arrive at the airport.
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Screening processes
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a layered approach to security, which includes screening processes, to ensure the safety of passengers at airports. The TSA adjusts its processes and procedures to meet evolving threats and achieve the highest levels of transportation security.
The screening process at the TSA involves the screening of carry-on bags, checked baggage, and personal electronic devices. Passengers are required to remove electronic devices larger than a cell phone from their carry-on bags and place them in a bin for X-ray screening. This includes items such as laptops, tablets, e-readers, and handheld game consoles. Passengers may also be instructed to separate other items from their carry-on bags, such as food, powders, and materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine. It is recommended that passengers keep their bags organized to facilitate the screening process.
Additionally, the TSA screens approximately 1.3 million checked bags daily for explosives and other dangerous items. Passengers can purchase TSA-recognized locks for their checked baggage, which can be opened by TSA officers using universal "master" keys. If a passenger's checked baggage is physically inspected, the TSA will place a notice of baggage inspection inside the bag. Passengers can file a claim with the TSA if their property is lost, damaged, or stolen during the screening process or transport to the plane or baggage claim.
The TSA also employs imaging technology for passenger screening. Passengers are required to remove all items, including non-metallic items, from their pockets and walk through an imaging portal. The technology creates an image in real-time, and the process takes only a few seconds. For travelers with special needs, such as those with ostomy pouches or traveling with service animals, the TSA has modified screening procedures to address their specific concerns.
Furthermore, the TSA has implemented the Secure Flight program, which is a risk-based passenger pre-screening program. This program matches passenger names against trusted traveler lists and watchlists to identify low and high-risk individuals before they arrive at the airport. The program collects minimal personal information, such as full name, date of birth, and sex, to protect passenger privacy.
To facilitate the screening process, passengers are encouraged to arrive at the airport early, especially if they are flying into the U.S. from foreign airports, as they may experience a more extensive screening process. Passengers should also be aware of the items allowed in their carry-on and checked baggage and pack their bags accordingly. Proper packing can help ease the screening process and enhance the overall travel experience.
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Passenger identification
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has a strict set of rules regarding passenger identification at airports. Firstly, it is important to note that adult passengers aged 18 and above must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint to be allowed to travel. The list of acceptable IDs includes state-issued IDs such as a driver's license or an ID card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent). From May 7, 2025, a state-issued driver's license or ID that is not REAL ID-compliant will no longer be accepted as a valid form of identification at airports. Passengers without a REAL ID or another TSA-acceptable form of ID may face additional screening, delays, or even denial of entry to the security checkpoint.
TSA has outlined specific identification requirements for passengers to follow. Firstly, passengers with non-compliant IDs will face additional screening measures and possible travel delays. Secondly, passengers are advised to plan ahead and pack properly to facilitate the screening process and enhance their travel experience. Additionally, passengers who have forgotten their Known Traveler Number (KTN) can find it by contacting TSA.
In the event that a passenger arrives at the airport without acceptable identification, the TSA offers alternative ways to confirm their identity. This may include providing additional information to verify their identity and ensure they can proceed with their flight. However, if a passenger's identity cannot be verified, they will not be permitted to enter the screening checkpoint.
The TSA also offers a risk-based passenger pre-screening program called Secure Flight, which enhances security by identifying low and high-risk passengers before they arrive at the airport. This program matches passenger names against trusted traveler lists and watchlists while collecting minimal personal information, such as full name, date of birth, and sex, to protect privacy. The Secure Flight program transmits screening instructions to airlines to identify low-risk passengers eligible for TSA PreCheck, individuals on the Selectee List designated for enhanced screening, and those requiring standard screening.
Furthermore, the TSA has implemented digital identity and facial recognition technology to improve the security screening process. Passengers can use digital IDs, such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, or state-issued apps, to securely share their identity information through facial recognition at select TSA checkpoints. This voluntary process enhances security and speeds up identity verification, providing a faster and more secure travel experience while reducing the risk of fraudulent documents.
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Carry-on baggage screening
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens approximately 3.3 million carry-on bags for explosives and other dangerous items daily. The screening process involves passengers placing their carry-on baggage through an X-ray machine. Passengers are also required to remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from their carry-on baggage and place them in a separate bin for X-ray screening. In addition, passengers may be required to separate other items from their carry-on bags, such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.
Passengers flying into the U.S. may experience a more extensive screening process, including additional screening of their property and personal electronic devices. It is recommended that passengers flying into the U.S. arrive at the airport early to allow enough time for the screening process. To facilitate the screening process, passengers are encouraged to be aware of carry-on baggage restrictions and pack their bags accordingly.
TSA has implemented a risk-based passenger pre-screening program called Secure Flight, which identifies low and high-risk passengers before they arrive at the airport by matching their names against trusted traveler lists and watchlists. The program collects only the minimum amount of personal information, such as full name, date of birth, and sex, to protect passenger privacy.
At Canadian airports, screening officers may swab carry-on baggage, clothing, shoes, or laptops using Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) as a security measure. Passengers who require a trace of person will have their hands, waist area, and feet (or footwear) swabbed and tested for explosives. Random additional screening searches are also conducted at major Canadian airports to ensure the highest standards of security and compliance with international obligations.
TSA is also working on improving the carry-on baggage screening process by developing new technology. The Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) has recently installed a next-generation carry-on baggage screening system at Boston Logan International Airport to collect data and improve the system's performance. The new system combines Computed Tomography (CT) X-ray and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) technologies to provide a 3D image of the bag and identify potential threats without physically opening it. This technology is expected to reduce the number of false alarms and speed up the screening process for passengers.
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TSA security checkpoints
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) uses a layered approach to security, employing both visible and unseen measures to ensure the safety of passengers. Security measures are adapted based on evolving threats, in collaboration with intelligence and law enforcement.
For carry-on baggage, the TSA screens approximately 3.3 million bags daily for explosives and prohibited items. Passengers must remove electronic devices larger than cell phones from their bags and place them in separate bins for X-ray screening. Musical instruments carried on-board must undergo physical inspection, and special handling can be requested for religious, cultural, or ceremonial items.
To expedite the screening process, TSA PreCheck® lanes are available at select airports, offering trusted travelers expedited screening. However, all passengers must present acceptable identification at the checkpoint to be allowed to travel. This includes a valid ID for passengers 18 and older, and a TSA PreCheck® boarding pass for expedited screening if PreCheck® lanes are unavailable.
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Frequently asked questions
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for screening passengers, carry-on bags, and personal items before boarding a flight. This includes screening for prohibited items and other threats to transportation security. The TSA also employs Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) who examine passengers and their baggage, control entry and exit points, and monitor areas near checkpoints.
TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are programs that expedite the security process at the airport. PreCheck allows pre-approved travellers to go through a separate, faster lane without removing shoes, belts, or light jackets, and they can keep laptops and liquids in their bags. CLEAR is a biometric identity verification program that allows members to skip the ID check and physical boarding pass scan.
If you arrive at the airport without acceptable identification, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA has other ways to confirm your identity, such as by providing additional information. However, if your identity cannot be verified, you will not be permitted to enter the screening checkpoint.
The TSA makes every effort to reunite passengers with items left behind at checkpoints. Items are retained for a minimum of 30 days, and if not claimed, they are either destroyed, turned over to a state agency, or sold as excess property. Unclaimed electronics will have their memory removed or be destroyed to protect personal data.
