Jazmin Li
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for ensuring aviation security standards are maintained at airports. TSA agents are trained to detect any item on a person or in carry-on luggage that poses a threat. They screen millions of carry-on bags for explosives and other dangerous items daily. The TSA works closely with intelligence and law enforcement communities to share information and implement unpredictable security measures. TSA PreCheck is an additional program that allows travellers deemed low-risk to move through expedited security screening processes.
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What You'll Learn
Carry-on baggage screening
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommends arriving at the airport early to allow enough time for the screening process. Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns.
During carry-on baggage screening, TSA officers may instruct travellers to separate certain items from their carry-on bags, such as food, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine. It is recommended to keep your bag organised to facilitate the screening process. Liquids, gels, and aerosols are allowed in carry-on baggage but must comply with the 3-1-1 rule, meaning each passenger is limited to containers that are 3.4 ounces or 100 millilitres in size and must fit in a one-quart-size bag. This includes common items such as toothpaste, shampoo, and lotion.
Powder-based substances in carry-on baggage are subject to additional screening, especially if they are greater than 350 ml or 12 oz. These powders may not be allowed onto the aircraft if they cannot be resolved during screening. Passengers are encouraged to place powders in their checked baggage instead.
Personal electronic devices, such as laptops, tablets, e-readers, and handheld game consoles, are also screened separately. TSA officers may request that these devices be powered up, and powerless devices will not be permitted onboard.
Other items that are not allowed through the security checkpoint and must be packed in checked baggage include religious knives, swords, and other sharp objects. Passengers wearing head coverings, loose-fitting, or bulky garments may be subject to additional screening, including a pat-down, which will be conducted by a TSA officer of the same sex.
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Electronic devices
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented stronger screening procedures for carry-on items, requiring travelers to place all electronic devices larger than a cell phone in bins for X-ray screening. This procedure has been introduced at all U.S. airports to enhance security and prevent potentially dangerous items from being brought onto aircraft.
When traveling with electronic devices, it is recommended to organize your carry-on bag to keep it uncluttered, facilitating a smoother screening process. Additionally, travelers should be aware that how they pack their bags can impact the screening process. It is essential to check for prohibited items and follow the guidelines provided by the TSA.
It is worth noting that only U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and not the TSA, has the authority to inspect electronic devices when entering the country. These searches are conducted at ports of entry, and CBP statistics show that out of 420 million arriving international travelers, approximately 47,047 had their electronic devices searched in 2024. The majority of these searches were basic, involving manual content reviews, while "advanced searches" involved specialized tools to extract or copy data from locked devices.
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Prohibited items
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is charged with airport safety and preventing prohibited items and other threats to transportation security. As part of their screening procedures, TSA agents check carry-on luggage for explosives and other dangerous items. Passengers are required to remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from their carry-on bags for X-ray screening.
The TSA has strict guidelines on prohibited items, which include:
- Electronics: All electronic devices larger than a cell phone must be removed from carry-on bags and placed in a bin for X-ray screening. This includes laptops, tablets, and e-readers.
- Liquids: Passengers are not allowed to carry large quantities of liquids or gels onto an aircraft. Any liquids must be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml) and must fit in a single quart-sized plastic bag. This includes drinks, creams, and other similar items.
- Sharp Objects: Sharp objects that can be used as weapons are prohibited. This includes knives, scissors, razors, and any other sharp items.
- Weapons: All types of firearms, ammunition, and explosive devices are strictly prohibited. This also includes realistic replicas of weapons.
- Lighters and Matches: Lighters and matches are not allowed in carry-on luggage. However, passengers are permitted to carry one lighter on their person, but it must be kept on them at all times.
- Bulky Clothing: Passengers wearing bulky clothing, such as large sweaters, ponchos, or oversized hoodies, may be subject to additional screening. It is recommended to inform the officer if you are unable or unwilling to remove such clothing, which may result in further security measures.
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Clothing
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) uses advanced imaging technology and walk-through metal detectors to screen passengers for metallic and non-metallic threats, including weapons and explosives, which may be concealed under clothing. Passengers may decline advanced imaging technology (AIT) screening in favour of a physical screening, which may include a pat-down procedure.
To ensure a smooth screening process, it is recommended that travellers wear clothing without metal and be prepared to remove their belt if it has a metal buckle. Large pieces of metal jewellery should be tucked into carry-on luggage before passing through the security checkpoint. Body piercings should be removed prior to security or travellers should be prepared for a pat-down screening.
It is also advisable to wear clothing that is easy to take on and put back on, as well as easily removable shoes. Travellers should also be aware that firearms are only permitted in checked baggage if they are unloaded, placed in a locked, hard-sided container, and declared to the airline. Marijuana and other items containing THC are not permitted in carry-on or checked luggage.
To reduce the need for additional screening, travellers should pack their bags in neat layers, with shoes, clothes, and electronics separated. All liquids, gels, and aerosols should be packed in a clear bag and placed in the front pocket of carry-on luggage for accessibility.
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Passenger prescreening
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) uses a risk-based passenger prescreening program called Secure Flight to enhance security. This program identifies low and high-risk passengers before they arrive at the airport by matching their names against trusted traveler lists and watchlists. The Secure Flight program collects minimal personal information, such as full name, date of birth, and sex, to conduct effective matching while protecting privacy.
TSA PreCheck is another prescreening program that allows travellers deemed low-risk to expedite their security screening process at over 200 US airports. Members can skip removing laptops, liquids, belts, shoes, and lightweight jackets for separate screening. They also have dedicated lines at the security checkpoint, which means they spend less time waiting in line. The application process involves submitting an online application, attending a brief in-person meeting, providing fingerprints and identification, and paying a $78 fee for five years of membership.
In addition to these formal prescreening programs, TSA employs unpredictable security measures, both seen and unseen, to maintain transportation security. They work closely with intelligence, law enforcement, and international partners to share information and adapt their procedures to evolving threats. TSA also relies on the public to report any suspicious activities, such as unattended bags, individuals with threatening items, or attempts to enter restricted areas. These measures ensure the safety of passengers and prevent prohibited items and threats from entering sterile areas of the airport.
TSA recommends arriving early at the airport to allow sufficient time for the screening process, especially when flying into the US from foreign airports, as these flights may be subject to more extensive screening procedures. Passengers may also request private screening accompanied by a companion, with a same-sex officer always present. TSA utilizes advanced imaging technology and walk-through metal detectors to screen passengers for metallic and non-metallic threats, including weapons and explosives, concealed under clothing.
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Frequently asked questions
The TSA screens approximately 3.3 million carry-on bags for explosives and other dangerous items daily. They also check personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone.
Nervous flyers may want to find ways to calm themselves before going through airport security, such as by meditating or visualizing a calm, safe experience. Acting agitated may attract the attention of a TSA agent.
The TSA PreCheck program allows travelers deemed low-risk to move quickly through security screening at over 200 U.S. airports. Travelers with PreCheck status do not need to remove laptops, liquids, belts, shoes, or lightweight jackets for separate screening.
