Owais Crawford
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for transitioning passengers through airport security checkpoints. TSA PreCheck is a government-run program that allows members to use expedited security lanes at over 200 US airports. Members can speed through security without removing their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets. To obtain TSA PreCheck, individuals must submit an online application and attend an in-person appointment at a Transportation Security Administration Enrollment Center. TSA PreCheck lines are typically short, with 96% of passengers waiting less than five minutes in September 2021.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Transition passengers through the airport’s security checkpoints |
| Screening procedures | Prevent prohibited items and other threats to transportation security from entering the sterile area of the airport |
| Carry-on baggage screening | Screens approximately 3.3 million carry-on bags for explosives and other dangerous items daily |
| 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 members to use expedited security lanes at more than 200 U.S. airports |
| Global Entry | Includes all the benefits of TSA PreCheck, plus the ability to avoid the general customs line when returning to the U.S. from abroad |
| CLEAR | Gets you to the front of the screening line |
| Real ID | Starting May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state-issued enhanced driver’s license |
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TSA PreCheck
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for transitioning passengers through airport security checkpoints. TSA PreCheck® is a programme that allows low-risk travellers to speed through security without removing their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets from their carry-on luggage. This expedited screening process significantly reduces waiting times, with about 99% of TSA PreCheck® passengers waiting less than 10 minutes.
To enrol in TSA PreCheck®, individuals can start their application online or walk into any enrolment location. The application process typically takes just 5 minutes to complete. Applicants can select any enrolment provider based on cost, locations, and additional benefits, with some providers offering access to hundreds of enrolment centres and events daily. Costs for enrolment vary by provider.
Once approved for TSA PreCheck®, travellers will be able to keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on during screening. Electronics and liquids that comply with the 3-1-1 rule can also remain in their bags. It's important to note that TSA uses unpredictable security measures, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening. TSA PreCheck® is particularly useful for families, as children 17 and under can join an adult with TSA PreCheck® when indicated on the child's boarding pass.
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Secure Flight
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for transitioning passengers through airport security checkpoints. The TSA's screening procedures are intended to prevent prohibited items and other threats to transportation security from entering the airport and, ultimately, an aircraft.
To protect privacy, the Secure Flight program collects the minimum amount of personal information, such as full name, date of birth, and sex, necessary to conduct effective matching. Personal data is collected, used, distributed, stored, and disposed of according to stringent guidelines and all applicable privacy laws and regulations.
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Screening procedures
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) implements a layered approach to security screening at airports to prevent prohibited items and threats to transportation security from entering sterile areas. Here are the key screening procedures:
Secure Flight
Secure Flight is a risk-based passenger pre-screening program that identifies potential threats before passengers arrive at the airport. It matches passenger names against trusted traveler lists and watchlists while collecting minimal personal information to protect privacy. This program helps identify low-risk passengers eligible for expedited screening (TSA PreCheck®), individuals requiring enhanced screening, and those receiving standard screening.
Carry-on Baggage Screening
TSA screens approximately 3.3 million carry-on bags daily for explosives and dangerous items. Passengers must remove personal electronic devices larger than cell phones, such as laptops and tablets, from their bags for separate X-ray screening.
Passenger Screening
All travellers are screened, and the TSA uses unpredictable security measures throughout the airport. Standard screening requires removing all items and placing them on the X-ray belt for inspection. TSA PreCheck® allows eligible travellers to keep their shoes, light jackets, and belts on while carrying approved liquids and laptops through screening.
Special Assistance
TSA Cares is a helpline that assists travellers with disabilities, medical conditions, or other special circumstances during the security screening process. Passengers can contact TSA Cares 72 hours before travelling to understand screening policies, procedures, and expectations. Wounded warriors, injured service members, and veterans can also request expedited screening through TSA Cares.
Locks
TSA has master keys to open certain branded luggage locks without cutting them. These locks are commercially available, and their packaging indicates that TSA officers can open them. However, TSA may still need to remove these locks during inspections.
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Suspicious activities
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for transitioning passengers through airport security checkpoints. TSA uses unpredictable security measures throughout the airport, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening.
TSA has a list of criteria that agents use to select passengers for additional screening. These include pat-downs, questions, and investigations by law enforcement personnel. The appearance of the list came one day after the American Civil Liberties Union sued TSA for details of the behavior-detection program, known as Screening Passengers by Observation Techniques.
According to the list, signs of stress, fear, and deception earn travelers one, two, and three points, respectively. Many of these characteristics are common enough to cause self-consciousness for the average traveler. For example, arriving late or whistling as you approach a screening area can earn you a point, while repetitive grooming gestures or tightly gripping a bag can earn you two points. Appearing confused or disoriented earns three points. Under the criteria, a passenger could be sent for additional screening for arriving close to departure time and looking puzzled about where to find their gate—a total of four points.
TSA counts on the traveling public to report unattended bags or packages, individuals in possession of a threatening item, and persons trying to enter a restricted area or similar suspicious activities. TSA's screening procedures are intended to prevent prohibited items and other threats to transportation security from entering the sterile area of the airport. TSA screens approximately 3.3 million carry-on bags for explosives and other dangerous items daily.
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TSA Cares
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for transitioning passengers through airport security checkpoints. TSA Cares is a helpline that provides travellers with disabilities, medical conditions, or other special circumstances with additional assistance during the security screening process.
While TSA Cares can provide additional assistance, there have been mixed experiences reported by travellers. Some individuals have reported helpful TSA agents who provided a smooth screening experience. However, there have also been reports of inconsistent experiences between different airports and even shifts at the same airport. In some cases, travellers have reported a lack of awareness or understanding of the TSA Cares program among TSA agents, leading to potential accessibility issues during busy days at the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for transitioning passengers through the airport's security checkpoints. TSA PreCheck is a program that allows members to use expedited security lanes at over 200 US airports.
To get TSA PreCheck, you need to submit an online application and then schedule an in-person appointment at a Transportation Security Administration Enrollment Center. If approved, you will be given a Known Traveler Number, which you will enter when booking a flight.
With TSA PreCheck, you can speed through security without removing your shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets.
