Owais Crawford
While most travelers are familiar with the rigorous security checks at airports, some smaller airports in the United States have forgone TSA screening altogether. Airports like Kapalua Airport in West Maui, Hawaii, and PenAir's ANC gate in Anchorage, Alaska, are notable examples. Additionally, certain commercial flights within Alaska and Hawaii also operate without TSA screening. These airports and flights represent exceptions to the norm, as most airports in the country have TSA security measures in place. However, it's worth noting that the TSA is exploring ways to streamline security processes, such as implementing new technology for faster screenings and introducing programs like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR to expedite the security experience for travelers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airports where passengers don't need to pass through TSA security | Anchorage (ANC), Kapalua Airport (JHM) in West Maui |
| Airports where passengers don't need to show their boarding pass | Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), Lihue Airport on Hawai'i's Kaua'i island |
| Airports with new Computed Tomography (CT) x-ray systems | Lihue Airport on Hawai'i's Kaua'i island |
| Airports with CLEAR | A few dozen airports throughout the United States |
| Airports with TSA PreCheck | More than 200 select airports in the U.S. |
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What You'll Learn
Airports with no TSA screening
While there are no airports that completely forgo TSA screening, some US airports and flights do not require TSA screening at all. For example, PenAir 3297 from Dutch Harbor, Alaska, to Anchorage does not require passengers to pass through TSA security. Similarly, flights within Alaska often do not require TSA screening, as air travel is a lifeline for locals due to the state's size and topography. In Hawaii, Kapalua Airport (JHM) in West Maui does not have TSA screening for Mokulele Airlines' Cessna Grand Caravan flights, which carry just nine passengers.
Although not completely eliminating TSA screening, some airports have implemented new technologies to streamline the security process. For instance, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) and 227 other airports have installed new Computed Tomography (CT) x-ray systems. These scanners allow passengers to keep liquids and laptops in their luggage, expediting security lines. Additionally, TSA PreCheck is available at select airports, allowing passengers to keep liquids and laptops in their carry-on bags and keep their shoes on during screening. Clear, a newer program available at a few dozen airports, uses facial recognition and fingerprint scans to verify passenger identities, bypassing the need to show IDs at security checkpoints.
While there is no comprehensive list of airports with new CAT security systems, the TSA is actively working to enhance airport security and streamline processes. Passengers can benefit from faster security checks and a more efficient travel experience through these technological advancements and programs like TSA PreCheck and Clear.
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Airports with TSA PreCheck
As of 2025, TSA PreCheck is available at more than 250 airports and with 100+ airlines. The program allows pre-approved, low-risk travellers to expedite security. According to the Transportation Security Administration, 99% of TSA PreCheck users have a wait time of less than 10 minutes when going through airport security.
TSA PreCheck users can avoid long airport security lines and the process of taking off their shoes and removing laptops, liquids, and other items from their carry-on bags. The service costs $78 to sign up and $70 to renew (membership lasts five years).
Some of the airports that offer TSA PreCheck are:
- Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
- Lihue Airport on Hawai'i's Kaua'i island
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- T. F. Green International Airport (PVD)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
- St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE)
- Albert J. Ellis Airport (OAJ)
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT)
- Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
- St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)
- General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (PIA)
It is important to note that while the airport you are travelling through may offer TSA PreCheck, you should ensure that the airline you are travelling with participates in the program. Most major carriers, domestic and foreign, participate, and some smaller airlines also do. However, some low-cost carriers, such as Breeze Airways and Spirit Airlines, do not offer TSA PreCheck.
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Airports with CLEAR
CLEAR is a privately-run company that helps travellers expedite screening procedures at designated public places. It uses biometric details to verify your identity for security. CLEAR members do not have to wait in line for a TSA agent to check their passport or license; instead, they move via a separate security lane with specialized kiosks. CLEAR Lanes are not available at every airport, but there are CLEAR locations in over 55 airports across the world, with 74 airports in the US alone.
CLEAR can be used in the same way at select US arenas and stadiums, to shorten your wait for a rental car, or to verify your identity on LinkedIn. Some stadiums also have a dedicated CLEAR lane where members can enjoy expedited entry, though they will still be required to undergo physical security for bag checks.
CLEAR Plus membership can be purchased for $189 or $199 annually per passenger. It can be bundled with TSA PreCheck for a potential discount. CLEAR Plus members will find dedicated lanes where a CLEAR Ambassador will help them scan their fingerprint, eye, or face and their boarding pass.
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
- Gerald R. Ford International Airport
- John F. Kennedy International Airport
- Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport
- Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport
- St. Louis Lambert International Airport
- William P. Hobby Airport
- Amsterdam (AMS)
- Calgary (YYC)
- Denver (DEN)
- Edmonton (YEG)
- Frankfurt (FRA)
- Halifax (YHZ)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- London Luton (LTN)
- Minneapolis (MSP)
- Montreal (YUL)
- New York (JFK)
- Orlando (MCO)
- Phoenix (PHX)
- Rome (FCO)
- Seattle (SEA)
- Toronto (YYZ)
- Vancouver (YVR)
- Hartford (BDL)
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Airports with new CT x-ray systems
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been working to enhance aviation security by procuring and deploying new computed tomography (CT) X-ray systems at airports across the United States. As of March 2025, the TSA had installed new CT X-ray scanners at over 200 security checkpoints, with a total of 983 CT units in 254 airports nationwide. The TSA plans to continue adding more CT scanners, with a goal of full integration at US airports by 2035-2040.
The new CT X-ray technology offers significant advantages over traditional X-ray systems. It utilizes advanced three-dimensional rotatable X-ray images, enabling screening officers to more easily analyze bag contents and detect prohibited items, such as explosives, liquids, and other potential threats. This technology improves the accuracy and efficiency of the screening process, enhancing overall airport security. Additionally, passengers benefit from reduced restrictions on carry-on items, no longer needing to remove laptops, liquids, or electronics from their baggage.
One notable example of an airport equipped with CT X-ray technology is Oakland International Airport (OAK) in California. OAK has implemented CT screening machines, joining over 250 other airports in the United States that have adopted this advanced security measure.
While the new CT scanners offer improved security and convenience for passengers, there have been some concerns about longer lines and wait times during the initial rollout. The TSA acknowledges that the transition to the new technology may cause temporary delays as both passengers and TSA officers adjust to the updated screening process. However, as passengers become familiar with the new procedures and the technology becomes more widely adopted, the TSA expects the lines to ease over time.
The deployment of CT X-ray scanners is part of a larger effort by the TSA to enhance aviation security and improve the passenger experience. The TSA has invested significantly in this technology, awarding contracts totaling hundreds of millions of dollars to companies like Analogic, IDSS Holdings, and Smiths Detection Incorporated for the procurement and maintenance of CT X-ray systems. These companies are providing a range of base-size, mid-size, and full-size CT units to meet the diverse needs of different airport checkpoints.
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Airports with non-TSA security
While there is no definitive list of airports that don't use TSA, there are some US airports that don't require any security screening at all. For example, PenAir's ANC gate in Anchorage, Alaska, does not require passengers to pass through security screening. Similarly, Kapalua Airport (JHM) in West Maui, Hawaii, doesn't have TSA screening for Mokulele Airlines' Cessna Grand Caravan flights.
In addition, certain programs and technologies are making the airport security process more efficient and streamlined. For instance, TSA PreCheck allows passengers to keep liquids and laptops in their carry-on bags and keep their shoes on, expediting the security process. Clear, a newer program, uses facial recognition and fingerprint scans to verify passengers' identities, eliminating the need to show ID at security checkpoints.
Furthermore, enhanced technology allows TSA agents to confirm passengers' flight details by scanning their government-issued IDs, removing the need to present a boarding pass at select airports. As of April 2024, this new technology has been installed in 228 airports across the country, including Lihue Airport on Hawai‘i’s Kauaʻi island.
While not directly eliminating TSA involvement, these programs and technologies streamline the security process, reducing wait times and enhancing efficiency for travellers.
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Frequently asked questions
Some US airports don't require TSA screening at all. These include Kapalua Airport (JHM) in West Maui and PenAir's ANC gate in Anchorage, Alaska.
TSA PreCheck is a service that offers expedited security checks at more than 200 select airports in the US. It costs $78 to sign up and $70 to renew (membership lasts five years). With TSA PreCheck, you can keep liquids and laptops in your carry-on bags and keep your shoes, light jacket, and belt on.
It is important to come prepared with the necessary documents, such as your boarding pass, proper form of identification, and passport for international travel. Keep these items easily accessible in a pocket or an outer compartment of your bag. Additionally, you can use the "What can I bring?" feature on the TSA website or the MyTSA app to check what items are allowed and how they should be packed.
