The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for screening all passengers, carry-on baggage, and checked baggage at the nation’s airport security checkpoints. This page provides information about what to expect when traveling within the United States.
What To Expect From TSA Screening
Arrive at the airport early.
Before you enter the security checkpoint, remove all metal items such as coins, jewelry, watches, belt buckles and other metal objects from your person.
All persons are subject to a walkthrough metal detector and/or hand-held metal detector check. You may be asked to lift clothing away from your body for additional screening if necessary.
Going through security is a breeze for most domestic travelers. This blog will help you to understand what you can expect when traveling through a U.S. airport and how to prepare for TSA screening at the airport.
TSA offers several resources to help you better understand what is expected of you during the screening process and what you can do to assist in completing the screening more quickly. These include:
The Traveler’s Checklist
What Can I Bring?
What NOT to Bring
3-1-1 Liquids Rule
Traveling with Kids
What does this mean for me? You should arrive at the airport with proper identification and allow enough time for yourself to navigate through the airport process, including check-in, baggage check (if applicable), potential wait times in line and boarding your flight.
The TSA has a website that details what is to be expected when traveling. In pre-screening, the TSA will collect your identification and boarding pass, along with bags that are to be checked. They then guide you through the metal detector, and if you set it off, they will use a metal detecting wand. If this wand also sets off (like if you have a metal knee replacement or some such thing), they will pat you down to make sure you’re not hiding anything.
If something weird happens, like if they think you’re hiding something in a body cavity, they can get medical doctors to look up there (and if you refuse, they can force the issue), but that’s very rare.
If the X-ray machine sees something suspicious in your carry-on bag, they will go through it by hand and/or with a chemical detector.
Our mission is to protect the nation’s transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce. Our task is daunting, but we are up to the challenge.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created in the wake of September 11, 2001, to strengthen the security of the nation’s transportation systems and ensure the freedom of movement for people and commerce. TSA uses a risk-based strategy and works closely with transportation, law enforcement and intelligence communities to set the standard for excellence in transportation security.
As an agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, our highest priority is to prevent terrorist attacks against Americans by working with our partners in law enforcement and intelligence. We accomplish this by staying ahead of evolving threats, employing cutting-edge screening technology, ensuring that federal security directives are implemented effectively at our nation’s airports and using intelligence-driven strategies to keep them safe. At the same time, we work to ensure that all passengers are treated with respect and courtesy as we strive to make air travel as safe as possible without sacrificing privacy or civil liberties.
In fulfilling these duties, we constantly seek new ways to improve our operations while implementing programs across a wide spectrum of aviation security activities — from access control at airport gates to cargo screening on aircraft and baggage handling
If you plan to travel by air in the United States, you will be screened by TSA. The agency was created in response to the terrorist attacks of 9/11, and is charged with preventing another such attack.
There are several types of screening that may be used at different stages of your travel experience. All passengers must pass through screening to enter the secure part of an airport. After that, they are directed to a checkpoint where they pass through a metal detector or other screening device.
TSA Pre✓™ is an expedited screening program that allows pre-approved travelers to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belt, keep their laptop in its case and keep 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in a carry-on bag. There is no guarantee Pre✓™ lanes will always be available at every airport, so please allow extra time for checkpoints not designated as Pre✓™.
The following items are prohibited from aircraft and should not be brought to the checkpoint: guns & firearms, stun guns/shocking devices, explosives, flammable items, knives & sharp objects. Review the complete list of prohibited items (http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/prohibited-items).
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for security at U.S. airports. This includes the screening of passengers, baggage and crew members who are entering secure areas of the airport, as well as ensuring that no prohibited items are brought aboard an aircraft.
The agency was created in 2001 as part of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act and is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
In addition to its role at commercial airports, TSA also oversees security inspections at certain railroads and ports; provides training for state, local and tribal security officials; and works with foreign governments to protect the U.S.’s transportation infrastructure abroad.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is an agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that has authority over the security of the traveling public in the United States. It was created as a response to the September 11 attacks.
TSA screeners provide security for passengers at U.S. airports. Their primary mission is to prevent any deadly or dangerous objects from being transported onto an aircraft. The TSA screens all commercial airline passengers and crew members before they enter the secure boarding areas at airports. They use sophisticated technology and procedures to identify dangerous objects such as weapons or explosives. In addition to screening passengers and baggage, screeners provide support for air marshals, oversee airport access control, conduct random gate screening, manage passenger identification documents and perform behavioral assessment activities. Screening procedures are intended to prevent any object from being smuggled aboard an airplane that could be used to injure or kill people or be used as a weapon against the aircraft itself.