Travel Tips

Travelers should give themselves plenty of time for all steps of their journey, including parking or returning a rental car, checking bags, going through security and making their way to their gate. Passengers should also check with their airlines on flight boarding and checked baggage cutoff times. If you find yourself waiting in a security checkpoint lane, use that time to remove items from your pockets and place them into a carry-on bag.

Bring your REAL ID, passport or other acceptable form of identification and have it out to show the TSA officer at the checkpoint entrance. Passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID at TSA checkpoints may verify their ID using TSA ConfirmID, TSA’s modernized alternative identity verification option. TSA ConfirmID is a fee-based service designed to enhance security and streamline identity verification for air travelers without acceptable forms of ID.

Planning ahead and packing properly can help ease the screening process and your travel experience at the airport. Check out TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” page, which provides guidance on items passengers are allowed to bring in carry-on and checked baggage when traveling by air in the U.S. It covers a wide range of items, including liquids, electronics, food, tools, sports equipment and personal items.

All liquids, aerosols and gels packed in carry-on bags must be 3.4 ounces (100 mL) or less. Travelers must pack certain foods, such as sauces, jam, preserves and wine – which are considered liquids or gels – in checked bags if they exceed 3.4 ounces. If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it or pour it, and it’s larger than 3.4 ounces, it should go in a checked bag. 

It can be stressful traveling with baby gear any time of year. Check out this video for tips on navigating through the security screening process with these items. And don’t forget, if you need assistance, just ask. We’re happy to help!

Passengers should start packing with an empty bag. Make sure all pockets and compartments don’t have any prohibited items in them. Travelers who begin packing with an empty bag are less likely to bring prohibited items through the TSA checkpoint.

One of the more popular questions from travelers is: “Can I travel with my medication?” The answer is yes, with some qualifiers. Here are a few tips you might find helpful:

• It is not necessary to present your medication to notify a TSA officer about any medicine you are traveling with unless it is in liquid form.
• Medication in liquid form over 3.4 ounces (100 mL) is allowed in carry-on bags in reasonable quantities for a flight. Passengers don’t need to place medically required liquids in a zip-top bag. However, you must tell the officer you have medically necessary liquids at the start of the screening process. Medically required liquids are subject to additional screening that may include travelers being asked to open containers.
• You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts if it is screened.
• You may travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. TSA strongly recommends you place these items in your carry-on in the event you need immediate access.
• TSA does not require passengers to pack medicine in prescription bottles; however certain state laws are in place regarding the labeling of prescription medicine, which require passengers to comply.
• TSA officers normally screen passengers’ medication by X-ray; however, if a passenger does not want medicine X-rayed, he or she may ask for a visual inspection. Travelers must make this request before any items are sent through the checkpoint’s X-ray tunnel.
• Nitroglycerin tablets and spray (used to treat episodes of angina in people with coronary artery disease) are allowed.

We know traveling with medical supplies can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially when your medication includes needles and other sensitive equipment. So, here are some tips to help make your trip as smooth as possible.

• Notify TSA officers

When you arrive at the checkpoint, let our officers know about your medical device and any other equipment prior to screening. If you have an insulin pump, glucose monitor or other medical device attached to your body, inform the officers where it is located before the screening process begins. Although not required, you can provide them with a TSA notification card prior to screening to discreetly describe the medical condition.

If you have questions or concerns at any time during the screening process, please ask to speak to a supervisor.

• Screening process

Passengers in standard lanes may be screened by advanced imaging technology, metal detector or a pat-down. If the standard lane does not have advanced imaging technology, or if you are eligible for expedited screening through TSA PreCheck®, you may be screened by a walk-through metal detector. If you do not wish to be screened by technology, inform the TSA officer and they will conduct a pat-down. Pat-downs are conducted by a TSA officer of the same gender, and you may request private screening at any time.

You will not be required to remove any medical devices attached to your body.

• Medical Supplies

If you are traveling with medical equipment or supplies, they will need to undergo separate screening. The TSA officer will check the supplies and conduct any necessary testing. If your medical condition requires it, you are allowed to travel with a juice box or other liquid over 3.4 ounces but be prepared for the liquid to receive additional screening.

If your insulin pump or glucose monitor is attached to your body, the device is subject to additional screening, including visual inspection. You may be required to conduct a self pat-down of the actual device, followed by a test of your hands for any trace of explosives.

Still have questions? Visit our website or AskTSA for additional information.

• TSA Cares

If you have any additional questions or need assistance at the checkpoint, reach out to TSA Cares at 855-787-2227. Simply call 72 hours prior to your trip or visit our TSA Cares website. Knowing more about the process may help relieve stress and anxiety!

TSA encourages passengers traveling with gifts to use gift bags, which they can easily open, or gift boxes with lids they can remove, so TSA officers can inspect those gifts, if necessary, and avoid the possibility of opening fully wrapped presents. Snow globes, a popular item during the holidays, should be in checked bags due to the liquid inside them.

Who doesn’t want to get through security faster? TSA PreCheck allows you to do just that. It’s quick and easy security screening for travelers we know more about – and has earned the esteemed title of “Trusted Traveler.” Applying is easy and once you’re a member- you’ll never want to go back.

The special guide for service members and their families includes travel tips, such as how to prepare, pack and declare a firearm, checkpoint dos and don’ts, and an inside look at some of TSA’s programs and employees, with a special military emphasis.

View Guide

While it’s understandable that travelers want to lock their baggage to protect their personal belongings, it’s also important to understand that TSA officers must be able to inspect baggage and contents when the need arises. That’s where TSA recognized locks come in.

In order to ensure the safe transportation of travelers, TSA screens all checked and carry-on baggage before it is permitted to be brought onboard commercial aircraft. Technology generally enables us to electronically screen bags without opening them, but there are times when we need to physically inspect a piece of luggage. TSA has worked with several companies to develop locks that can be opened by security officers using universal "master" keys so that the locks may not have to be cut. These locks are available at most airports and many travel stores nationwide. The packaging on the locks indicates whether they can be opened by TSA.

In some cases, TSA officers will have to open your baggage as part of the screening process. If your bag is unlocked, then our officer will simply open and screen the baggage if any item alarms. However, if you decide to lock your checked baggage and TSA cannot open it through other means, then the locks may have to be cut. For soft-sided baggage, this process will not damage your zippers or zipper pulls. TSA is careful to not damage any personal belongings, however, we are not liable for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes. Again, that is where the value of the recognized locks come in. Please note that if an officer does need to open your bag, a “Notice of Baggage Inspection” will be place in your bag.

While our officers may have to cut locks from time to time, it’s not the only reason your lock could be missing or damaged. Locks, along with your baggage, can also be damaged by airport conveyor belt systems as shown below:

The image below is a collection of 244 locks pulled from under an airport baggage handling conveyor belt where the two belts come together. These were collected over a period of one month at a New York Airport.

I hope this tip will help you better protect your property and help us keep you safe and secure when flying.

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