Frequently Asked Questions

Primary Q's and A's:

Q: What are Permitted and Prohibited Items?

A: Prohibited items are weapons, explosives, incendiaries, and items that are seemingly harmless but may be used as weapons - the so-called "dual-use" items.  Please refer to the TSA Permitted and Prohibited list  for more information.

Q: How early should I arrive at the airport?

A: Check with your airline or travel agent to determine how early to arrive at the airport. Recommended check-in times differ by airline/airport and change during peak travel times.

Q: How should I pack before my flight?

A: There are different restrictions on what you can pack in your carry-on vs. your checked baggage. All of your baggage will be screened and possibly hand-searched as part of the new security measures.  Please refer to TSA's Prepare For Takeoff web page to find tips to help you pack.

Q: What can I do if my property is lost, missing or damaged during the baggage screening process or at the Security Checkpoint?

A: It is our job to assure you - the passenger - that TSA can and will deliver excellence in security and customer service.  The TSA maintains a full service Contact and Claims Center.  

Q: What do I need to know if I am a Traveler with a Disability or Medical Condition?

A: In order to assist persons with disabilities or medical concerns, TSA has developed guidelines with input from various groups and have trained our airport screeners in the methodology needed to ensure secure and comfortable screening at all Security Checkpoints.  Please refer to the Persons with Disabilities & Mediacal Concerns section of the TSA website for more information.

Checked Baggage Q's and A's:

Q:  Should I lock my luggage?

A: In some cases screeners will have to open your baggage as part of the screening process.  If your bag is unlocked then TSA will simply open and screen the baggage.

However, if you decide to lock your checked baggage and TSA cannot open your checked baggage through other means, then the locks may have to be broken.

TSA suggests that you help prevent the need to break your locks by using a TSA recognized locking mechanism.  TSA is not liable for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes.

Q: Will TSA relock my bag if it is opened for screening?

A: TSA's highly trained screeners will take great care to secure your bag if they need t open it for screening.  If your bag has a TSA recognized locking mechanism, and TSA opens your locked bag, we will re-lock the bag after the screening process.

Q:  How do I transport a Firearm? Ammunition?

A: There are specific regulations governing the transport of firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition.  Please refer to TSA's list of Transporting Special Items for more information.

Security Checkpoints Q's and A's:

Q: What should I expect at the Security Checkpoint?

A: The Passenger Security Checkpoint includes three (3) primary steps you may want to become familiar with.  Please refer to Passenger Security Checkpoints  for more information.

Q: What documents are needed to pass through a Security Checkpoint?

A:  You will need Identification and at most airports, a boarding pass to pass through a Security Checkpoint.  For more details on Identification and how to obtain a boarding pass, please see Access Requirements for more information.

Q: What may happen to me if I bring a prohibited item to a security checkpoint?

A:  If you bring a prohibited item to the checkpoint you may be criminally and/or civilly prosecuted or at the least asked to rid yourself of the item.  Please refer to the TSA list of Permitted & Prohibited Items  for more information.

Q: What may happen to my prohibited item at the security checkpoint?

A: Some Prohibited Items may be detained for use in an investigation and if necessary as evidence in your criminal and/or civil prosecution.  Others may be surrendered as detailed in the  TSA list of Permitted & Prohibited Items .

Q: Can I access the gate area if I am not a passenger?

A: Yes.  There are instances where it will be necessary to accompany a passenger through the Security Checkpoint.  Instances of this can be found on the Access Requirements web page.