TSA Traveler Safety and Luggage Requirements

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) wants you to get through the security checkpoint quickly and then travel on to your destination safely. The TSA officers ask that the traveler become an active partner in the efficiency of the security experience by (1) knowing the rules and by (2) carefully packing your carry-on and checked baggage.

Definitions:

Carry-on baggage is a small piece of luggage you take onboard the airplane with you. You are normally allowed one carry-on and one personal item such as a laptop computer, purse, small backpack, briefcase or camera case. These items will go through the security screening process.

Checked Baggage is luggage you check in at the ticket counter or at the curbside. It will not be accessible during your flight.

Locking Luggage: TSA screens every passenger’s baggage before it is placed on an airplane. While technology allows them to electronically screen bags, there are times when a physical inspection is necessary. If you want to lock your luggage, please use a TSA recognized lock. 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 airports and travel stores nationwide. The packaging on the locks indicates whether they can be opened by TSA. If your baggage alarms and our Security Officers cannot gain access to your checked bag, unrecognized lock may be broken.

Checklist for simplifying your overall security experience:

• Pack an organized carry-on bag using layers. A layer of clothes, then electronic, more clothes, and then any heavier items. This will help security officers see what’s in your bag.
• Have your boarding pass and ID ready for inspection when you get to the checkpoint.
• Remove your coat and shoes and place them in a bin.
• Place any oversized electronics (laptops, full-size video game consoles, DVD players and video cameras that use cassettes) in a separate bin. iPods, mp3 players and other smaller electronics can stay in your carry-on bag.
• Follow the 3-1-1 rule for liquids and put your one quart baggie separately in the bin.
• When in doubt, leave it out. If you’re not sure about whether you can bring an item through the checkpoint, put it in your checked bag or leave it at home.

Common mistakes made at the security checkpoint:

• Not having boarding passes and IDs out for inspection.
• Wearing bulky coats, sweaters and other items that make it difficult for the security officer to screen you properly.
• Wearing shoes or boots with laces or other fasteners that are not easy to remove and put back on.
• Forgetting to take laptops and other oversized electronics out of carry-on bags.
• Forgetting the 3-1-1 rules on liquids, aerosols and gels.
• Forgetting to declare exempt liquids like medicines, breast milk, baby formula and other items.
• Leaving loose change, keys and other metal objects in pockets.
• Bringing gifts that appear on the Prohibited Items list.

If you require any special assistance going through security, please notify a security officer as soon as you enter the checkpoint area.

How Can You Help The Security Process?

• Arrive on time. Arrival time recommendations vary by airline and day of travel, so check with your carrier. A boarding pass and valid government photo ID are required to enter the security checkpoint. Remember to give yourself adequate time to check your baggage and move through security.
• Do not wrap gifts. If a security officer needs to inspect a package they may have to unwrap your gift. Please wait to wrap gifts until you’re at your destination.
• Pets. Please remove all animals from their carrying cases and send the case through the X-ray machine. Hold your pet in your arms and proceed through the metal detector.
• Children. Please take your infants and children out of baby carriers and strollers and take them through the metal detector with you. Strollers and baby carriers go through the X-ray machine with your bags. If possible, collapse your stroller before you get to the metal detector.
• Dress the part. Metal in your clothing may set off the screening machines. Pack coins, keys, jewelry, belt buckles and other metal items in your carry-on bag. Remember that all shoes must be removed and placed in bins. Passengers also need to remove winter coats, blazers, suit coats and bulky sweaters.
• Film. Undeveloped film should go in your carry-on bag. Declare film that is faster than 800-speed to a security officer for physical inspection to avoid being X-rayed.
• When in doubt, leave it out. Bringing prohibited items to the airport will delay the screening process for you and other passengers. If you’re not sure which items are allowed, check the Permitted and Prohibited Items.
• Think before you speak. Belligerent behavior, inappropriate jokes and threats will not be tolerated. They will result in delays and possibly missing your flight. Local law enforcement may be called as necessary.

What Can I Bring?

Air travelers may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in their carry-on bag when going through security checkpoints.

The following rules apply to all liquids, gels, and aerosols carried through security checkpoints.

1. All liquids, gels and aerosols must be in three-ounce or smaller containers. Larger containers that are half-full or toothpaste tubes rolled up are not allowed. Each container must be three ounces or smaller.
2. All liquids, gels and aerosols must be placed in a single, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag. Gallon size bags or bags that are not zip-top such as fold-over sandwich bags are not allowed. Each traveler can use only one, quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag.
3. Each traveler must remove their quart-sized plastic, zip-top bag from their carry-on and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening. X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items.

Exceptions:

There are exceptions for baby formula, breast milk, and other essential liquids, gels, and aerosols, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines (see details below).

To ensure the health and welfare of certain air travelers, in the absence of suspicious activity or items, greater than 3 ounces of the following liquids, gels and aerosols are permitted through the security checkpoint in reasonable quantities for the duration of your itinerary (all exceptions must be presented to the security officer in front of the checkpoint):

• Baby formula, breast milk, and juice for infants and toddlers.
• All prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including KY jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medical purposes;
• Liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition;
• Items used to augment the body for medical or cosmetic reasons such as mastectomy products, prosthetic breasts, bras or shells containing gels, saline solution, or other liquids; and,
• Gels or frozen liquids needed to cool disability or medically related items used by persons with disabilities or medical conditions.

You are allowed reasonable amounts over 3 ounces of the items above in your carry-on baggage, but you will need to perform the following:

1. Separate these items from the liquids, gels, and aerosols in your quart-size and zip-top bag.
2. Declare you have the items to one of our Security Officers at the security checkpoint.
3. Present these items for additional inspection once reaching the X-ray. These items are subject to additional screening.

Note: We have also taken steps to ensure the security of the boarding areas after you pass through our security checkpoints. Therefore, any liquid, gel or aerosol, such as coffee or soda, purchased in the secure area beyond the security checkpoint is allowed aboard your plane. Please note that if you have a layover and are re-screened at your connecting airport the current rules (see above) for carry-ons apply.

Additional Information: You are permitted to bring solid cosmetics and personal hygiene items as such lipstick, lip balm and similar solids. Piercings are not prohibited, but may alarm the metal detectors. Ideally, remove body piercings before security screening.

We ask for your cooperation in the screening process by being prepared before you arrive. We also ask that you follow the guidelines above and try not to over-think these guidelines. Please pack liquids, gels, and aerosols in your checked baggage even if you do not normally check a bag. In addition to liquids, gels, and aerosols numerous other potentially dangerous items are not permitted in carry-on baggage. We strongly encourage travelers to read more about previously prohibited items to avoid complications during screening.

Please keep in mind that these rules were developed after extensive research and understanding of current threats. They are intended to help air travelers bring essential toiletries and other liquids, gels and aerosols for short trips. If you need larger amounts of liquids, gels and aerosols such as toothpaste or shampoo, please place them in your luggage and check them with your airline.

This security regimen applies to all domestic and international flights departing U.S. airports. Travelers should, however, check with transportation security authorities in their country-of-origin for flights originating at non-U.S. airports.

Makeup, Medication, Personal Items & Special Needs Devices

Electronic Devices

Sharp Objects

Sporting Goods

Guns & Firearms

Tools

Martial Arts & Self Defense Items

Explosive & Flammable Materials, Disabling Chemicals & Other Dangerous Items

Food & Drinks

Other Items