While most travelers are required to remove certain items of clothing in the screening lane, individuals 75 and over are permitted to keep all clothing on their person. In the event of any sort of alarm, security may require the removal of shoes for further screening, but short of such an occurrence, all older passengers are permitted this exemption.

Alcoholic beverages that are 140 proof or higher — meaning that the drink contains 70% alcohol or greater — are forbidden not only in carry-on luggage, but also in checked bags. Alcoholic beverages under this proof limit are permitted in carry-on luggage assuming they fit in a 3.4-ounce bottle or smaller; larger bottles must be checked.

According to TSA regulations, all small pets traveling with their owner must be brought to the security checkpoint contained within a hand-held carrier. The pet is then removed from the carrier for screening, at which point the carrier passes through the X-ray machine while the pet is given a visual inspection.

If you have an SSSS printed on your boarding pass, that means you’ve been randomly chosen for a Secondary Security Screening Selection. This enhanced screening process means further examination of your body and personal items, and often involves the passenger being separated from the general boarding line to an adjacent review area.

It’s important to check the guidelines about what items are and aren’t allowed in carry-on luggage before arriving at the airport. Permitted items include things such as cowboy spurs, batteries, fishing poles, lighters, and more — while things such as razor blades, brass knuckles, and fishing hooks must be left out of any carry-on bags.

Children 12 and under are subject to modified TSA screening procedures, and TSA officers will consult with parents to ensure that the child is treated fairly and appropriately. Children who are 13 and older, however, are subject to the same TSA screening procedures as adults and are given no exemptions based on their age.

While standard driver’s licenses have long been used for domestic travel, the Department of Homeland Security will start requiring domestic passengers to present a REAL ID license — which meets stricter identification requirements — beginning in 2025. Domestic travelers may also use their passport or passport card instead of a REAL ID.

On random occasions, the TSA will swab a passenger’s hand to determine if they’ve been in contact with any trace elements of explosive material. These swabs are analyzed for nitroglycerin and other chemicals that may be used in crafting explosives.

Passing through security can be a time consuming process, which is why the TSA advises arriving two hours prior to any domestic flight to allow for sufficient screening time. For international flights, the TSA recommends arriving three hours beforehand. If traveling during peak hours or holiday seasons, the agency suggests allotting extra time.

Firearms are only permitted on airplanes if they are contained within a passenger’s checked baggage. Each firearm must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container to ensure that it remains safe and inaccessible during the flight. It’s important to declare each firearm, as being caught with an undeclared weapon could result in significant penalties.

CLEAR is a method of bypassing security in a faster manner that can be found at several U.S. airports as well as large venues across the country. CLEAR members have their identities verified through their fingerprints or eye image scans, allowing them to pass through dedicated security lines and skip the standard ID check by a TSA officer.

Body scanners are sometimes a dreaded part of the airport experience, but they’re a key tool the TSA uses to determine any potential hidden metallic objects on travelers. The scanners use Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) to conduct these full-body scans, which ensure travelers are safe to board the aircraft before allowing them to proceed.

Per TSA rules, liquids inside containers of 3.4 ounces or less are permitted in carry-on luggage, and must fit inside a one quart-size resealable bag. With a few exceptions, such as certain medications or baby formula, liquids larger than 3.4 ounces must be packed inside checked baggage, as those are not eligible to pass through airport checkpoint security. This rule is known colloquially as the 3-1-1 rule.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection ensures that no illicit or harmful goods are brought into the country. It’s required that passengers declare all agricultural products, as well as any goods purchased overseas, large sums of money, and various other items that may be of interest to customs. While many items are allowed into the U.S., some such as drug paraphernalia are prohibited.

While there are some services that will allow you to skip long lines at the airport, there are no circumstances when it’s acceptable to completely bypass security while traveling on non-private passenger airplanes. If you are in a rush, consider registering for a service such as TSA PreCheck, which will reduce the time you spend waiting.

TSA PreCheck is a verified traveler program that allows for a faster and smoother way to pass through airport security. Those who are verified through PreCheck typically don’t have to remove shoes or laptops from luggage. TSA PreCheck is offered at over 200 airports and by over 85 airlines, as of 2023.

Travelers passing through the standard TSA security lanes at U.S. airports are required to remove their shoes during the screening process. The TSA recommends wearing shoes that are easy to slip off to make the process smoother, though travelers can still keep their socks on.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was formed in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, and became part of the Department of Homeland Security in 2003. With around 65,000 employees, the TSA makes up about a quarter of the entire DHS workforce. Each day, TSA agents screen over 2 million passengers at around 440 airports across the U.S.

When passing through security, travelers should make sure their pockets are completely empty. This not only means removing electronic and metallic items such as your phone, keys, and wallet, but also items such as tissues and paper currency. Upon passing through the screening lane, be sure to check the bins and reclaim all your personal belongings.

A passport is a government issued document permitting the holder to travel internationally. The adoption of passports by every country is a relatively recent phenomenon; widespread use of these documents began during the 19th and 20th centuries. Each passport typically contains a photograph, personal information, and stamps indicating previous travel.