Before the Check Point - Top 10 travel tips

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TSA - Before the Checkpoint

Pack smart and start with an empty bag. If you start packing with an empty bag, you are less likely to bring prohibited items to the checkpoint. Not sure what's prohibited? Visit TSA's "What can I bring?" (https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all) webpage. Know the 3-1-1 liquids rule: 3.4 ounces or less per container. 1 quart size clear plastic zip top bag. 1 bag per passenger. Remember, if you can spill it, spray it, spread, pump, or pour it, then it's a liquid and must be in your checked bag. If you are traveling with an infant, most items in your diaper bag are exempt from TSA's 3-1-1 rule. Breast milk, powdered formula, baby food, bottles and sippy cups are all allowed to fly in the passenger cabin of the aircraft. This also goes for liquid and cream medications. Please separate these items into a different bin for screening. If your item alarms additional screening may be required.
Arrive Early. Travelers are taking to the skies in record numbers, so plan to arrive at least two hours prior to your flight's scheduled boarding time to allow enough time to park, navigate to the terminal, check luggage with the airline if needed and go through screening before arriving at your gate. Arrive at least three hours before international flights.
Bring an acceptable ID. Before heading to the airport, make sure you have acceptable identification and make it a REAL ID compliant ID to fly. Visit the TSA website (https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification) to learn which ID's are accepted by the TSA at the entrance to the security checkpoint.
Do you carry a firearm? Prepare Pack Declare If traveling with a firearm, you must properly pack it in a hard sided locked case in your checked luggage and declare it with the airline while checking at the airline counter. Bringing a firearm in your carry-on bag to a TSA checkpoint, even accidentally is expensive and will cause delays for you and others, even if you have a concealed carry permit or live in a constitutional carry jurisdiction. When traveling be sure to comply with the laws concerning possession of firearms as they vary by local, state and international laws.
Be aware of new checkpoint screening technology. Screening protocols vary from airport to airport depending on available technology and the current threat environment. Some airports use the second generation of Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) units to confirm the authenticity of a passenger's identification credentials with an added camera feature. TSA uses this technology to ensure the person standing at the checkpoint is the same person pictured on their ID. Photos are not stored or saved. If a passenger chooses not to have their photo taken, then may have their identity checked manually without penalty or losing their place in line. Several airports have installed Computed Tomography (CT) units, which significantly improves scanning and threat detection capabilities for carry-on bags. In airports with these CT units in place, you do not need to remove your 3-1-1 liquids or laptops, but you must place every carry-on item, including bags into a big for screening.
Travel with ease with TSA PreCheck. Join more than 20 million members benefiting from the TSA PreCheck Trusted Traveler Program. Wait time standards for TSA PreCheck lanes are under 10 minutes, whereas standard screening lanes are 30 minutes and under.
Call ahead to request passenger support. If you or a family member require additional assistance through security screening, you may request a TSA Passenger Support Specialist (PSS). A PSS is a Transportation Security Officer who has received specialized training, including how to effectively assist and communicate with individuals with disabilities, medical conditions or those who need general additional screening assistance. Individuals should request passenger assistance at least 72 hours in advance by contacting our TSA Cares Passenger support line (855) 787 2227. Live assistance is available weekdays 8am to 11pm ET or weekends and holidays from 9am to 8pm ET. An automated service is available 24/7
Text or @AskTSA before heading to the airport. You can get real time assistance by texting questions to 275-872 or through @AskTSA on X or Facebook Messenger. You may also reach the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673
Listen to and respect frontline employees. Pack an extra dose of patience and show gratitude to those working to get everyone safely to their destinations including TSA and airport personnel, gate agents and flight attendants. Please follow instructions from the TSOs when going through security screening. Violence and unruly behavior are not acceptable and result in significant delays at traveler checkpoints. Assaulting a TSA employee is a Federal offence.
Remain aware. Be aware of your surroundings and report suspicious activities. Remember: If you see Something, Say Something.

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