• Place all metal items IN your carry-on baggage before you reach the front of the line.
• Take your computer and video camera OUT of its carrying case and place it in one of the bins provided.
• Take OFF your outer coat or jacket so that it can go through the X-ray machine (you do not need to remove your suit jacket, sport coat, or blazer unless you are asked to do so by one of the passenger screeners).

• Do NOT pack or bring prohibited items to the airport. Read the Permitted and Prohibited Items List.
  • Place valuables such as jewelry, cash, and laptop computers carry-on baggage only. Tape your business card to the bottom of your laptop.
  • Check here for tips on carrying Special Items (Alcoholic Beverages; Camping; Crematory Containers & Deceased Remains; Currency, Coins, Precious Metals or Valuable Jewelry; Firearms & Ammunition; Food & Beverages (through Security Checkpoints); Hunting & Fishing; Knitting Needles, Needlepoint & Sewing; Lighters & Matches; Medications; Musical Instruments; Paintball Equipment; Parachutes; Photographic Equipment & Film; Scuba Equipment; Sporting Equipment)
• Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry, and accessories that contain metal. Metal items may set off the alarm on the metal detector.
• Avoid wearing shoes that contain metal or have thick soles or heels. Many types of footwear will require additional screening even if the metal detector does not alarm.
• Be aware that any metal detected at the checkpoint must be identified. You can save time by not wearing metal items or by placing them in your carry-on baggage before getting in line. Check here for tips on Clothing and Shoes.
• Check here for general packing tips for Carry-On and Checked Baggage.
• Check here for Access Requirements to get to your gate, as well as proper identification.
• Put all undeveloped film and cameras with film in your carry-on baggage. Checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film.
• Declare firearms & ammunition to your airline and place them in your checked baggage.
• If you wish to lock your baggage, use a TSA "Accepted & Recognized" lock.
• Please remember that all fireworks are prohibited on all aircraft.
• Leave all gifts unwrapped. Do not pack wrapped gifts and do not bring wrapped gifts to the security checkpoint. Wrap on arrival or ship your gifts prior to your departure. TSA may have to unwrap packages for security reasons.

• Place the following items IN your carry-on baggage or in a plastic bag prior to entering the screening checkpoint:
  • Mobile phones
  • Keys
  • Loose change
  • Money clips
  • PDA’s (personal data assistants)
  • Large amounts of jewelry
  • Metal hair decorations
  • Large belt buckles
• Take your laptop & video camera with cassettes OUT of their cases place them in a bin provided at the checkpoint.
• Take OFF any outer jackets (you do not have to remove your sport jacket).

Have a safe trip and enjoy your flight!

• Before You Go
• Tips for the Screening Process
• Mobility Disabilities
• Hearing Disabilities
• Visual Disabilities
• Hidden Disabilities
• Pacemakers, Defibrillators, Other Implanted Medical Devices, & Metal Implants
• Supplemental Personal Medical Oxygen and Respirtatory Equipment
• Persons with Diabetes
• Medications
• Assistive Devices and Mobility Aids
  • Prosthetic Devices, Casts, and Body Braces
  • Walkers, Crutches and Canes
  • Augmentation Devices
  • Orthopedic Shoes, Support Appliances, and Other Exterior Medical Devices
  • Dressings
  • Service Animals
  • Children with Disabilities
  • Medical Conditions and Special Situations
  • Military Severely Injured Joint Services Operations Center Program
  
  
  
  TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN
  Every person, regardless of age, must undergo screening to proceed beyond the security checkpoint. Even babies must be individually screened. You will not be asked to do anything that will separate you from your child or children.
  Screeners are specially trained and understand your concerns regarding children. Your children will be approached gently and treated with respect. If your child becomes uncomfortable or upset, you will be consulted about the best approach to resolving your child's concern.
  
  
  The Screening Process
  
  X-Ray
  
  • All carry-on baggage, including children’s bags and items, must go through the X-ray machine. Examples include: diaper bags, blankets, and toys.
  • All child-related equipment that will fit through the X-ray machine must go through the X-ray machine. Examples include: strollers, umbrella-strollers, baby carriers, car and booster seats, backpacks, and baby slings.
  • When you arrive at the checkpoint, you should collapse or fold child-related equipment and secure items that are in the pockets, baskets, or attached to the equipment. You will place these items on the X-ray belt for inspection. Plastic bins are provided to deposit such items.
  • When child-related equipment does not fit through the X-ray machine, the equipment must be visually and physically inspected.
  • Ask screeners for assistance to help reunite you with your bags and child-related equipment, if needed.
  
  
  
  ALERT!
  
  Babies should NEVER be left in an infant carrier while it goes through the X-ray machine.
  
  For information regarding what is permitted or prohibited from being in carry-on luggage, please refer to our prohibited items section.
  
  The Walk Through Metal Detector
  
  The screener will need to resolve the alarm for both the adult and child if something sets off the alarm as you are carrying a child through the metal detector.
  
  • Babies and children must be removed from their strollers or infant carriers so they can be individually screened.
  • You may not pass the child to another person behind you or in front of you during this process.
  • Do not pass your child to the screener to hold.
  • The screener may ask for your assistance with secondary screening of your child.
  • If your child can walk unassisted, it would be best to have the child walk through the metal detector independently.
  
  
  
  Children with a Disability
  If your child has a disability, screeners may ask you what abilities your child has in order to determine the best method for screening (e.g. carry the child through the walk-through metal detector, hand-wand procedure).
  If your child has a disability, screeners will never attempt to remove the child from his or her equipment. This will only be done at the discretion of the accompanying adult.
  
  TIPS Before you reach the airport
  
  • Please allow yourself and your family extra time to get through security – especially when traveling with younger children.
  • Call your airline or travel agent for information on recommended check-in times for your departure airport.
  • Talk to your children before coming to the airport and let them know that it's against the law to make threats such as, "I have a bomb in my bag." Threats made jokingly (even by a child) can result in the entire family being delayed and could result in fines.
  
  
  
  TIPS At the airport
  
  • Speak to your children again about the screening process so that they will not be frightened or surprised. Remind them to not joke about threats such as bombs or explosives.
  • Advise your children that their bags (backpack, dolls, etc.) will be put in the X-ray machine and will come out at the other end and be returned to them.
  • Let your children know that a screener may ask to see Mom or Dad's shoes, but that these too will be returned after the inspection.
  • You may want to consider asking for a private screening if you are traveling with more than one child.
  
  
  
  
  
  Contact TSA
  If you would like to pass on any positive feedback or concerns to TSA regarding your experience you should contact a screener supervisor at the airport. You may also contact the TSA Contact Center toll-free at 1-866-289-9673 or you may also E-mail us at tsa-contactcenter@dhs.gov. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) takes all input very seriously and will respond promptly and appropriately to all complaints or comments.
  
  
  
  
  Customer Service Procedures:
  
  TSA Screeners
  A primary goal of TSA is to treat all passengers with courtesy, dignity, and respect during the security screening processes. In support of this goal, TSA has trained its screeners in the proper treatment of passengers and their belongings. That specialized training includes accommodating passengers with special needs. We have conducted outreach to religious and disability organizations to ensure that our screeners are sensitive to all passengers.
  
  The Process
  TSA has established procedures to minimize the intrusiveness of the screening process for passengers. Though you may be unfamiliar with some of these changes please be assured that they are all based on sound security protocol.
  
  Private Screening
  Your screening may include a hand-wanding procedure and pat-down inspection. You may request a private area for your personal screening. The private area will either be a separate room or an area out of the view of the general public.
  
  Same-Gender Screening
  If you are asked to undergo a personal screening you will be provided a screener of the same gender except in extraordinary circumstances. In some cases you may have to wait for a screener of your gender to conduct the screening. You will be advised if the wait will be more than a few minutes.
  
  Private Baggage Screening
  If it is necessary to open your checked or carry-on baggage TSA will make every effort to do so discretely. At most airports there are tables with sidewalls to protect your privacy.
  TIP: We recommend that you think carefully about what private items you place in your carry-on or checked baggage since your baggage may be opened and searched.
  
  Passengers with Disabilities or Medical Concerns
  If you have a disability medical concern or other special circumstance please refer to the Special Considerations section of the TSA website for details on what you can expect at the passenger security checkpoint.
  You are encouraged to communicate with the screener both before and during the screening process so that the screener is aware of your situation at all times.
  While the procedure may differ slightly in order to accommodate your situation the same level and rigor of screening that is maintained for all passengers will be maintained.
  If you believe that you have been discriminated against by a Transportation Security Administration employee on the basis of: race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or sexual orientation, you may submit in writing an explanation of the complaint, including: the name of the airport, your flight information, date, and time of the incident, and, if possible, the name of the employee to:
  
  Transportation Security Administration
  Director, Office of Civil Rights
  601 South 12th Street – West Tower, TSA-6
  Arlington, VA 22202
  Attn: External Programs Division
  
  
  If you need additional information, you may contact the Office of Civil Rights toll-free at 1-877-EEO-4TSA (4872). You will not reach a live person at this number, but if you leave your name, number, and best time to call you back, someone will return your call.
  
  
  
  Safety Reminder
  
  Do not leave bags unattended. Unattended bags will be immediately confiscated and may be destroyed. Report any unattended items to airport personnel immediately.
  
  
  
  TSA Claims Center
  
  Lost or missing baggage - Contact your airline. Most airlines recommend reporting missing baggage immediately upon arrival.
  
  If you have a lost or missing item which you believe was left at a TSA Screening or Baggage Checkpoint, please call the appropriate Lost & Found Department.
  
  If you have a lost or damaged item AND you believe that TSA was at fault, you should file a claim with the TSA Claims Management Office.
  
  Please note: TSA is unlikely to accept liability for lost or damaged items from baggage that is delayed by your airline.