How To Get Through TSA Airport Security Easily [Includes Infographics]

Key Takeaways

• TSA requires passengers to follow specific guidelines, such as removing shoes, laptops, and liquids from carry-on bags. Liquids are restricted to containers of 3.4 ounces or less in a quart-sized bag.
• There are exemptions to the liquid rule for prescriptions, breast milk, and medical supplies. These should be clearly labeled.
• TSA PreCheck members benefit from expedited screening, during which they can wear shoes and light jackets and leave laptops in their bags.

For many travelers, getting through airport security is one of the most frustrating aspects of flying. Long lines combined with regulations that seem to change constantly can be anxiety-inducing!

One way to reduce your stress is to dress for the airport in clothes that are easy to take on and put back on. Another is to be familiar with the rules set by the Transportation Security Administration regarding items you want to pack.

Here is more guidance so you can sail through TSA security and get to your gate worry-free.

Before You Leave

Planning ahead and packing properly can help speed up the screening process and ease your travel experience at the airport.

Pack Appropriately

In the U.S., you may bring 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item into the passenger compartment on most airlines. Discount carriers, such as Spirit Airlines, have stricter rules.

Also, make sure that your luggage fits in the allotted baggage space. Each airline has slightly different carry-on size requirements, so make sure to check with your airline for more information.

Liquids and Powders

TSA requires all liquid and gel items to be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less each. Every liquid and gel product you carry into the passenger compartment must meet this requirement and fit into a single, 1-quart, zip-closure, clear plastic bag.

If you must bring larger liquid or gel items, you must place them in your checked baggage unless they are medically necessary or used for your baby (we’ll break down these exemptions below). Anything larger than 3.4 ounces (including bottled water) will be confiscated.

Based on 2018 guidance from the TSA, powders may need additional screening. Consider putting powders into your checked bags unless they are medically necessary.

Hand sanitizer must follow the same allowance of 3.4 oz as other liquids. During the COVID-19 pandemic, TSA had temporarily exempted hand sanitizer in large quantities from this rule, but this is no longer the case.

Bottom Line:

Packing your carry-on appropriately is important to prevent potential delays during the screening.

Medications and Equipment

You can bring prescription medications (liquid or otherwise) through security. You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened. Liquid medications are exempt from normal liquid rules — they are allowed in reasonable quantities for your trip.

Other items allowed are:

• Prescriptions (pills, liquids, etc.) and over-the-counter medical supplies, such as saline solution for contact lenses
• Breast milk and baby formula
• Baby food purees (in pouches, jars, or cans)
• Liquids and gels necessary for a passenger with a medical condition or for toddlers (such as water, juice, or liquid nutrition like Boost)
• Accessories associated with medication, such as ice packs, freezer packs, IV bags, pumps, and syringes
• Mastectomy products and other cosmetic or medical augmentation items that contain gel or liquid

Make sure all medications are clearly labeled. TSA does not require passengers to have medications in prescription bottles, but states have individual laws regarding the labeling of prescription medication with which passengers need to comply.

According to TSA, “It is not necessary to present your medication to or notify an officer about any medication you are traveling with unless it is in liquid form,” as we discussed above.

Hot Tip:

Never put prescription medications in a checked bag — carry on all medications.

Breast Milk

If you’re bringing formula, breast milk, or juice for infants or toddlers, you must notify a TSA officer and then remove these items from your carry-on. They will be screened separately by X-ray, and the liquids may be tested. Also, these items do not have to fit inside a quart-sized bag and can be in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces.

You’re also allowed to carry freezer bags, ice packs, and frozen gel packs to keep your breast milk frozen. As long as these are frozen, you shouldn’t run into any issues with TSA. If these items happen to be partially frozen or slushy, they are subject to the same additional screening but are still allowed.

You may also bring teething items (either gel or liquid-filled) and baby food — whether in cans, jars, or pouches. These items may also be subject to additional screening.

Hot Tip:

You don’t need to travel with your child to bring breast milk.

A breast pump is also considered a medical device by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Since there are no specific guidelines, though, it’s best to check with your specific airline to see if you are allowed to get an extra carry-on item for your breast pump.

Medical Marijuana

TSA released guidance on medical marijuana in May 2019. You are now allowed to bring CBD oil in carry-on bags. This guidance notes that passengers are allowed to carry medical marijuana products and CBD products that have been approved by the FDA. However, CBD products must be derived from hemp to qualify.

The TSA’s new rules still ban other forms of marijuana, including certain cannabis-infused products and CBD oils that have THC, which are still illegal under federal law.

Read our guide on flying with marijuana for more information.

Items That Aren’t Allowed

Many items aren’t allowed through a TSA security checkpoint. While some of these items may seem like common sense, there may be a few surprises:

• Liquids, creams, and gels exceeding the allowance
• Alcohol over 140 proof
• Harsh or corrosive chemicals
• Weapons and ammunition
• Explosives (including fireworks and other flammable items)
• Knives (unless rounded or plastic)
• Medical marijuana and CBD oil (containing THC)

There may be some confusion regarding flying with marijuana and CBD oil (that contains THC). We noted above that TSA released new information about flying with hemp-derived CBD oil.

While some states have legalized forms of marijuana, it is still considered illegal under federal law. TSA is a federal agency and airport screening falls under its jurisdiction. While it may change in the future, you cannot fly with marijuana or other items that contain THC in carry-on or checked luggage.

TSA’s website specifically notes: “TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs, but if any illegal substance is discovered during security screening, TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer.”

For a full list of items that are not TSA-approved, check the TSA website.

Even if an item is permitted, it may still be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns.

Bottom Line:

TSA always makes the final call on whether an item is allowed through security or not. If in doubt, pack the items in your checked luggage, or don’t bring them at all.

For items that you’re not sure about, you can always send a picture or question to AskTSA on Facebook Messenger or X. Agents are available to respond during normal business hours to help you before your trip.

Dress for the Airport

You must remove your jackets and shoes at the security checkpoint and put them into a plastic bin for screening unless you are over 75.

Wear shoes that require minimal effort to take off and put back on — you’d hate to retie those knee-high boots if you’re in a rush! Also, several thousand people walk through the metal detectors each day, so you probably want to wear socks.

Wear clothing and shoes without metal and be ready to remove your belt if it has a metal buckle. Tuck large metal jewelry into your carry-on bag before you go through the security checkpoint.

Put change and keys into your carry-on or empty your pockets into a plastic bin when you arrive at the checkpoint. If you have body piercings, either remove them before you go through security or prepare yourself for a pat-down screening.

Download MyTSA App

The MyTSA app, available for iOS and Android, includes pages that show what you can and can’t bring past security.

It also notes current security wait times, identifies TSA PreCheck lanes in airports, and offers TSA feedback. This is a handy tool to use for judging when you need to arrive at the airport!

Check In Online

Check in online to avoid a long wait at the airport. You can usually check in online 24 hours before your flight, all the way up to an hour before your scheduled departure.

Leave Early

Though TSA does not offer specific recommendations for when to arrive at the airport, the general rule of thumb is 2 hours for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights.

TSA recommends contacting your airline for a better estimate based on your specific day and time of travel. Holidays and weekends are busier than your midday Tuesday flight!

Be sure to factor in traffic to the airport, parking and shuttle transportation, airline check-in, obtaining a boarding pass, and going through the security screening process.

Hot Tip:

You can check the MyTSA app for real-time updates on security wait times and make plans accordingly.

At the Airport

To avoid starting your travel day on the wrong foot, consider these tricks to minimize your time waiting in long airport security lines.

Provide Correct Identification and Documentation

Remember to bring a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or permanent resident card, to the airport. Your ID must show your name, date of birth, gender, and expiration date.

Here are other forms of TSA-approved ID:

The TSA allows expired driver’s licenses to be used at TSA checkpoints for up to a year after expiration.

Have you heard about the upcoming deadline to obtain a REAL ID? It’s important to read up about everything you need to know about REAL ID and how it relates to the documents you need to bring to the airport.

Place your tickets and identification in an easy-to-reach spot so you won’t have to look for them in the security line.

Hot Tip:

Children traveling internationally need a passport! For more information, check out our step-by-step guide on getting a U.S. passport for your baby.

Separate Food Items

Passengers without TSA PreCheck should put their carry-on food into a clear plastic bag and put that bag into a bin. Food items often trigger alarms during the screening process, and separating the food from the carry-on bag lessens the likelihood that a TSA officer needs to open the bag and remove the food for closer inspection.

Trusted Traveler Programs

We wouldn’t be doing our job if we didn’t discuss the absolute fastest ways to get through airport security: Trusted Traveler Programs, or TTP! TSA PreCheck and Global Entry are the most common, but many airports also have CLEAR as well (though CLEAR is not a TTP).

TSA PreCheck has spread to more cities across the U.S. and is now available at over 200 airports and over 85 participating airlines. Members of the program are prescreened and can whiz through security without having to take off their shoes or remove laptops from cases.

According to the TSA, 90% of TSA PreCheck travelers wait in line for less than 5 minutes! We’ve written an extensive guide to TSA PreCheck where you can learn more about the program including costs, requirements, and which credit cards reimburse you for the membership fee!

The U.S. Customs Department’s Global Entry program is another shortcut for frequent international travelers, especially as immigration and customs lines get longer.

Hot Tip:

Global Entry helps international travelers speed through U.S. security and customs on international flights, and membership comes with TSA PreCheck to help you speed through security on domestic flights as well!

CLEAR uses biometrics (your eyes and fingertips) instead of traditional photo identification to help speed you through security checkpoints. This program is not available at all airports, so make sure this would be beneficial to you before signing up.

Just because you are a member of a Trusted Traveler Program does not ensure that you won’t be randomly selected for a search by TSA.

Putting Items in Bins

Unless you have TSA PreCheck, you have to remove various items, such as liquids and large electronics, from your luggage and place them in separate bins before going through security. You also have to remove your shoes, items from pockets, jewelry, and large jackets. You may also be asked to remove snacks and powders for additional inspection — so be prepared for those items to be screened in more detail.

If you’re over 75, you are exempt from removing your shoes and jackets.

Since 2008, the TSA has allowed laptops to remain in bags that meet its checkpoint-friendly design criteria. Laptop bags need to have a designated laptop-only section with no zips, straps, or pockets on either side. When your laptop bag is screened, the laptop must lie flat on the belt, having nothing else with it, and provide an unobstructed view either above or below the laptop.

Note that even if your laptop bag is checkpoint-friendly there is no guarantee that you will not be asked to remove the laptop for screening.

Special Procedures

Travelers using wheelchairs, mobility aids, and other medical devices still need to go through airport screening.

TSA screeners inspect and physically screen wheelchairs and scooters. You need to put smaller mobility aids, such as walkers, through the X-ray machine.

If you use a prosthetic limb or wear a medical device such as an insulin pump, you must inform the TSA screener. You may be asked to undergo a wand inspection or pat-down, but you will not need to remove your medical device.

The majority of insulin pump manufacturers suggest that you do not go through a body scanner and ask for a pat-down instead as they are unsure what effect the small dose of radiation may have on your device.

Hot Tip:

When in doubt, you can always ask TSA for a pat-down screening.

Traveling With Children

The TSA has modified screening rules for children under 12.

You will not be separated from your child and can carry your small child or infant through the detectors or have them in a sling. If a child is capable of walking through the detectors without assistance, they may do so. Children under 12 are exempt from removing their shoes, light jackets, and headwear.

All children’s items including bags, blankets, toys, carriers, strollers, and baskets must be screened by X-ray. If the item is too big to fit through the machine, it will be visually or physically screened by TSA officers.

Traveling With a Pet

Traveling through an airport with an animal can be incredibly complicated and stressful — so much so that we studied which airports are best and worst for pet travel, as well as the best and worst airlines to fly with pets.

All animals must still pass through the security checkpoint.

At a minimum level, be sure to let the TSA officer know that you are traveling with an animal. They will not have to go through the X-ray machine but will have to go through the metal detector or be patted down just like a human.

If your animal has a crate, it has to be passed through the X-ray machine. TSA officers will expect you to control your animal during this process.

Additional Screening

There are other things that may require additional screening. TSA officers sometimes ask to look through luggage or will perform additional screenings of your body.

The best thing to do is to familiarize yourself with TSA rules and processes for screening passengers so you know exactly what to expect and what to do if your screening officer does not follow established procedures.

If you wear a head covering, the TSA typically allows you to keep your head covered during the screening process. However, if your head covering is too concealing, you will be asked to undergo a pat-down screening, which may or may not involve the removal of your head covering.

In this case, be sure to ask the screening official to conduct the pat-down or head covering removal in a screening area away from public view.

Duty-Free Alcohol

Buying 2 bottles of rum at the duty-free shop may save you money, but it may not save you time if you have to change planes after clearing customs.

You need to put those 2 bottles into a checked bag, as the liquids rule still applies to duty-free items (no containers larger than 3.4 ounces). If you have a nonstop flight, you don’t have to worry.

Hot Tip:

Do you have other questions about security screens that we have not addressed here? Check out the TSA website.

Upon Arrival

Once you arrive at your destination, make sure you have everything you brought with you — after leaving the secured area, you will not be able to return.

If you realize that you did leave something, locate the nearest help desk or information booth within the airport. They will be able to help you retrieve any items that may have been left on the plane or in the secured area. You can also contact TSA Lost & Found.

Final Thoughts

It’s never fun standing in long airport security lines, especially if you would rather spend that extra time relaxing in the airport lounge before your flight or if you need to rush to your gate.

Thankfully, with some preparation, getting through airport security can be quick and painless!