Travelers & Consumers
Will TSA relock my bag if it is opened for screening?
If TSA screeners open your bag during the screening procedure they will close it with a security seal. In addition TSA will place a notice in your bag alerting you to the fact that TSA screeners opened your bag for inspection. Our highly trained screeners will take great care to secure your bag for the rest of your trip.
Should I lock my luggage?
In some cases the TSA will have to open your baggage as part of the screening process. If your bag is unlocked then TSA will simply open the bag and screen the bag. However if the bag is locked and TSA needs to open your bag then locks may have to be broken. Therefore TSA suggests that you help prevent the need to break your locks by keeping your bag unlocked. In the near future TSA will provide seals at the airport for you to use to secure your luggage as an alternative to locking your bag. Until that time you may want to consider purchasing standard cable ties to secure your bags if it has zippers.
Is the check-in procedure different now that TSA is screening all checked baggage?
This depends on the airport from which you are departing. If you are at an airport where the screening equipment is "behind the scenes " you will not notice any difference. In many airports you will see screening equipment in the lobby. Unless you see signs directing you otherwise go to the ticket counter to check-in with your airline. In a limited number of airports you will be directed to proceed to baggage screening before you check-in with your airline. Please watch for these signs and other instructions to ensure that you go the correct line.
Are there any tips on packing that will help me save time at the airport?
There are some tips that will help you to speed your trip through the screening process:
1. Don't put film in your checked baggage as the screening equipment will damage it.
2. Consider putting personal belongings in clear plastic bags to reduce the chance that a TSA screener will have to handle them.
3. Pack shoes boots sneakers and other footwear on top of other contents in your luggage.
4. Avoid over-packing your bag so that the screener will be able to easily reseal your bag if it is opened for inspection. If possible spread your contents over several bags. Check with your airline or travel agent for maximum weight limitations.
5. Avoid packing food and drink items in checked baggage.
6. Don't stack piles of books or documents on top of each other; spread them out within your baggage.
What can I do if my property is lost, missing or damaged during the baggage screening process?
TSA screeners exercise great care during the screening process ensuring that your contents are safely returned to your bag each time it needs to be opened. If your property is lost, missing or damaged during the screening process you may file a claim with the Claims Office, Transportation Security Administration, TSA Headquarters, West Bldg., 8th Floor, 601 S. 12th Street (TSA-2), Arlington, VA 22202-4220. You may submit your claim by completing a SF-95 (claim form) which can be downloaded from the Travelers & Consumers' Passenger Resources - Travel Tips section. TSA will assess any claims made to TSA on an individual basis.
Can I still transport a firearm in checked baggage?
Subject to state and local restrictions on transporting firearms you may still transport a firearm in your checked baggage. However you should first check with your airline or travel agent to see if firearms are permitted in checked baggage on the airline you are flying. Ask about limitations or fees if any that apply. Firearms carried as checked baggage MUST be unloaded packed in a locked hard-sided gun case and declared to the airline at check-in. Only you the passenger may have the key or combination. Ammunition may be packed in the same locked container as the firearm so long as it is not loaded in the firearm. Small-arms ammunition must also be declared to the air carrier and placed in an appropriate container ? securely packed in fiber wood or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amount of ammunition. In addition small-arms ammunition must also be declared to the air carrier and placed in an appropriate container: "securely packed in fiber wood or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition." Ammunition may be packed in the same locked container as the firearm so long as it is not loaded in the firearm.
Will all checked baggage be screened on January 1?
The TSA will be screening all checked baggage on January 1 using several methods. Some of the screening equipment will be visible in the lobby while other equipment will be "behind the scenes." Whether you see differences or not please be assured that all checked bags will be screened.
What about ammunition?
Ammunition is NOT permitted in your carry-on baggage but depending on the policy of your airline may be included with your checked baggage. Check with your airline or travel agent to see if ammunition is permitted in checked baggage on the airline you are flying. If ammunition is permitted it must be declared to the airline at check-in. Small arms ammunitions for personal use must be securely packed in fiber wood or metal boxes or other packaging specifically designed to carry small amounts of ammunition. Ask about limitations or fees if any that apply.
What may happen to me if I bring a prohibited item to a security checkpoint?
You may be criminally and/or civilly prosecuted or at the least asked to rid yourself of the item. A screener and/or law enforcement officer will make this determination depending on what the item is and the circumstances. This is because bringing a prohibited item to a security checkpoint-even accidentally-is illegal.
What may happen to my prohibited item at the security checkpoint?
Your prohibited item may be detained for use in an investigation and if necessary as evidence in your criminal and/or civil prosecution. If permitted by the screener or law enforcement officer you may be allowed to: consult with the airlines for possible assistance in placing the prohibited item in checked baggage withdraw with the item from the screening checkpoint at that time make other arrangements for the item such as taking it to your car or voluntarily abandon the item. Items that are voluntarily abandoned cannot be recovered and will not be returned to you.
What are prohibited items?
Prohibited items are weapons explosives incendiaries and include items
that are seemingly harmless but may be used as weapons-the so-called "dual use" items.
You may not bring these items to security checkpoints without authorization.
A non-exclusive list of prohibited items is available at
www.tsa.dot.gov.
Can I access the gate area if I am not a passenger?
1) UNACCOMPANIED CHILD ELDERLY PERSON OR SPECIAL NEEDS: If you are going to assist an unaccompanied child elderly person or person with special needs through the security checkpoint you will need to get a gate pass/authorization at the airport ticket counter of your airline. 2) FREQUENT FLYERS CLUBS AND LOUNGES: When airline and airport clubs and lounges are located beyond the passenger security checkpoint passengers without tickets should contact their airline representative to gain access. Accecss to the security checkpoints is controlled by the airlines. In regards to Frequent Fliers Clubs and Lounges when airline and airport clubs and lounges are located beyond the passenger security checkpoint passengers without tickets should contact their airline representative to gain access. Access to the security checkpoints is controlled by the airlines.
How early should I arrive at the airport?
Check with your airline or travel agent. Recommended check-in times differ by airline and airport.
Can I transport guns or firearms?
Guns and firearms are NOT permitted in your carry-on baggage but depending on the policy of your airline they may be included with your checked baggage. Check with your airline or travel agent to see if firearms are permitted in checked baggage on the airline you are flying. Firearms carried as checked baggage MUST be unloaded packed in a locked hard-sided gun case and declared to the airline at check-in. Only you the passenger may have the key or combination.
