Questions tagged [tsa]

'Transportation Security Administration', is an agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that exercises authority over the safety and security of the traveling public in the United States.

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14 votes
5 answers
8k views

What can I do if my pomade tin is 0.1 oz over the TSA limit?

I use a pomade I probably couldn't find where I'm traveling. I know the TSA has a 3.4 oz limit to liquids. My pomade tin is 3.5. How do I risk-free deal with this? Use a red marker to get rid of the ...
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9 votes
1 answer
3k views

Are foreigners required to use a passport as ID for domestic flights within the US?

I'm trying to determine whether foreigners (tourists etc, not resident) are required to show their foreign passport as ID when checking in and going through TSA checks when flying domestic within the ...
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5 votes
1 answer
314 views

How to fly within US without Passport/ID/Driver license?

I just turned 18 recently, I have neither of those above and any main form of ID. Can I use my school ID, Naturalized Citizenship certificate, and Vaccination card to fly within US? Specifically LA to ...
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5 votes
1 answer
3k views

Can a non-US citizen board an outbound plane (leave the US) without a passport back to home country?

Let's say I am a foreign student in the United States and I applied for another country's visa at their consulate in Washington DC. They are holding my passport for visa stamp and it takes 6-8 weeks ...
2 votes
2 answers
610 views

Domestic US flights with expired passport

My passport will expire soon and to get a new one I must go back to my home country, which I plan to do in few months. I have a valid Visa until 2023. I would like to travel within the US before going ...
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1 vote
1 answer
225 views

Bringing baby food through TSA

I will be traveling with my son who's under the age of 2. I saw that the TSA allows to bring a reasonable amount of baby food if you're traveling with children. Is Gerber's Lil' Entrees for toddlers ...
3 votes
1 answer
477 views

TSA PreCheck not showing on my wife's boarding pass

I've looked at previous questions regarding this, and solutions seem somewhat varied. The last two times my wife and I have traveled together, she hasn't received the PreCheck notation on her boarding ...
27 votes
5 answers
11k views

Why does the TSA frisk you after having you pass through the scanner?

Why does the TSA frisk you after you have gone through the body scanner? This has happened to me every time I fly and a few times the "frisk" was unannounced. The first time a TSA agent ...
3 votes
1 answer
523 views

Does US CBP or TSA require a notarized consent letter for a minor leaving the US with one parent?

Based on the Customs and Border Protection website, I understand that A single parent entering the US with a child may be asked for a notarized consent letter signed by the other parent, and Some ...
1 vote
1 answer
307 views

Can I arrange for TSA to pre-approve an item for carry-on luggage?

The TSA website gives a list of permitted items for the carry-on. However, they also mention that the final decision lies in the hand of the security agents. Is it possible to ask the TSA to "pre-...
1 vote
1 answer
536 views

Can I bring my desktop parts with me to Canada?

I'm from Philippines and I'll be studying in Canada. I will fly in a week, and I'm suddenly speculating if it's okay to bring my desktop parts as checked-in luggage with me. I have dismantled my parts ...
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3 votes
0 answers
337 views

Why would TSA force me to get patted down in a private room?

Is there a reason why TSA would want to pat me down in a private room? I travel a lot, and I've been patted down many times, but usually they give me a choice between a pat down in the general area or ...
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4 votes
1 answer
334 views

Does SENTRI include TSA Pre-Check for Non-US citizens?

Does SENTRI include TSA Pre-Check for Non-US citizens that are not from one of the following: Colombia, the United Kingdom, Germany, India, Panama, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, and Mexico?
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1 vote
0 answers
353 views

Will a wire frame trekking backpack get past security in the US and EU?

My Gregory backpack contains a 55 cm wire frame, which can be removed (see photo). I would like to take it as carry-on. Could getting past security be a problem in the US or Europe?
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5 votes
2 answers
315 views

How to travel with large amounts of cash?

I know it's required to fill FinCEN 105 for $10,000+ flying internationally. However, I was wondering about my particular situation. I live in the US and plan to sell my art/merch in foreign countries ...
user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
222 views

Will putting prescription bottles in a ziploc bag minimize the risk of TSA agents checking it? [closed]

Suppose I am traveling with medications in prescription bottles, within the USA. Should I put the bottles in a ziploc bag (inside of carry on luggage) to minimize the risk of TSA agents checking it?
1 vote
1 answer
193 views

Taking medications on plane

Suppose person A wants to take medication on a plane. He is traveling with person B who person A doesn't want to know that he is taking medication. Would TSA agents remove the prescription bottles of ...
0 votes
1 answer
179 views

Can I travel without valid ID if I am registered with TSA PreCheck? [duplicate]

US domestic flight. I lost my passport and my flight is in 2 weeks. I have IDs like Student ID, but no other government ID. I am registered with TSA PreCheck though. Would it be possible to still fly ...
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5 votes
3 answers
3k views

Can I bring an 18x6x6 inch Metal Box on Flight?

So I need to travel a very short domestic flight with a handmade box. It has some components I'm not so sure would be allowed through TSA, which are: Metal Rails Electronics Panel Computer Fans with ...
2 votes
3 answers
1k views

PVC pipes in checked baggage

I need to send a PVC pipe in my checked baggage. I want to store a rolled up painting inside it so buying one at my destination isn't a solution or option. I am worried that it looks like a missile or ...
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19 votes
1 answer
4k views

Can I (a US citizen) travel from Puerto Rico to Miami with just a copy of my passport?

I was born in Puerto Rico so I'm a US citizen. I recently lost my driver's license and I can't find my passport. Can I fly to Florida and return to PR with just a copy of my passport? Thanks.
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9 votes
3 answers
4k views

Does the airport security/ TSA know how to open zipperless hardshell luggage?

I have bought a piece of hard-shell zipperless luggage from Carlton, which I will be check-in in during my Europe trip. The locking mechanism of this bag is not based on zippers but on click locks, ...
  • 229
3 votes
1 answer
351 views

Is it possible to check, before I buy an airline ticket, whether the TSA will be able to confirm my identity without normal proof of identity?

I live in the U.S.A., where we may board a regular commercial passenger flight only with the approval of the T.S.A. Passengers are supposed to bring proof of identity with us, and present it when ...
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3 votes
1 answer
273 views

How much hand sanitizer can be taken through airport security in the EU?

The US TSA recently increased the amount of liquid hand sanitizer allowed through airport security to 12oz up from 3.4oz (the usual rule for liquids). What about airport security in the EU? Is there ...
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102 votes
14 answers
16k views

Considerations for very fragile and expensive (> $100,000) items in carry-on luggage

Background: I am a part of a university student team building a CubeSat due to be launched this September. Around mid-June, we will need to transport the CubeSat from its current location in Ohio to ...
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0 votes
1 answer
528 views

Revocation of Global Entry privileges for Customs violation

A couple of years ago, somebody (a US citizen) arriving in the USA from France got pulled over by Customs because of carrying an apple in her hand baggage. She was prosecuted (fined around $500) and ...
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1 vote
1 answer
199 views

LAX terminal 6 to terminal 7 transfer and TSA and immigration

On an Alaska Airlines flight from Puerto Vallarta to LAX terminal 6. Then a United Airlines flight departing from terminal 7 arriving at SFO. It looks like I can walk from Terminal 6 to terminal 7 ...
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4 votes
0 answers
198 views

What do they do if confirmed positive during US airport COVID-19 testing? [closed]

Is there a known policy for what U.S. airport/government employees will do if they test somebody for COVID-19 and find them positive? Further, is this policy dependent upon airport, state, country, ...
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-3 votes
1 answer
208 views

TSA canines and expedited passenger screening

GAO report-18-236 indicates that US TSA passenger screening canines as a useful tool to minimize wait times and meet passenger screening demand surges. Canines are trained to detect explosives on ...
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2 votes
2 answers
2k views

Going through security at Ft. Lauderdale on a connecting flight

This will be my first time traveling out of the country. We will have a layover of 45 mins in Fort Lauderdale before departing to Cancun. Will we have to go through security again in Fort Lauderdale ...
0 votes
1 answer
256 views

Can I buy alcohol in duty free in Belgium and take it in my carry-on luggage through TSA check in Dublin?

I'm soon taking a flight from Brussels to San Francisco with Aer Lingus via the US preclearance in Dublin. I have read elsewhere that it's ok to buy alcohol in duty free shops in Dublin if they are in ...
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4 votes
1 answer
1k views

Do Firearm parts have to be declared and packed separately?

I'm going to be flying with non-serialized gun components. Specifically, a stripped pistol slide and some associated parts. The ATF doesn't consider it a firearm and it is not regulated. There is no ...
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2 votes
1 answer
696 views

Will my brand new sealed laptop be opened for inspection in US airports?

I am getting mixed answers from the web.. I asked my parents to buy me a laptop while they are on a US trip. My mom told me if I would be okay with it being opened/unboxed for inspection in the ...
35 votes
9 answers
28k views

What can I wear to avoid getting frisked and crotch searched by TSA at the airport?

A year ago, traveling through an airport in the United States, I did the usual removal of belt and shoes to get through the TSA checkpoint to enter the terminal. I typically wear relaxed fit jeans. ...
22 votes
2 answers
9k views

How do I reset the TSA-unlocked indicator on my lock?

I have a Lewis N Clark combo lock that has the Travel Sentry feature that allows TSA to unlock it. The lock also has a feature that lets you know if TSA opened it - the TSA keyhole at the bottom will ...
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8 votes
1 answer
2k views

Why does the TSA have a 100ml container rule for liquids when I can put the same liquid in all of the containers?

Yes, this is similar to another question, but, judging from the answers, maybe the OP wasn't clear enough in their question. According to the TSA's 3-1-1 rule, you can bring (in your carry-on baggage) ...
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26 votes
1 answer
10k views

TSA asking to see cell phone

Traveling in the US. My plane ticket showed TSA precheck, so I was able to keep shoes on. I put everything in my book bag/ carryon, and ever the paranoid person, asked my wife to go first and grab ...
13 votes
1 answer
4k views

Get back to US from Canada without passport

Im 18, never had a passport, and crossed US-Canada Border last month by car using my Vermont Enhanced Drivers License. My plan was to drive to Alaska and fly home from there, but an unexpected family ...
  • 131
17 votes
3 answers
7k views

Party going through airport security at separate times?

We have booked as a group of 5 people under one booking through Frontier Airlines. Four of us will be arriving together and the 5th person will be arriving alone. Is there anything that says all 5 of ...
1 vote
0 answers
117 views

UK Customs or TSA removed my TSA lock but didn't leave a note or return the lock, what can I do? [duplicate]

I flew to the US on a business trip last month, and locked my soft suitcase with a TSA lock. I did the same on the flight back, but when I got my bag off the carousel at Heathrow there was no lock, no ...
10 votes
2 answers
2k views

What's the point of DHS warning passengers about Manila airport?

I've seen the following warning printed next to all TSA checkpoints in a US airport: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced the determination that aviation security at Ninoy ...
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2 votes
1 answer
241 views

sturdy, metallic chess clock as carry-on baggage

I am an amateur chess player and I am considering flying from the US to Europe with the following chess clock: https://www.amazon.com/Chronos-GX-Touch-Chess-Clock/dp/B0015V3ZZ0 I am a concerned that ...
3 votes
1 answer
455 views

Can I bring gold sheet face masks in my carry on?

I have a few of these face masks individually sealed and wrapped. Can I bring these in my carry on as it contains a small amount of liquid to keep them wet? (similar to the way we can bring baby wipes?...
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1 vote
2 answers
681 views

Disable TSA lock allowed?

I will be traveling from the Netherlands to Poland. I have a seperate TSA lock, but it is well known that those have a vulnerability because one can get easily hold of the TSA master key. I want to ...
  • 121
32 votes
6 answers
6k views

Will TSA allow me to carry a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)/sleep apnea device?

When traveling with a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) medical device (commonly used for sleep apnea), will it need to be removed from your carry on bag when going thru security with TSA Pre-...
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2 votes
1 answer
129 views

I'm a resident of Maryland and my state is Compliant with Real ID, can I still use my old ID to fly?

I have a trip coming up at the beginning of next month where I need to fly and I need to know if, since my state is compliant with Real ID, do I need to update my card or will my old ID still get me ...
3 votes
1 answer
893 views

Screwdrivers, scalpel and knife in checked baggage

I will be traveling from US to Europe in 2 weeks and wanted to buy toolkit from iFixIt which contains knife, scalpel and screwdrivers. Am I allowed to put it in the checked baggage? I was thinking ...
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2 votes
1 answer
106 views

Transferring flights at LAX from United to New Zealand Air

Will I have to go through TSA again when I land at LAX? I'm coming in on United and leaving on New Zealand Air. I will be leaving Montana on United; it’s all booked on one itinerary through United and ...
  • 21
8 votes
2 answers
3k views

Delta TSA-Precheck status removed

For the longest time: Delta had me running the gauntlet as Precheck. Today we were demoted to the standard inspection. The airline representative indicated that the decision was driven by TSA and ...
  • 3,824
5 votes
2 answers
88 views

Canada to South America with connections in US with multiple airlines, where will I do security/baggage check?

I am a US passport holder (living in Canada) traveling from Canada to Ecuador with connections in the US via multiple airlines. I'm worried that some of my layovers might be a bit too tight. To help ...
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