Before traveling it is helpful to know what to expect. Here we review specific TSA airport security tips and guidelines to help you get through airport security faster and with as few issues as possible.
So from how to go through security to what not to wear (and what you should wear) let’s get started.
Remember that these are just guidelines based off of the information that has been published by TSA themselves. However, TSA does retain the right to do additional screenings on a case by case basis. This Travel Checklist from TSA is a helpful guide to follow as well when you are packing.
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If you have a question about a specific object or article of clothing then use the hyperlinks below and jump to that section.
| Remove from Body – Jewelry – Piercings – Watch – Shoes – Coats – Belt – Wallet – Hat – Keys & Change Remove from Bag – Laptop – Cell Phone – Chargers | – Liquids – Medications – Food – Cash Items You Cannot Bring Through Security – Sharp Objects: Tweezers, Nail Clippers, Scissors – Guns – Fireworks – Wrapped Gifts – Marijuana FAQ’s TSA PreCheck Other Countries |
Items You Have to Take Off at Airport Security
Can you wear jewelry through airport security?
Yes, unless it is bulky or contains a lot of metals. Most jewelry today does not contain much metal so small pieces of jewelry should be fine to wear through security.
Like with anything else though a TSA agent may ask you to remove a piece of jewelry if they feel it is necessary. Additionally, if your jewelry sets off an alert then they may have to pat you down or do additional security checks.
Do you have to remove piercings to go through airport security?
No, but just like with jewelry the mental in the piercing may set off an alarm and require an extra pat down.
Can you wear your watch through airport security?
No, watches should be removed and placed in a bin or inside your bags to go through security separately.
Do you have to remove your shoes at airport security?
Yes, unfortunately, in America, you must remove your shoes when going through security. For this reason I recommend wearing shoes that are easy to slip on and off for the least hassle.
Sometimes this isn’t the best option when packing though and in those cases make sure you grab all your belongings and head to the benches behind security to put your shoes back on without being in the way or holding people up.
It is also a good idea to wear socks especially if the dirty ground is going to bother you.
Lastly, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Seniors over 75 and kids under 12 are allowed to keep their shoes on.
Do you have to remove coats and jackets at airport security?
Yes, you must remove all coats and jackets when going through airport security because the thick layers may distort the imaging.
Can you wear your belt through airport security?
No, all belts must be removed when going through security unless the belt has a plastic buckle or a carbon fiber buckle.
Most belts have metal buckles which will set off the alarm so if you don’t want to have to remove your belt then you should purchase a belt with a buckle made from carbon fiber or plastic.
Can you carry your wallet through airport security?
No, your wallet should be left in a bin to go through security. If you are worried about theft then I recommend putting your wallet inside your carry on bag. Remember to stay with your belongings until it is your turn to go through to be scanned then wait for your belongings on the other side.
You can ask for a manual inspection of yourself and your wallet if you are adamant that you do not leave your wallet in the bin. This will take extra time so be sure to arrive a little earlier.
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Do you have to remove hats while going through airport security?
No, because of religious headpieces and hats nobody is required to remove their hats. However, keeping them on may require you to be patted down. This can be done in private if your hat is on for religious purposes.
For simplicity’s sake and to avoid extra pat downs I recommend removing your hat if you can.
Do you have to place keys and spare change in the bins while going through airport security?
Yes, these items are metal and so they should be left in the bins. Remember to empty all your pockets before going through security.
Coins must be left in the bins but bills are not metal so they should not set off any alarms. It is still a good idea in my opinion to leave large amounts of cash in your carry on bag and not on your person. It will be safe there and definitely will not cause issues.
If you are carrying large sums of money, declare the cash to the TSA agent to be sure it does not cause any issues or extra inspections.
Items You Have to Take Out of Your Bag When Going Through Security
Do you have to take your laptop out of your bag?
Yes, laptops should be removed from your carry on bags when going through airport security.
Some bags today have TSA approved laptop pockets that allow you to keep your laptop in your bag. But unless you have one of those specific bags then it has to be removed.
Do you have to take all electronics out of your bag including cell phones?
Cell phones can stay in your bag when going through airport security however any electronic larger than a cell phone must be removed. This includes tablets, cameras, laptops etc.
Pro Airport Security Tip: make sure all your electronics are charged and can turn on. If you cannot show a TSA agent that an electronic device can be turned on then TSA has stated that it may be confiscated.
Do you have to take chargers out of your bag while going through security?
Chargers are ok to be left in your bag when going through security.
Try to pack your carry on in nice neat layers not in a jumbled mess. TSA has stated that this helps them see your bag more clearly and makes it less likely that your bag will be pulled aside for extra screening.
Do you have to take liquids, gels and aerosols out of your bag at security?
Yes, you should be prepared to remove liquids from your bag when going through airport security. Best practice is to place all your liquids in one large clear bag that can easily be removed and replaced to and from your carry on.
All liquids should be in a 3.4 oz container or smaller, up to one quart total liquids and gels per passenger.
There are a few exceptions to this rule, although all exceptions are subject to further screening. Tell a TSA agent about the extra liquids you have before sending your bag through security. The exceptions are:
- Formula
- Breastmilk
- Baby Food
- Juice
- Medications and Medically Necessary Liquids (contact solution is considered a medically necessary liquid in the US)
Currently, due to COVID-19 one 12 oz container of hand sanitizer is allowed per person as well.
Read More: How to Pack Makeup for Travel by Plane
Do medications have to be removed from your bag at airport security?
No, most medications are fine to stay in your bag unless it is liquid or powder. Any liquid or powder medications should be removed with your bag of liquids. If it is larger than the 3.4 oz allotted amount then it needs to be manually inspected.
Can food stay in your bag when going through airport security?
Yes, food can stay in your carry on bag when going through security in most cases. Liquid foods must fit into the 3-1-1 liquid rule. Some foods, particularly foods that contain more liquid like fruit may set off an alarm and then your bags will be subject to further inspection.
In some cases a TSA agent may ask you to remove food from your bag preemptively.
Does cash have to be removed from your bag when going through security?
No, cash is fine to stay in your carry on bag especially in reasonable sums. If you are traveling with a large sum of money it is a good idea to declare it to a TSA agent.
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Items You Cannot Carry Through Airport Security
Here are some commonly asked about items that cannot go through airport security. For a complete list and more details please check the TSA List.
Can you bring sharp objects through security? Are tweezers allowed on airplanes? Nail Clippers?
Sharp objects such as knives, machetes and swords are not allowed through airport security. Commonly used items such as scissors, razors and tweezers are allowed as long as the blade is less than 4 inches.
Tweezers are allowed on airplanes in most cases. They must be less than four inches in length in order to go through security. Otherwise most airlines do allow tweezers onboard. Just check your specific airlines website to make sure you can bring tweezers on your flight.
One object that is not allowed through security that might trip you up is combination nail clippers. These are the nail clippers with an attached file and they are not allowed through airport security.
Can you bring a gun through airport security?
No, guns are not allowed through airport security. They are allowed in checked baggage only. In your checked baggage the gun must be unloaded, in a hard case, locked, and declared.
Can you bring fireworks through airport security?
No, explosives of any kind are definitely not allowed through security.
Can you bring wrapped gifts onto an airplane?
This one is not commonly thought about but wrapped gifts are not allowed in a carry on or a checked bag. All items are subject to manual inspection when flying and so anything that is wrapped must be unwrapped during an inspection.
Instead it is recommended that you bring the gifts and the wrapping supplies and simply wrap the gift once you reach your destination.
It is not guaranteed that your baggage will be inspected but just in case, it is recommended that gifts be unwrapped while traveling for inspection if needed.
Can you bring marijuana through airport security?
No, marijuana is not allowed through airport security and neither is any CBD product containing THC.
The TSA is a federally run entity so they are held to federal laws. Marijuana is illegal by federal law so you absolutely cannot fly with it.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Airport Security Questions
How Early Should I Arrive at the Airport to Allow for Screening?
You should arrive at the airport between 2-3 hours before your flight depending on whether it is a domestic or international flight.
I also recommend arriving a little earlier during holiday seasons like Thanksgiving and Christmas as well as holiday weekends. The crowds are larger and that means longer lines to get through security.
What Should I Wear to the Airport?
Knowing and following these airport security tips will help you get through security faster and with less frustration. Picking the right outfit to wear can also make a big difference. The best outfit to wear to the airport and to go through security is comfortable clothing with easy to slip on and off shoes. Avoid wearing large jewelry and choose a belt with a plastic or carbon fiber buckle if you can.
You can dress in layers but make sure you are ready to remove any jackets when going through security.
TSA Precheck Options and Differences
If you travel frequently, a great, time saving option to look into is TSA PreCheck. In August of 2021 96% of TSA PreCheck passengers waited less than 5 minutes! That is awesome! It is a great airport security tip that isn’t utilized enough.
Families can even use TSA PreCheck because children under 12 can join a parent in the TSA PreCheck lines.
When you have TSA PreCheck you do not have to remove your shoes, laptops, liquids, belts or light jackets when going through airport security.
Applying for TSA PreCheck requires an online application and a ten minute in person interview. Some credit cards offer benefits towards TSA PreCheck that can make it less expensive. Check it out today and see if you’re eligible.
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Airport Security in Other Countries and Airports
Although there are many similarities between rules for flying between countries, other countries and their airports will run slightly differently and may even have different rules as to what you can or cannot bring through security.
For example, in the US contact solution counts as a medically necessary liquid so you can bring more than 3.4 oz. However, we have run into issues in other countries where it does not count and it was confiscated. So make sure if you are flying through another country that you check their specific rules and requirements.
In general though, these airport security tips will help you go through most airport security facilities with less issues.
Airport Security Tips and Guidelines
That was a lot of information but hopefully it answered any questions you have about airport security guidelines. If you have questions I didn’t answer please ask them below and I will do my best to answer them!
Following these airport security tips should help things move more smoothly and prevent you from missing your flight due to security delays! Going through airport security can feel like a hassle but it is important to help keep us all safe (or at least make us all feel safe). Knowing the TSA rules and knowing what to expect can help you and everyone else get through airport security faster.
Safe Travels!
