Customer Service

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2023 Passenger Experience Survey

TSA conducted a Passenger Experience Survey at multiple airports across the nation and collected over 13,000 responses. The results are overwhelmingly positive, with 93% of passengers reporting they were satisfied with their experience at the checkpoint. For more details, click the button below:

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Top Frequently Asked Questions

Am I allowed to carry my CPAP machine onboard the plane, do I have to remove it from my carry-on?

A nebulizer, CPAP, BiPAP and APAP must be removed from its carrying case and undergo X-ray screening. Facemasks and tubing may remain in the case. You may provide a clear plastic bag to place the device through the X-ray.

I am traveling with medication, are there any requirements I should be aware of?

All passenger items must undergo security screening. It is recommended that medication be clearly labeled to facilitate the screening process.

You may bring medically necessary liquids, medications and creams in excess of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in your carry-on bag. Remove them from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings.

I have a service animal, what type of screening should I expect?

You and your service dog/animal will be screened by a walk-through metal detector. You may walk through together or you may lead the animal through separately on a leash.

If you opt not to be screened by the  Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT), or a walk-through metal detector (WTMD), you will undergo a pat-down.

If the metal detector alarms, you and your service dog/animal will undergo additional screening, including a pat-down.

During the additional screening, do not make contact with the dog/animal (other than holding the leash) until a TSA officer has completed inspection of your dog/animal. TSA will not separate you from your service animal. If you have concerns about your screening, you can ask to speak with a supervisor or passenger support specialist at any point during the process.

Service dog/animal collars, harnesses, leashes, backpacks, vests and other items are subject to security screening. Items that are necessary to maintain control of the service dog/animal or indicate that the service dog/animal is on duty do not require removal to be screened.

If you need to relieve your service dog and must exit the security checkpoint, you and the service dog will need to go through the screening process again. You may request to move to the front of the line upon your return.

Medication for service animals must go through X-ray or inspection screening. Please separate medications and inform the TSA officer that you carry these items for your service dog.

I need special assistance during screening, whom can I contact before arriving to the airport?

TSA Cares is a helpline that provides travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances additional assistance during the security screening process.

Contact us 72 hours prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. You may call (855) 787-2227 or submit an online form.

What are the procedures if I have an internal or external medical device, such as a pacemaker or metal implant?

Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) can facilitate your screening and reduces the likelihood of a pat-down. Inform the TSA officer that you have an artificial knee, hip, other metal implant or a pacemaker, defibrillator or other internal medical device. You should not be screened by a walk-through metal detector if you have an internal medical device such as a pacemaker. Consult with your physician prior to flying.

If you choose to not be screened through the  Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT), or a walk-through metal detector (WTMD), you will undergo a pat-down screening.

Face Masks

TSA has made provisions for those that cannot safely wear a mask. Travelers under the age of 2 years old, those with a disability who cannot wear a mask, or cannot safely wear a mask for reasons related to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, and those for whom a mask would create a risk to workplace health, safety, or job duty as determined by relevant workplace safety guidelines or federal regulations are exempt from the face mask requirement.

Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibits federal agencies, like TSA, from accepting licenses and identification cards for official purposes from states that do not meet these standards. Learn about REAL ID or read the FAQ.

How do I recover a lost item left at the airport?

Contact lost and found to locate items left at the security checkpoint. For items left elsewhere in the airport, please contact the airport authority.

I have a missing or damaged item. How do I file a claim?

You may file a claim if you are injured or your property is lost or damaged during the screening process. Screening at certain airports is performed by private companies and not TSA.

What information should I provide on the claim?

Provide as much detail as possible including receipts, appraisals and flight information to avoid delays. Contact your airline for lost or missing baggage.

What is the status of my claim?

Please allow up to six months to fully investigate your claim. Claims that require investigation by law enforcement require additional processing time.

All claims are investigated thoroughly and the final decision to approve a claim rests with TSA. If your claim is approved, you will receive a letter and form to complete regarding settlement agreement and/or payment methods. You can check the status of your claim at any time.

How do I retrieve a prohibited item that was removed from my baggage?

There are no provisions for returning prohibited items removed from checked baggage. Passengers should contact their airline with further questions about possible hazardous materials.

Is Breast Milk, Formula and Juice exempt from the 3-1-1 liquids rule?

Formula, breast milk, juice in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. Remove these items from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings. You do not need to travel with your child to bring breast milk. Breast milk and formula are considered medically necessary liquids. This also applies to breast milk pumping equipment (regardless of presence of breast milk).

Ice packs, freezer packs, frozen gel packs and other accessories required to cool formula, breast milk and juice - regardless of the presence of breast milk - are allowed in carry-on. If these accessories are partially frozen or slushy, they are subject to the same screening as described above. You may also bring gel or liquid-filled teethers, canned, jarred and processed baby food in carry-on baggage. These items may be subject to additional screening.

May I pack food in my carry-on or checked bag?

Yes, you may pack food in your carry-on or checked bag, but remember all food must undergo x-ray screening. Foods that are liquids, gels, or aerosols must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule. TSA officers make the final decision on whether certain items are permitted into the secured areas of the airport.

What is the 3-1-1 liquids rule?

Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion.

3-1-1

What happens if TSA determines I am traveling with an item that is deemed hazardous material?

If hazardous materials are found in a passenger’s checked baggage, those items are brought to the attention of the airline with which the passenger is booked.  Once the airline determines whether the item is permitted or prohibited, TSA officers accept the airline’s determination.

What is the policy on powders? Are they allowed?

Starting June 30, 2018, if you are traveling from an international last-point-of-departure to the U.S., powder-based substances in carry-on baggage greater than 350mL or 12 oz. may require additional screening at the central checkpoint. Powder-like substances over 12 oz. or 350mL in carry-on that cannot be resolved at the central checkpoint will not be allowed onto the cabin of the aircraft and will be disposed of.  

For your convenience, place powders in your checked bag.

The measures have already been implemented at U.S. airports nationwide to identify and prevent potentially dangerous items from being brought aboard the aircraft. There are no changes to what is allowed in carry-on baggage at U.S. airport checkpoints.

How do I apply for TSA PreCheck®?

Visit tsa.gov/precheck to select the enrollment provider that best meets your needs and has an enrollment location near you.  You can pre-enroll online and make an appointment for the in-person process, or walk-in to an enrollment center without an appointment.

The online application takes five minutes to complete with the in-person visit taking 10 minutes.  During the  in-person process, the enrollment provider will collect your biometric data (fingerprints, photo), verify identity documents, and collect payment.

Any website that claims to allow consumers to register for TSA PreCheck that does not end in “.gov” is not an official TSA PreCheck website.  Consumers who are applying for TSA PreCheck for the first time cannot pay the application fee online, they must complete their application and pay in-person at a TSA enrollment center. First time applicants are not asked to provide payment information online. 

Before you apply, we recommend that you review the various DHS trusted traveler programs: TSA PreCheck® Application Program, Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and determine the best program for you.  If you travel internationally four or more times a year, consider enrolling in Global Entry.  If you take less than four international trips a year, TSA PreCheck is a great choice for domestic travelers.

How do I update my personal information for my TSA PreCheck® membership?

If you are a member of the TSA PreCheck® Application Program, please contact the enrollment provider you applied with. Click here for the enrollment provider contact information to make changes to your name, address, or other information contained in your records. You will be provided information regarding documentation needed to process the change.

If you change your name and do not update your TSA PreCheck membership to match the new details, you will not be able to use your TSA PreCheck benefits when traveling until the name change process is completed.

I am having trouble with my Global Entry Program membership, whom do I contact?

If you have questions or concerns about your Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI membership, you may visit the Trusted Traveler Program website or contact Customs and Border Protection at  (877) 227-5511 or by email.

I am traveling with my family; can they also use the TSA PreCheck® lane?

Children 12 and under may accompany an enrolled parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction. Children 13-17 may join enrolled adults in the dedicated lanes when traveling on the same reservation and if the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the child’s boarding pass.

Children 17 and under who will be traveling alone or without a TSA PreCheck-eligible adult must apply for TSA PreCheck to have access to expedited screening. Please note, adults using gate passes to accompany children traveling alone will be directed to standard screening as gate passes are excluded from TSA PreCheck benefits. This applies even if the gate pass holder has enrolled in TSA PreCheck. The adult will not be permitted to join the child in the TSA PreCheck lane.

I forgot my KTN. How do I find it?

If you are a member of the TSA PreCheck® Application Program, look up your Known Traveler Number (KTN) here.

 If you are a member of another trusted traveler program, such as Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI, log on to the Trusted Traveler Program website to obtain your PASSID, which is your KTN.

If your TSA PreCheck® benefits come through HME, TWIC®, or DoD, please visit these respective links for additional information: HMETWIC®DoD.

If your TSA PreCheck® benefit comes through TSA PreCheck® for DHS employees, please visit TSA PreCheck® for DHS Employees | TSA PreCheck® for additional information.