TSA Travel Restrictions, Regulations and Requirements

Updated 9/21/2024:

Traveling in the time of COVID19

While the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly improved,
it's still essential to stay informed about travel restrictions and health guidelines.

TSA has taken many steps to keep travelers safe during the COVID19 pandemic. To learn more about what TSA is doing to keep airline passengers and crew safe visit https://www.tsa.gov

You may wear your medical facemask during security screening but please remove your mask when you arrive at the TSA checkpoint so the TSA officer can verify your identity https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/medical-masks.

While mandatory mask wearing may have eased in many places,
it's still a good practice to wear a mask in crowded areas or enclosed spaces. Continue to practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using hand sanitizer. Ensure you are in good health before traveling. Keep COVID tests on hand to test if you have symptoms and make sure your tests are not expired.

Expired Driver's License and REAL ID Extension

Starting October 1, 2024, all U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents will need a Real ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights and access federal facilities. A Real ID is a driver's license issued by a participating state that meets specific federal security standards. It includes enhanced security features to help prevent fraud. Visit your state's motor vehicle department website for specific requirements and procedures to find out how to get your Real ID. You will likely need to provide proof of identity, citizenship or legal residency, and date of birth but double check your state DMV requirements before you go. If you don't have a Real ID by October 1, 2024, you may need to use an alternative form of identification, such as a passport, to board domestic flights and access federal facilities.

What are the acceptable forms of identification?

Real ID-compliant driver's license issued by a participating state
U.S. passport
U.S. passport card
Enhanced driver's license issued by a participating state
Tribal photo ID issued by a federally recognized Indian tribe
U.S. military ID
Temporary visitor visa
Certain foreign passports

Important travel requirements

When traveling domestically within the United States, it is important to check travel requirements on your destination State Department's website >> https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html Some states are requiring you to be tested for COVID19 before you arrive and / or quarantine for 14 days once you arrive at your destination.

The latest travel restrictions and advisories can be find on the Department of Homeland Security website >> https://www.dhs.gov/coronavirus/protecting-air-travelers-and-american-public

3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3.4 ounce bottle or less; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3.4 oz. container size is a security measure.

Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening.

Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience.

3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.

Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, breast milk, and juice are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint.

Come early and be patient. Heavy travel volumes and the enhanced security process may mean longer lines at security checkpoints.

TSA working with our partners. TSA works with airlines and airports to anticipate peak traffic and be ready for the traveling public.

TSA: Prohibited Sharp Items

Box Cutters: Carry-on: No Checked: Yes

Ice Axes/Ice Picks: Carry-on: No Checked: Yes

Knives – except for plastic or round bladed butter knives: Carry-on: No Checked: Yes

Meat Cleavers: Carry-on: No Checked: Yes

Razor-Type Blades – such as box cutters, utility knives, and safety razor blades (disposable razors and their cartridges are permitted): Carry-on: No Checked: Yes

Sabers: Carry-on: No Checked: Yes

Scissors – metal with pointed tips and blades shorter than four inches: Carry-on: Yes Checked: Yes

Swords – cutting or thrusting weapons, including fencing foils: Carry-on: No Checked: Yes

NOTE: Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.

For the full list of prohibited items go to the TSA Travel Website.

MyTSA Mobile Application Now Available

MyTSA has multiple functions, including the following tools:

Airport Status: Users can see what airports are experiencing general delays (not flight specific) or search for conditions at a specific airport. This information is provided by the FAA.
‘Can I Bring?’: Users can type in an item they plan to bring on a trip to find out if it is permitted or prohibited, and whether they can pack it in carry-on or checked bags.
Guide: Users can get travel tips on an array of some of the most popular topics of air travel, including traveling with children, 3-1-1 rules for liquids, gels and aerosols, special medical needs, packing tips, tips for how to dress for airport security, tips for military members, and traveling with food and gifts.
Security wait times: MyTSA gives passengers the ability to share their wait time and see what wait times other passengers have posted for U.S. airports.
Wait Times: Passengers can also post the approximate amount of time it took them to get through security for other travelers to view.

To get MyTSA on your mobile device, type in www.tsa.gov/mobile.

You can find the MyTSA iPhone app on iTunes.

For any additional, up-to-date information with TSA, please visit their website: www.tsa.gov

Travel tips, tricks, packing checklists and great travel gear

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	Travel Packing Checklist Pack everything you need with our comprehensive travel packing checklist. For your convenience many of the items are linked to travel accessories you can purchase right here. This handy little gem will ensure you don't leave home thinking you forgot to pack something. It also includes pre-departure tasks as well as a home checklist!
	Comfort Travel Accessories As times have changed from the days when the act of traveling was considered glamorous travelers have been forced to deal with less leg room, smaller seats, over-crowded flights and security check hassles. We've compiled tips and travel accessories to make the going efficient, comfortable, and more enjoyable.
	Travel Information, Resources & Quick Links You Need to Check Handy links for travel information, TSA guidelines, passport renewals, Embassy locations and more.
	Packing Tips for Perfectly Packed Luggage No need for stuffing, pushing or jamming your luggage. Follow our guide on what to bring and how to make it fit!
	Our Picks for Top 10 Travel Accessories We've gathered our picks of the top ten travel accessories you shouldn't leave home without.
	Airline Regulations for your Carry-on Baggage and Checked Luggage Things can get a bit confusing when carry-on restrictions vary from airline to airline as well as from airplane to airplane. Check out our general guidelines on what you can take on and what fees you might encounter.
	TSA Regulations for your Carry-On Luggage and Bags Travel information and restrictions on what TSA will and won't allow. Stay up-to-date with the MyTSA Mobile app feauturing handy tools and functions.

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Travel tips, tricks, packing checklists and great travel gear