Airport Security

Screening

Peak Hours 5:00a EST - 8:00a EST, Monday - Friday

10 Minutes Avg During Off-Peak Hours

20 Minutes Avg During Peak Hours

Screening of Carry-on Bags

When you're preparing for your flight, be aware that how and what you pack can impact the screening process. Be sure that you check for prohibited items and remember to follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule

We recommend keeping your bag organized to help ease the screening process as it takes time for TSA officers to make sure a jam-packed, cluttered, overstuffed bag is safe.

• Liquids and gels must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less. Place your containers in a single, one-quart zip-top plastic bag

• Place metal objects, such as coins and keys, in your carry-on bag

• Remove shoes, jackets and belts and put them in screening bins

Screening of Checked Bags

TSA may inspect your checked baggage during the screening process. If your property is physically inspected, TSA will place a notice of baggage inspection inside your bag. This is to inform you that an officer conducted an inspection of your property.

If your property is lost or damaged during the screening process, you may file a claim with TSA. If your property is lost or damaged during transport to the plane or baggage claim, please contact your airline.

TSA prohibits explosive materials, flammable items, and other hazardous materials in your checked baggage. For more details, check the TSA website

Traveling with Pets 

Small pets are allowed through the checkpoint. Please check with your airline for their policy. Please remove your pet from the carrying case and place the case through the X-ray machine. You should maintain control of your pet with a leash and remember to remove the leash when carrying your pet through the metal detector. Animal carriers will undergo a visual and/or physical inspection.

• All pets should be brought to the security checkpoint in a hand-held travel carrier. Remove the pet from the carrier just prior to the beginning of the screening process.

• Do not put the pet into the x-ray tunnel, which is used to screen a passenger's personal property and carry-on luggage. Place the empty travel carrier on the belt to be x-rayed.

• The pet should be carried during the screening process; alternately, a pet can walk thru the process if the owner has the pet on a leash.

• A TSA officer will give the pet owner’s hands an explosive trace detection swab to ensure there is no explosive residue on the hands.

• Once the screening process is completed, owners should return the pet to the travel carrier at the re-composure area, away from the security checkpoint for the safety of the pet as well as other passengers.

Other helpful travel tips to make your trip thru security as easy as possible include:

• Acclimate the pet to the process of traveling by familiarizing it with the travel carrier in the days leading up to the trip. This will help ensure it is more relaxed as it travels thru the security process and the airport.

• Avoid bringing pets to an area of the airport where a “working” K9 is operating with its handler. Areas where it is common to see a working K9 may include a security checkpoint or in the airport concourse.

• Know the temperament of your pet and ensure that you can maintain control of it in a busy and potentially crowded environment at the airport.

• Prior to arriving at the checkpoint, consider visiting CHA’s designated “pet relief” area located next to the Information Booth, between the rotunda and Baggage Claim.

• Pet travel restrictions vary by airline, so please check with your air carrier before arriving at the airport.

Identification

Children

TSA does not require children under 18 to provide identification when traveling with a companion within the United States. Contact the airline for questions regarding specific ID requirements for travelers under 18.

Forgot Your ID?

In the event you arrive at the airport without valid identification, because it is lost or at home, you may still be allowed to fly. The TSA officer may ask you to complete an identity verification process which includes collecting information such as your name, current address, and other personal information to confirm your identity. If your identity is confirmed, you will be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint. You may be subject to additional screening, to include a patdown and screening of carry-on property.

You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if your identity cannot be confirmed, you chose to not provide proper identification or you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process.

TSA recommends that you arrive at least two hours in advance of your flight time.

If your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint.

Pre-Check

TSA PreCheck lets eligible, low-risk travelers enjoy expedited security screening. The program is available at participating U.S. airport locations and for most international itineraries.

PreCheck enables ease through checkpoints without removing:

• Shoes

• Liquids and gels from your carry-on

• Laptop from your bag

• Light outerwear/jacket

• Belts

Eligibility

Apply for the program directly through TSA if you are a:

• U.S. citizen, or

• Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), and

• Haven’t been convicted of certain crimes

PreCheck access is also available if you are enrolled in a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler program, including:

• Global Entry

• SENTRI

• NEXUS

You can learn more about and apply for PreCheck at the TSA’s site.