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• For Travelers
• Liquid Rules: 3-1-1 for Carry-Ons
• Prohibited Items
• Acceptable Identification at the Checkpoint
• Safe Travel with Batteries & Devices
• "Checkpoint Friendly" Laptop Bags
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The Screening Experience

Dress the Part

Be aware that any metal detected at the checkpoint must be identified.  If you set off the alarm, you will be required to undergo additional screening, including a hand-wanding and a pat-down inspection that includes the torso.

You can remove metal items at the security checkpoint and place them in the plastic bags offered at several airports or in the bins provided.  The bins will be sent through the X-ray machine.  You can save time by not wearing metal items or by placing them in your carry-on baggage before getting in line.

Shoe Screening Policy

You are required to remove your shoes before you enter the walk-through metal detector. All types of footwear must be placed on the X-ray machine to be screened. If you do not comply with Security Officers, you will not be allowed to board your flight.

Disposable booties or slippers may be worn through the checkpoint to help protect your feet, but they must be disposed of prior to leaving the screening area.

Due to the Homeland Security threat level being raised to Orange for the U.S. aviation sector worldwide and red for flights from the U.K. to the U.S. we implemented new security procedures. This is critical to protect the world’s travelers who transit by air to and from the United States.

Want to know why we screen all passengers’ shoes? Learn more about how screening every air traveler’s shoes increase security by reading about Why We Screen Shoes.

Other Tips

Starting September 26, 2006, travelers may now carry through security checkpoints travel-size toiletries (3 ounces or less) that fit comfortably in ONE, QUART-SIZE, clear plastic, zip-top bag.

After clearing security, travelers can now bring beverages and other items purchased in the secure boarding area on-board aircraft.

At the checkpoint travelers will be asked to remove the zip-top bag of liquids and place it in a bin or on the conveyor belt. X-raying separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items.

For more details on what is or is not permitted through screening and aboard your plane, please read our information on Permitted and Prohibited Items.

Avoid wearing clothing, jewelry or other accessories that contain metal when traveling through the security checkpoints:  

• Heavy jewelry (including pins, necklaces, bracelets, rings, watches, earrings, body piercings, cuff links, lanyards or bolo ties)
• Clothing with metal buttons, snaps or studs
• Metal hair barrettes or other hair decoration
• Belt buckles
• Under-wire bras
• Hidden items such as body piercings may result in your being directed to additional screening for a pat-down inspection.  If selected for additional screening, you may ask to remove your body piercing in private as an alternative to the pat-down search.
• Take metal items such as keys, loose change, mobile phones, pagers, and personal data assistants (PDAs) out of your pockets.
• Place heavy jewelry and other metal items in your carry-on baggage or in plastic bags if they are offered, until you clear security.
• Pack all your coats and jackets in your baggage when possible. All coats and jackets must go through the X-ray machine for inspection. These include, but are not limited to, trench coats, heavy winter coats, suit jackets, sport coats and blazers.  If you choose to wear an outer coat or jacket to the checkpoint, you will need to either place it in your carry-on or put it in the bin that is provided for you.

Dress the Part  | Pack Smart  |  Access Requirements