Travel Tips
Preparing for a flight can be stressful, but it doesn’t need to be! Here are some helpful tips and travel guidelines to help your trip go as smoothly as possible.
Before Leaving for the Airport
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Arrive on Time
Don’t miss your flight! Plan to be at the Airport 2 hours prior to departure time for domestic flights, and 3 hours for international flights.
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TSA
Visit the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website for helpful information, videos and travel tips to facilitate the screening process . For more information visit www.tsa.gov/travel.
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Baggage
Pack smart. Thoroughly check your baggage before leaving for the airport to avoid mistakenly carrying on prohibited items. View prohibited items list
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ID
Have proper travel documents to include your valid photo ID or passport.
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Carry-on
Know your airline’s specific baggage and carry-on policies and fees. They will vary by airline.
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Flight Status
Always check your Flight Status directly with your airline before leaving for the airport.
Real ID
The federal government is transitioning to enhanced REAL ID driver license or ID card to board a domestic flight or to enter military bases and most federal facilities.
The REAL ID program deadline has been extended to May 7, 2025.
Prepare For Security Screening
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operates Security Screening under the Department of Homeland Security. TSA CHECKPOINT OPENS AT 4:30 AM
Sign Up For TSA Pre-Screening
TSA Pre-check is a pre-screening initiative that allows travelers the ability to move through security checkpoints with greater efficiency and ease. Learn More
Properly Pack Your Liquids
The amount of liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes you may carry through the security checkpoints is restricted by the TSA.
If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.
Items exceeding the “3-1-1” Rule for Liquid Carry-On will be confiscated by TSA.
“3-1-1” Rule: You may take 3 ounce (100ml) or smaller size containers of liquids or gels, 1 quart-size clear plastic zip-top bag to hold the 3 ounce or smaller containers, 1 bag per traveler
More Travel Tips
What Not To Bring
Planning ahead and packing properly can simplify the screening process and ease your travel experience at the airport. Know what you can pack in your carry-on and checked baggage before arriving at the airport by reviewing the lists below. Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns.
Read about civil penalties for prohibited items.
Flamables
Firearms
Food
Household & Tools
Medical
Sharp Objects
Sporting & Camping
Miscellaneous
For items not listed here, simply snap a picture or send a question to AskTSA on Facebook Messenger or Twitter.
They are available to answer your questions, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET weekdays; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends/holidays.
