Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is an agency within the United States Department of Homeland Security responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the traveling public by enforcing security standards for passengers and the transportation systems used to move them. TSA works to detect and deter terrorist activities, detect and prevent prohibited items from entering the airport, and provide secure air, land, and sea transportation.
Beginning in the early 2000s, following the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent implementation of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act, TSA has taken a more proactive approach to Airport Security. Airport security starts long before arriving at an airport. Passengers should confirm their flight information, arrive at the airport with ample time to check in, go through security and make their flight, and ensure all tickets, boarding passes and other travel documents are in order.
When passengers arrive at the airport, TSA ID requirements—such as a passport, driver's license, or other form of government-issued identification—must be presented before screening. Passengers also need to keep their boarding pass (printed or electronic) and any baggage tickets handy. TSA may randomly select passengers to go through additional screening processes designed to protect passengers and ensure that no prohibited items enter the secure area of the airport.
One of the key pieces of security used by TSA is the body scanner. Body scanners use automated imaging technology to detect objects that are concealed underneath clothing. The scanners produce an image of the individual, but do not leave an image of the individual on a server or device, and no identifying details are stored. Items considered suspicious will be flagged and the passenger will be escorted to a separate area for additional inspection.
In addition to the body scanners, backscatter X-ray machines, explosives trace detection equipment, and millimeter wave machines may be used in locations where body scanners are not available.
TSA also performs random searches on baggage. All bags must be checked-in to the ticket counter or kiosk, and all baggage is subject to screening. TSA uses sophisticated equipment and technologies to detect explosives, such as vapor trace detection (VTD) and explosives trace detection (ETD) machines, which can detect tiny particles associated with explosives. If a bag is flagged for additional screening, it will be x-rayed to ascertain its contents.
In addition to these screening processes, passengers may need to comply with additional security measures depending on their itinerary and their airline’s requirements. Passengers flying to, from, or through certain countries, may be asked to go through additional security measures, such as additional document verification or secondary screen searches. Armed Federal Air Marshals may also be present onboard specific flights based on DHS security assessment and risk determinations.
TSA works to provide a secure travel experience and is committed to being recognized as a world-class security agency. TSA emphasizes safety and security when screening passengers and their baggage, and continues to develop and implement new measures to stay ahead of potential threats. Passengers can expect to encounter TSA procedures throughout their travels, but are encouraged to remain patient and to understand the advanced technologies used in order to keep the aviation communities safe.
