Your rights at the airport (2024)

FAQs

Your rights at the airport? ›

TSA security screening policies, procedures and practices must comply with all applicable civil liberties and civil rights laws, regulations, executive orders and policies and must not discriminate against passengers on the basis of race/ethnicity, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, ...

Most TSA officers are not commissioned law enforcement officers, and their role is to conduct screening of passengers, baggage and cargo. TSA screeners can search you and your baggage at screening checkpoints, but they cannot arrest you. Other law enforcement officers, such as airport police, are present at airports.

The traveler will not experience any negative consequences for choosing not to participate. There is no issue and no delay with a traveler exercising their rights to not participate in the automated biometrics matching technology.

If you are a U.S. citizen and the officers' questions become intrusive, you have the right to talk to a lawyer before answering any questions. You should be aware that refusing to cooperate with officers may result in delay and/or further inspection.

If you are a U.S. citizen and have established your citizenship, you have the right to enter the U.S. This means that you can decline to answer the officer's questions, though doing so may delay your entry to the U.S. If you are a visa-holder or LPR, you have the same right to remain silent, but if you refuse to answer ...

For frequent flyers, you will notice that there is usually a police officer present at many TSA security checkpoints. That is because, while they are authorized to detain you, if you violate the law, they cannot arrest you. They must call law enforcement officers, like airport police or local police, to arrest flyers.

While you are still protected by the Fourth Amendment at the airport, security screeners have the right to search you and your belongings for prohibited items. In order to get through security, you will need to allow a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent to search your bags.

You can tell the TSA agent that you do not wish to go through the scanner.

TSA is using facial identification to verify a passenger's identity at its security checkpoints using the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Traveler Verification Service (TVS), which creates a secure biometric template of a passenger's live facial image taken at the checkpoint and matches it against a gallery of ...

What happens if you yell at TSA? ›

For example, trying to go back through the metal detector after setting off an alarm or yelling at an officer might be considered interfering with a TSA official. The TSA can impose civil penalties (fines) for interference; and interference is also a federal crime.

No one can force you to have a pat down, but if TSA decides it's required and you refuse, they will not allow you to proceed.

You have the right to remain silent and cannot be punished for refusing to answer questions. If you wish to remain silent, tell the officer out loud. In some states, you must give your name if asked to identify yourself.

TSA security screening policies, procedures and practices must comply with all applicable civil liberties and civil rights laws, regulations, executive orders and policies and must not discriminate against passengers on the basis of race/ethnicity, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, ...

TSA does not prohibit photographing, videotaping or filming at security checkpoints, as long as the screening process is not interfered with or sensitive information is not revealed.

All airports in the United States require security protocols that include checking their databases for passenger information and any outstanding warrants among them. For domestic flights, your name will appear in the database along with your arrest warrant, preventing you from boarding the plane.

TSA PreCheck benefits for travelers include fast passage through security at airports and fewer annoyances. PreCheck travelers do not have to pile their laptops, shoes, or overcoats in bins for separate screening. The usual restrictions on liquids and gels apply, but these can stay in the traveler's carry-on.

It's normal to feel a bit anxious going through security, but TSA agents are experts at distinguishing between typical travel jitters and suspicious nervousness. They look for excessive sweating, avoiding eye contact, fidgeting, or unusually repetitive behaviors. These could be signs of someone with something to hide.

Safety and Security Complaints

If you have a concern about aviation security (passenger screening, the “no-fly” list, the baggage screening process, and related issues), call the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) toll-free at 1-866-289-9673 or email TSA .

Liquids, gels and aerosols packed in carry-on must follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule: 3.4 ounces or less per container. 1 quart size, clear, plastic, zip top bag (all liquids must fit in bag) 1 bag per passenger.