TSA officers will X-ray and inspect both check-in and carry-on items before air travelers are allowed to enter the boarding area. All metallic items such as keys, change, jewelry and belt buckles must be removed and placed in the security bin of the metal detector so they can go additional screening. Shoes also must be removed. Body piercings that sound the alarm at the metal detector must be removed or may produce a pat-down search.
Travelers must present a boarding pass and identification to a TSA officer before they are allowed into the boarding area. Acceptable forms of identification include passports and federal or state government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or Native American tribal photo IDs. IDs with no photos such as library cards or fishing licenses are not allowed.
The 3-1-1 rules applies to liquids carried by passengers into the cabin: 3.4 ounces (100ml) bottle or less by volume, one quart-sized clear zip-top bag; and one bag per passenger placed in the screening bin, apart from the other carry-on items. Baby food, breast milk and medications in reasonable quantities are exempt from this rule but must be declared at the security checkpoint.
Explosive materials, gasoline, fuels, aerosols, lighter fluid, flammable paints, bleach and realistic replicas of incendiaries are prohibited in check-ins and carry-ons. Sharp objects such as box cutters, swords and razor-type blades, sporting goods such as baseball bats, ski poles and golf clubs, and firearms and ammunition are prohibited from carry-ons but allowed in check-ins. Metal scissors shorter than four inches, tools under seven inches and small, compressed gas cartridges in life vests and spares are allowed in both carry-ons and check-ins.
TSA has special rules for items that are large and unwieldy, delicate or living, that may be countermanded by the airlines. They may impose stricter restrictions than those allowed by the government. For example, TSA allows one musical instrument to be carried in the cabin in addition to a carry-on and personal item. Airlines may consider the instrument as a carry-on or may prohibit them altogether. Special items include camping equipment, crematory containers, photographic equipment, pets and service animals and valuable jewelry. Consult both the TSA and airline website for information.
