Requirements for domestic as well as international flights in the United States as of 2010 feature new security improvements, baggage requirements and a streamlined system for verifying identity. Passengers are still required to remove footwear and other items, like belts, when going through security though new TSA systems should ensure no one is mistakenly placed on the "no fly" list according to the website for the Transportation Security Administration.
In order to confirm your identity with the airline and with TSA security personnel you must have a form of federal or state issued photo identification that has your full name, date of birth, gender, expiration date and at least one tamper-resistant feature. A state driver's license, state identification card, U.S. passport, U.S. identification card, border crossing card, Native American tribal ID or a foreign government issued passport are all accepted forms of photo identification for domestic airline flights.
According to TSA, Secure Flight is a "behind-the-scenes" information network that security personnel use to transfer your information from airline companies into the federal government's "no fly" database. This is done to ensure that no one boards an airplane who is believed to be a threat to national security. Airlines are required to give TSA your name, as it is shown on your government issued photo ID, gender and date of birth on all domestic and international flights.
You are generally permitted a maximum of two to three checked bags on domestic flights. Airlines such as United, Continental and US Airways place weight limits on checked baggage to 50 lbs per bag and charge additional fees if your luggage is over this limit. This is on top of fees that some airlines charge to check-in luggage at the counter. Carry-on luggage must fit easily in overhead compartments. Passengers are limited to one carry-on bag and one personal bag such as a purse or briefcase. Liquids in carry-on luggage must be in 3.4 ounce bottles enclosed in clear plastic baggies that are easily readable by x-ray. All liquids must be kept in one carry-on piece of luggage.
You may not bring bladed objects in your carry-on luggage through the security checkpoint for any flight domestic or otherwise. This includes knives, box cutters, razors or scissors. Other sports-related items such as baseball bats or hockey sticks may be checked with your luggage at the airline counter but may not be brought on the plane with you for any reason. You are allowed to carry on certain valuables like musical instruments, laptop computers and tools of your trade such as screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers provided these items adhere to carry-on space rules according to TSA's website.
