For Travel within the U.S.
- Starting Your Trip
For the Women - do not wear underwire bras, those wires may set off the scanners.
For All - if you have metal implants in your body, such as hip implants, a letter from your doctor might help you avoid a search.
When Packing, remember these suggestions:
The Following recommendations for Carry-On
Travel-size toiletries (3 ounces or less) that fit comfortably in a quart-size, clear plastic zip-top bag. One zip-top bag is permitted per passenger. Beverages and other items purchased in the secure boarding area.
At the security checkpoint, place the zip-top bag of liquids in a bin or on the conveyor belt for inspection.
Be guided by the following list as to declaration at the security checl point for additional screening:Small amounts of Baby formula and breast milk if a baby or small child is traveling
Liquid prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger’s ticket
Up to 5 oz. (148ml) of liquid or gel low blood sugar treatment
Up to 4 oz. of essential non-prescription liquid medications including saline solution, eye care products and KY jelly
Gel-filled bras and similar prostethics
Gel-filled wheelchair cushions
Life support and life sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs carried for medical reasons
You are permitted to bring solid cosmetics and personal hygiene items as such lipstick, lip balm and similar solids. Please remember these items must be solid and not liquid, gel or aerosol.
Arrive at the airport early. We always recommend checking the TSA Web site (www.tsa.gov) for the most up-to-date information about security procedures. If you are departing from a non-U.S. airport, be sure to check that airport's security policies and pack accordingly
Carry-on luggage is limited to one bag plus one of the following personal items: a purse, briefcase, small backpack or laptop computer. At some airports, carry-ons may be more restricted. All other luggage must be checked at curbside or at the ticket counter. Passengers exceeding the carry-on limit will not be allowed through the security checkpoint.
Certain items cannot be packed in carry-ons, including:
All liquids, gels, or aerosols of any kind are prohibited at security checkpoints, in airport sterile areas, and aboard aircraft. You can pack these items in your checked baggage.
- Knives of any length.
- Cutting instruments of every kind (metallic or non-metallic), including carpet knives, box cutters and other folding or retractable blades, regardless of length
- Items such as ice picks, straight razors, elongated scissors and knitting needles. (Safety/disposable razors, such as Gillette and Schick, are allowed.)
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Got a Bag to Check?
Curbside check-in is an easy way to check baggage at most airports if you have a confirmed paper or electronic ticket. A boarding pass can also be obtained at that time. There may be instances where passengers will be advised by the skycap to check in at the ticket counter.
Ticket counter check-in is only necessary if passengers need to purchase a ticket, make or pay for ticket changes, change their flight or did not use curbside check-in.
Not Checking a Bag?
Passengers with the required documents (please see the section below), and no bags to check, may proceed through the security screening point and check-in at the gate.
Self-service kiosks are another good option. American has kiosks in the ticketing areas at many airports. Passengers who have confirmed electronic tickets can receive boarding passes using self-service and then proceed through the security checkpoint to the gate.
Documents Needed at the Security Checkpoint
Passenger screening checkpoints will only accept passengers who have a ticket or ticket confirmation for the current travel date. A ticket or ticket confirmation includes a paper ticket, a boarding pass, official travel agency or airline-generated itinerary receipt confirming an electronic ticket, or airline/airport issued entrance document...plus a photo I.D. A government issued photo identification such as a driver's license or passport.
Getting Through the Security Checkpoint
Passengers should be prepared to have their carry-on items thoroughly searched. Passengers who set off the metal detector alarm while passing through it will automatically be checked with an electronic wand and then patted down by airport security employees. For the women, I would like to suggest NO underwire bras, and wear low heel shoes. I got stopped twice before I got smart. Others may also be checked with an electronic wand or patted down by security personnel at the screening checkpoint.
At the Gate
In addition to a boarding pass, passengers will be asked to show a government-issued photo identification just prior to boarding the aircraft.
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For International Travel
The information provided above applies to the international passenger, except that:
- The international passenger cannot use curbside check-in or the self-service kiosks.
- International passengers who need to check baggage must go to the ticket counter; if they do not check baggage, they can go to the gate to check in, provided they have the documents to get them through the security checkpoint (listed above).
The enhanced security measures are in place for passenger safety. While passengers are aware of enhanced security - such as the presence of law enforcement or military personnel - in the ticket counter and departure gate areas, extra security is also in place behind the scenes - in the bag rooms, on the ramp, and on the aircraft.
