The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security responsible for protecting the nation's transportation systems from terrorist threats. TSA officers staff security screening checkpoints at commercial airports across the country, screening passengers and carry-on baggage before they board aircraft. Since its creation after September 11, 2001, the TSA has processed billions of passengers at hundreds of airports nationwide.
There are 52 states with TSA locations across the United States. TSA operates at more than 440 airports in the United States, employing over 50,000 security officers who screen more than two million passengers on a typical travel day.
TSA in the United States
Browsing by state helps travelers locate the TSA checkpoint and contact information for their departure airport, find out whether the airport participates in TSA PreCheck expedited screening, learn about special accommodations for travelers with disabilities or medical devices, and access lost-and-found contacts for items left at security checkpoints.
Common Services
- Passenger and carry-on baggage screening at airport security checkpoints
- TSA PreCheck trusted traveler program enrollment and renewal
- Lost and found assistance for items left at security screening areas
- Disability and medical accommodation coordination during the screening process
Enroll in TSA PreCheck before your next trip to enjoy expedited screening at over 200 airports — the five-year membership costs $85 and allows you to keep your shoes on, laptop in your bag, and liquids in your carry-on through a dedicated lane.
For official information, visit Transportation Security Administration.
About TSA
The TSA was established by the Aviation and Transportation Security Act signed into law in November 2001, just weeks after the September 11 attacks. The agency federalized airport security screening, replacing private screeners with federal employees, and introduced new screening technologies and protocols that have expanded substantially over the years. TSA also oversees surface transportation security programs for rail, bus, and highway systems through its surface division.
Common Services
- Global Entry and TSA PreCheck enrollment center appointments and identity verification
- Screening accommodation requests for passengers with medical devices or implants
- Traveler redress program (DHS TRIP) for passengers flagged incorrectly on watchlists
- Acceptable identification guidance for REAL ID compliance at checkpoints
Arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before international departures to allow time for parking, check-in, baggage drop, and TSA screening — airport and security wait times vary significantly by time of day and season.
For official information, visit TSA PreCheck Program.