Airport passengers should expect specific screening rules for medications and medical devices, as explained by the Transportation Security Administration in its travel tips and guidance.
The agency says you may travel with medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts provided it undergoes screening, and medication may travel in both carry-on and checked baggage though carry-on is recommended for immediate access.
Liquid medication in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces is allowed in carry-on baggage in reasonable amounts for the flight, and you must tell the officer about medically necessary liquids at the start of the checkpoint screening process, the agency says.
The TSA notes that you do not have to present or notify officers about medication unless it is liquid, and you are not required to keep medication in prescription bottles though state laws on labeling may apply.
Medication is usually screened by X-ray, but passengers may request a visual inspection instead before any item is sent through the X-ray tunnel, the Transportation Security Administration states.
For travelers with diabetes or other conditions, the agency advises notifying officers about devices attached to the body and, if desired, presenting a TSA notification card. Officers will not require removal of medical devices attached to the body, but medical supplies undergo separate screening and may receive additional testing.
Airport Programs And Baggage Handling Procedures
The Transportation Security Administration recommends TSA PreCheck membership for faster screening and refers travelers to DHS trusted traveler programs information at dhs.gov/tt for details about Global Entry and Nexus.
The agency describes Automated Screening Lanes as technology that reduces checkpoint time and lists airports where those lanes are operating, including New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Dallas, Chicago, Minneapolis, Miami, Houston, Newark, Seattle and Atlanta.
TSA also explains its approach to checked baggage locks. The agency worked with manufacturers to create recognized locks that security officers can open with universal master keys so locks need not be cut during inspections.
If an officer must open locked baggage and cannot do so by other means, the lock may be cut. The agency will place a Notice of Baggage Inspection inside any bag that is opened for screening, and it says it is not liable for damage caused to locked bags that must be opened for security purposes.
The TSA provides an image reference of 244 locks recovered from under a baggage conveyor belt over one month at a New York airport to illustrate how locks can be lost or damaged by handling equipment, and it urges travelers to choose recognized locks when possible.
For additional assistance, the Transportation Security Administration directs travelers to contact TSA Cares at 855-787-2227 and to call up to 72 hours before travel for help at the checkpoint.
