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TSA security rules and TSA PreCheck^® information

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens all commercial airline passengers and bags on departing flights in the U.S. Learn more about the TSA rules for carry-on bags and how to get through security faster.

TSA security rules and TSA PreCheck^® information

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens all commercial airline passengers and bags on departing flights in the U.S. Learn more about the TSA rules for carry-on bags and how to get through security faster.

Jump to the Security rules section

Jump to theSecurity rules
section

Jump to the TSA PreCheck section

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section

Jump to theTrusted Traveler Programs section

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Traveler Programs section

Security rules

Here are the TSA rules for items people usually bring in carry-on bags. You can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item for free on most domestic and international flights. If you have questions about the rules for other items, use the What Can I Bring? tool on the TSA website.

Security rules

Here are the TSA rules for items people usually bring in carry-on bags. You can bring one carry-on bag and one personal item for free on most domestic and international flights. If you have questions about the rules for other items, use the What Can I Bring? tool on the TSA website.

- Liquids, gels and aerosols that are 3.4 ounces (100mL) or less and fit in a clear, sealable one quart-size (liter-size) bag are allowed. You may have to take them out at airport security so they can be screened separately.
- Baby formula, milk (including breast milk), baby food, juice and liquid/gel medications larger than 3.4 ounces may be allowed on board, but they will have to be screened separately. If you’re traveling with any of these items, let the TSA agent know.
- Items larger than 3.4 ounces purchased inside the airport after security in the U.S., like drinks or toiletries, are allowed on the plane. If you have a connecting flight and have to go through security again, you may not be able to bring the larger items with you.
- If you’re flying into the U.S. from another country and have a connecting flight, you may be able to bring liquids bigger than 3.4 ounces if you bought them at a duty-free store. They must be stored in a special sealed bag. Some bottles are hard to scan. If your liquids cannot be scanned properly, you will have to put them in your checked bag or throw them away.
The rules for liquids, gels and aerosols are different in every country. Visit the website of your departure airport for more information.
If you don’t have TSA PreCheck, you’ll have to take your laptop out of your bag and place it into a separate bin for x-ray screening.
Plastic knives and round-bladed butter knives are allowed in carry-on bags. All other types of knives must be put in your checked bags.
Gifts and packages are subject to the same inspection rules as your carry-on bags. If you're traveling with gifts, you should unwrap them so they're easier to screen.
You’re not allowed to bring anything on board that can change or limit the functionality of any aircraft structure, seat assembly, or tray table.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) uses additional security measures for all international flights to the U.S. They include screening with questioning of some or all travelers, as well as extra screening of larger electronic devices.
If you are flying internationally, you should try to get to the airport check-in counter three hours before your flight to allow time for the additional security.
For more information, visit the DHS website.

TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck helps travelers in the U.S. get through security screening faster. If you’re accepted into the program, you can use an express security lane when you travel from select airports. The TSA — not United^® — chooses travelers for the TSA PreCheck program, so contact them if you have any additional questions or need help.

TSA PreCheck benefits:

Get through security lines

quicker.

Keep your shoes, belt and light

jacket on.

Leave laptops in your bag.

Travel-sized liquids stay in your bag.

TSA PreCheck is only open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents. The application fee is $78 and status is valid for 5 years. For more information on the application process, visit the TSA FAQ page.

Use your miles to pay for TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck is only open to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and lawful permanent residents. The application fee is $78 and status is valid for 5 years. For more information on the application process, visit the TSA FAQ page.

Use your miles to pay for TSA PreCheck

TSA PreCheck Touchless ID

If you have TSA PreCheck and are departing from select airports, you can use your face to check your bag and move through security. With TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, you don’t need to show your boarding pass and physical ID at bag drop shortcut¹or the security checkpoint.

We plan to add TSA PreCheck Touchless ID to more bag drop counters, security checkpoints and boarding gates in the future. Keep checking this page to be the first to know when this service comes to an airport near you.

Station	Bag drop shortcut	Security checkpoint
Atlanta, GA - Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Chicago, IL - O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Los Angeles, CA - Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
New York, NY - LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
New York, NY/Newark, NJ — Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

To use TSA PreCheck Touchless ID on your next trip², follow these steps:

Add your information

Scan your passport and add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) in the United app. Select My United → View Profile and Settings → TSA PreCheck and travel documents.

Opt in

Check in for your flight on the mobile app to start the opt-in process. Read our privacy policy and give us permission to use your facial scan as an ID.

Bag drop shortcut

When you get to the airport, go to the bag drop shortcut area and scan your face at the special TSA PreCheck Touchless ID kiosk. An agent will print your bag tags and take your bags.³

Security checkpoint

TSA PreCheck Touchless ID lanes are located at TSA PreCheck. Leave your ID in your wallet and scan your face.

If you change your mind and do not want to participate, you can still use bag drop shortcut and TSA PreCheck when you get to the airport. You will just have to scan your boarding pass and show your physical ID to an agent.

1. During our testing phase, bag drop agents will check physical IDs after the facial scan.

2. This service is only available to customers on single passenger reservations who are at least 18 years old.

3. Passengers using an airport wheelchair or traveling with a pet cannot opt in to this service, as it is only available at bag drop shortcut. If you plan to use an airport wheelchair, drop your bags off at the accessibility assistance area. If you are traveling with a pet, drop your bags off at the additional services area.

Enroll in TSA PreCheck at Denver International Airport

You can now enroll in TSA PreCheck after security at Denver International Airport (DEN). The approval process takes less than five minutes, and you don’t need to make an appointment.

To sign up for TSA PreCheck at DEN, visit the IDEMIA mobile cart near Gate B35. In-Journey TSA PreCheck Enrollment is open to departing, arriving, and layover travelers. Bring a photo ID and proof of U.S. citizenship. You can pay the $78 application fee with a credit card or use your miles to get a payment code.

Trusted Traveler Programs

If you travel internationally, you can apply for Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI for express border security screening. Memberships for each of these programs are valid for 5 years and include TSA PreCheck. Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI cards are REAL ID-compliant and can also be used as identification at U.S. security checkpoints.

Trusted Traveler Programs

If you travel internationally, you can apply for Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI for express border security screening. Memberships for each of these programs are valid for 5 years and include TSA PreCheck. Global Entry, NEXUS and SENTRI cards are REAL ID-compliant

Use your United card to pay for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck application fees and earn up to $120 in statement credit.

Traveler pro tips

Here are a few tips to help you make the most out of the Trusted Traveler Programs:

A TSA PreCheck^® logo or “TSA PRE” must be printed on your boarding pass near your name for you to use TSA PreCheck.
Book your flights using the name and date of birth listed on the ID you used to apply to a Trusted Traveler Program.
Add your Known Traveler Number (KTN) to your United MileagePlus profile and existing reservations.
If you have Global Entry, NEXUS or SENTRI, your 9-digit PASS ID is your KTN. It’s on the back of your card in the upper-left corner and in your TTP profile.
If you’re active-duty military or a DoD civilian, you can get TSA PreCheck for free. Visit the TSA FAQ page for more information.
Minors under the age of 18 may be able to use the TSA PreCheck line without joining the program. Visit the TSA FAQ page for more information.

Save your spot in line with RESERVE

RESERVE is a free program that lets you save your spot in a dedicated TSA security line at select airports for shorter waits. No pre-approval is required.

To make an appointment, you’ll need to enter your flight details, group size, and preferred screening time. Once you arrive at the airport, go to the line at the security checkpoint designated on your RESERVE appointment confirmation and show the agent the QR code.

Travelers using RESERVE will go through standard security screening regardless of TSA PreCheck or CLEAR Plus status.

U.S. airports: Denver (DEN),Los Angeles (LAX),Minneapolis (MSP),Orlando (MCO),Phoenix (PHX),Seattle (SEA)

International airports: EXPRESS at Calgary (YYC)

Save your spot in line with RESERVE

RESERVE is a free program that lets you save your spot in a dedicated TSA security line at select airports for shorter waits. No pre-approval is required.

To make an appointment, you’ll need to enter your flight details, group size, and preferred screening time. Once you arrive at the airport, go to the line at the security checkpoint designated on your RESERVE appointment confirmation and show the agent the QR code.

Travelers using RESERVE will go through standard security screening regardless of TSA PreCheck or CLEAR Plus status.

U.S. airports: Denver (DEN),Los Angeles (LAX),Minneapolis (MSP),Orlando (MCO),Phoenix (PHX),Seattle (SEA)

International airports: EXPRESS at Calgary (YYC)

To be eligible for the statement credit, your account must be open and not in default at the time of statement credit fulfillment. You must use your United℠ Explorer Card, United Club℠ Visa Infinite Card or United Quest℠ Card to complete either the Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS application and pay the application fee. You will receive one (1) statement credit (up to $120) every four (4) years after the first program (either Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS) application fee is charged to your United Explorer Card, United Club Visa Infinite Card, or United Quest Card, by you or an authorized user. The statement credit will appear on your monthly credit card billing statement within 1-2 billing cycles of the Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS program application fee being charged to your card. You are responsible for payment of all charges until the statement credit posts to the account. Other program applications including, but not limited to Privium are not eligible for the statement credit benefit.
Neither United Airlines nor MileagePlus is responsible for the provision of, or failure to provide, the stated benefits.
Websites and other information provided by government agencies are not within Chase's control and may not be available in Spanish. Global Entry is a U.S. Government program, operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). TSA PreCheck is a U.S. Government program, operated by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA). NEXUS is a U.S. Government program, operated by the US Department of Homeland Security. Chase has no control over these programs including, but not limited to, applications, approval process or enrollment, or fees charged by CBP or TSA or DHS, and no liability regarding the Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS programs. For complete application details on Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS, including full terms and conditions, visit the CPB website.
TSA PreCheck^® trademark is used with the permission of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

To be eligible for the statement credit, your account must be open and not in default at the time of statement credit fulfillment. You must use your United℠ Explorer Card, United Club℠ Visa Infinite Card or United Quest℠ Card to complete either the Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS application and pay the application fee. You will receive one (1) statement credit (up to $100) every four (4) years after the first program (either Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS) application fee is charged to your United Explorer Card, United Club Visa Infinite Card, or United Quest Card, by you or an authorized user. The statement credit will appear on your monthly credit card billing statement within 1-2 billing cycles of the Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS program application fee being charged to your card. You are responsible for payment of all charges until the statement credit posts to the account. Other program applications including, but not limited to Privium are not eligible for the statement credit benefit.
Neither United Airlines nor MileagePlus is responsible for the provision of, or failure to provide, the stated benefits.
Websites and other information provided by government agencies are not within Chase's control and may not be available in Spanish. Global Entry is a U.S. Government program, operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). TSA PreCheck is a U.S. Government program, operated by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA). NEXUS is a U.S. Government program, operated by the US Department of Homeland Security. Chase has no control over these programs including, but not limited to, applications, approval process or enrollment, or fees charged by CBP or TSA or DHS, and no liability regarding the Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or NEXUS programs. For complete application details on Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS, including full terms and conditions, visit the CPB website.
TSA PreCheck^® trademark is used with the permission of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Security rules and TSA PreCheck information

TSA security rules and TSA PreCheck^® information

TSA security rules and TSA PreCheck^® information

Security rules

Security rules