TSA Tips for Getting Through Airport Security This Summer

Summer is upon us once again and you know what that means: way more people at the airport and all of them in front of you in the TSA line.

The agency says it’s “ready for the additional passenger volume”—but are you?

Whether or not you’ve traveled by air recently, we’ve got some helpful pointers, and new policy changes to acquaint yourself with, in order to make your airport experience relatively smooth and speedy this summer.

Here’s what to know—and do.

Carry proper ID

Following the implementation of the REAL ID requirement at U.S. airports earlier this month, 93% of flyers have been showing up with valid ID, according to the TSA. That’s the good news. But the real test will be this summer, when the number of passengers will be higher than during other parts of the year.

If you’re uncertain whether your state-issued driver’s license or ID card is REAL ID–compliant, check for a star in the ID’s upper right corner. Otherwise, you’ll need an alternative form of identification such as your passport or passport card.

If you don’t have an acceptable form of ID, the TSA will have to verify your identity using a separate process that requires passengers to get to the airport a minimum of 3 hours early.

Follow packing rules

Occasional internet rumors to the contrary, the TSA will not be relaxing its longstanding restrictions on liquids in carry-on bags anytime soon.

Anything that can be spilled, sprayed, spread, pumped, or poured must be kept in individual containers no bigger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) per item or confined to checked bags. The little containers have to fit in one clear, quart-sized, resealable bag per passenger, too, in order to remain among carry-on belongings.

Note that the TSA’s definition of liquid encompasses peanut butter and some other surprising foods that should go in checked bags.

Also limited to checked bags: firearms. Seems like that should be obvious, but TSA agents report guns found in carry-on bags several times a day at airports across the country. In fact, 6,678 firearms were intercepted at TSA checkpoints in 2024—roughly 20 per day.

Conversely,  portable chargers or power banks containing lithium-ion batteries should only be placed in carry-on luggage. The Federal Aviation Administration now bans those devices from checked bags because lithium batteries can overheat and start fires, so regulators want to keep spare batteries in the cabin where flight crews can keep an eye out for smoldering purses and backpacks.

On Southwest Airlines flights, you can’t even keep portable chargers in the overhead bin anymore—they have to stay with you at your seat.

Obviously, there are a lot of rules to keep track of. Fortunately, the TSA offers several ways to get answers to questions about what can and cannot pass through airport security.

You can consult the agency’s online FAQ page, download the free MyTSA mobile app, write an email, call 866/289-9673, send a text message to AskTSA (275-872), or tag the agency on social media @AskTSA.

Give yourself plenty of time

Most airlines still recommend showing up at the airport at least 2 hours before scheduled departure for a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international trip—and yes, even if the flight is delayed you should go by the scheduled departure time in case anything changes.

What’s more, some carriers have recently enacted policy changes that make getting to the airport early even more crucial. Delta Air Lines now requires passengers who are checking bags to get that done at least 45 minutes before the flight’s scheduled departure or risk their luggage missing the plane. And American Airlines has pushed up its standard domestic boarding time to 35 or 40 minutes prior to flight, depending on plane size.

To get your bags checked (if need be) and work your way through security amid the larger summer crowds, allow for ample time at the airport—maybe even more than you’ll think you need.

Of course, enrolling in TSA PreCheck will speed things up at the airport to a game-changing degree. But even if you’re not a member of that Trusted Traveler Program there are things you can do to skip lines. See our rundown of some of your best options.

A little preparation can go a long way toward improving your time at any airport—except maybe in Miami, where you’re pretty much doomed.