Special Procedures
Disabilities and Medical Conditions
To ensure your security, all travelers are required to undergo screening at the checkpoint. You or your traveling companion may consult the TSA officer about the best way to relieve any concerns during the screening process. You may provide the officer with the TSA notification card or other medical documentation to describe your condition. If you have other questions or concerns about traveling with a disability please contact passenger support.
If you are approved to use TSA Pre✓® lane at a participating airport, you do not need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets during the screening process. You are required to undergo screening at the checkpoint by technology or a pat-down. Also, TSA officers may swab your hands, mobility aids, equipment and other external medical devices to test for explosives using explosives trace detection technology.
You are not required to remove your shoes if you have disabilities and medical conditions. However, your shoes must undergo additional screening including visual/physical inspection as well as explosives trace detection testing of the footwear. You can request to be seated during this portion of the screening.
Medications
Medications in pill or other solid form must undergo security screening. It is recommended that medication be clearly labeled to facilitate the screening process. Check with state laws regarding prescription medication labels.
You are responsible for displaying, handling, and repacking the medication when screening is required. Medication can undergo a visual or X-ray screening and may be tested for traces of explosives.
Inform the TSA Officer
Inform the TSA officer that you have medically necessary liquids and/or medications and separate them from other belongings before screening begins. Also declare accessories associated with your liquid medication such as freezer packs, IV bags, pumps and syringes. Labeling these items can help facilitate the screening process.
3-1-1 Liquids Rule Exemption
You may bring medically necessary liquids, medications and creams in excess of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in your carry-on bag. Remove them from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings. You are not required to place your liquid medication in a plastic zip-top bag. If a liquid, gel, or aerosol declared as medically-necessary alarms, then it may require additional screening and may not be allowed
Accessories
Ice packs, freezer packs, gel packs, and other accessories may be presented at the screening checkpoint in a frozen or partially-frozen state. These items do not have to accompany medication or liquids to be considered medically necessary. All items, including supplies associated with medically necessary liquids such as IV bags, pumps, and syringes must be screened before they will be permitted into the secure area of the airport.
Screening
TSA officers may test liquids for explosives or concealed prohibited items. If officers are unable to use X-ray to clear these items, they may ask to open the container and transfer the liquid to a separate empty container or dispose of a small quantity of liquid, if feasible.
Inform the TSA officer if you do not want your liquid medication to be screened by X-ray or opened. Additional steps will be taken to clear the liquid and you will undergo additional screening procedures to include a pat-down and screening of other carry-on property.
Mobility Disabilities, Aids & Devices
Inform the TSA Officer
Inform the TSA officer of your ability to walk or stand independently before screening. You may provide the officer with the TSA notification card or other medical documentation to describe your condition.
Screening
If you are able to stand with your arms above your head five to seven seconds without support, you may undergo screening through advanced imaging technology or the walk-through metal detector if you are able to walk through without support.
Aids
Walkers, crutches, canes or other mobility aids and devices must undergo X-ray screening. A TSA officer will inspect the item if it cannot fit through the X-ray. Notify the TSA officer if you need to be immediately reunited with the device after it is screened by X-ray.
Wheelchairs and Scooters
TSA officers will screen wheelchairs and scooters to include the seat cushions and any non-removable pouches or fanny packs. Items will be tested for traces of explosives, and removable items will undergo X-ray screening.
Pat-down
- If you can neither stand nor walk, you will undergo a pat-down screening while seated.
- If you can stand but cannot walk, you may stand near the wheelchair or scooter and undergo a pat-down screening.
- A pat-down procedure also is used if you alarm the metal detector or advanced imaging technology.
Respiratory Equipment
Contact the Airline
Not all airlines allow the use of portable oxygen concentrators. Check with your airline before flying. Also check with the manufacturer to determine whether the oxygen concentrator is approved for in-flight use.
Inform the TSA Officer
Inform the TSA officer that you have a portable oxygen concentrator and whether you can disconnect during the screening process. You may provide the officer with the TSA notification card or other medical documentation to describe your condition.
Consult your doctor to determine whether you can safely disconnect during screening.
Screening
If you are able to disconnect from the concentrator, you may submit it for X-ray screening so you may undergo screening through imaging technology or a walk-through metal detector.
If you must remain connected, your equipment will be tested for traces of explosives material.
Nebulizers, CPAPs, BiPAPs, and APAPs
A nebulizer, CPAP, BiPAP and APAP must be removed from its carrying case and undergo X-ray screening. Facemasks and tubing may remain in the case.
You may provide a clear plastic bag to place the device through the X-ray. A TSA officer may need to remove it from the bag to test it for traces of explosives.
Liquids associated with the nebulizer are exempt from the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Read about medication screening.
Prostheses, Casts, Braces, Support Appliances
Inform the TSA Officer
Inform the TSA officer if you have a prosthetic, cast, brace or support appliance and require assistance with the screening process. You may provide the officer with the TSA notification card or other medical documentation to describe your condition.
Screening
Passengers with prostheses, casts, braces, or support appliances can be screened using advanced imaging technology, metal detector, or a pat-down.
The cast, brace, or support appliance is subject to additional screening, which may require you to remove it for X-ray screening.
You will not be required to remove your prostheses; however, they are subject to additional screening, which may require you to lift, raise, or lower your clothing. If the screening will involve a sensitive area, a private screening will be provided and a disposable drape will be available upon request. You may also request a private screening at any time.
You may voluntarily remove your prosthesis, cast, brace, or support appliance prior to screening and submit it for X-ray screening.
Service Dogs and Animals
Inform the TSA Officer
Inform the TSA officer that you are traveling with a service animal. You may provide the officer with the TSA notification card or medical documentation to describe your condition.
Screening
You and your service dog/animal will be screened by a walk-through metal detector. You may walk through together or you may lead the animal through separately on a leash. You will undergo a pat-down if you are not screened by the walk-through metal detector.
If the metal detector alarms, you and your service dog/animal will undergo additional screening, including a pat-down.
If the service dog alarms, do not make contact with the dog (other than holding the leash) until the dog has been inspected by an officer. TSA will not separate you from your service animal. If you have concerns about your screening you can ask to speak with a supervisor or passenger support specialist at any point during the process.
Accessories
Service dog collars, harnesses, leashes, backpacks, vests and other items are subject to screening. Items that are necessary to maintain control of the service dog or indicate that the service dog is on duty do not require removal to be screened.
If you need to relieve your service dog and must exit the security checkpoint, you and the service dog will need to go through the screening process again. You may request to move to the front of the line upon your return.
Medication for service animals must go through X-ray or inspection screening. Separate medications and inform the TSA officer that you carry these items for your service dog.
For more information about other conditions and disabilities, please see the TSA website.