Overview
- Officials advise arriving about two hours before departure, starting with an empty bag, and keeping pockets clear to ease checkpoint screening.
- Passengers should bring a REAL ID‑compliant license or another acceptable ID such as a passport or passport card, with current non‑compliant travelers subject to extra screening.
- Beginning Feb. 1, 2026, travelers without acceptable ID may use TSA ConfirmID for identity verification at checkpoints for a $45 fee.
- Some reports indicate ConfirmID can be completed before arriving or at the airport and that approvals cover roughly a 10‑day travel window.
- TSA reiterates 3.4‑ounce limits for liquids and gel‑like foods, recommends unwrapped gifts or gift bags, notes snow globes belong in checked bags, and promotes MyTSA, AskTSA, TSA Cares, and a TSA PreCheck $15 BOGO discount through Dec. 31.