Do I need to show boarding pass at airport security?

You may get a pleasant surprise on your next trip when you arrive at your local Transportation Security Administration checkpoint: No boarding pass is required.



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In short: Travelers at dozens of U.S. airports no longer need to show their boarding passes to TSA officers, eliminating one more item that fliers need to scramble for in order to get through security.

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There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to deciding which type of boarding pass is right for you — both work just fine. But when it comes to air travel, we like to play it safe, which is why we recommend printing out your boarding pass, too.

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The first question is straightforward. You don't “hand over” your cellphone at a security checkpoint. You either put it in your carry-on, which is then scanned by the x-ray machine, or you put it in the bin along with your shoes, belt, hat, 3–1–1 bag, and jacket.

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Meanwhile, a paper ticket won't tell you when your flight is canceled. Plus, a poorly printed boarding pass can render your ticket useless at the gate. Hoeller points out that printing a paper ticket and neatly folding it into your passport is much easier than juggling between your personal items and phone.

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Ready Your Passport/ID and Boarding Pass
Before going through security, your boarding pass and passport/ID will be checked, so keep them somewhere accessible. Note: In Europe and a few other countries, you only need to show your boarding pass at airport security. Your passport/ID is only checked at the gate.

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There have been multiple cases where mobile scanners go down, cell reception doesn't work, or you just have technical phone difficulties at TSA or the boarding gate (the two times when you have to flash your boarding pass). Smart travelers print their boarding pass at the airport.

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Check your pockets for spare change, keys, etc. If the airport is using full-body scanners you need to have nothing at all in your pockets so I just routinely do that. By the time you get to the security personnel, the only thing you will have out will be your passport or id card and your boarding pass.

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Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

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Can you carry your wallet through airport security? While you can bring your wallet with you, you must remove all items from your pockets, including wallets, keys, belts, coins, and phones. You must place this in the provided bins to be screened.

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Carry-on Baggage Screening Here's what to expect when taking your carry-on bag through security screening next time you fly. You will be asked to remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from your carry-on bag and place them into a bin with nothing placed on or under them for X-ray screening.

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Devices containing lithium metal or lithium ion batteries (laptops, smartphones, tablets, etc.) should be carried in carry-on baggage. Flight crews are trained to recognize and respond to lithium battery fires in the cabin.

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If no self-service station is available, the regular check-in desk personnel will reprint it for you. Some airlines in some locations allow using mobile boarding pass through their smartphone app, if this is the case for your airline and airport - then you don't even need to reprint anything at all.

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In most cases, you will only need to go to check-in when you have checked-in online if you need to drop off an item of hold baggage. Please ensure that you are aware of the hand baggage requirements for your specific airline before you travel.

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Most airlines allow passengers to bring on both a carry-on and a personal item like a backpack, laptop bag, purse, briefcase, shopping bag, etc. The general rule of thumb is that your personal item is smaller in dimension than your carry-on bag and it can fit underneath the seat in front of you.

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Tip #2: Reduce waste and save some money by bringing a reusable water bottle. So you can't bring H20 or any other liquids more than 3.4 oz. (well there are some exceptions) through security, but you CAN bring an empty bottle. Just fill it up on your way to boarding your flight after screening.

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Yes, toothpaste is considered a liquid when flying and must be within the 3.4oz (100ml) limit for liquids in order to bring it in your carry-on bag. Any amount larger than that must be checked with your luggage.

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Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags within the continental United States. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.

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