What do I have to show at airport security?

Adult passengers 18 and older must show valid identification at the airport checkpoint in order to travel. Beginning May 7, 2025, if you plan to use your state-issued ID or license to fly within the U.S., make sure it is REAL ID compliant.



As of early 2026, airport security requirements have reached a major enforcement milestone, particularly in the United States. To pass through a TSA checkpoint, you must present a valid government-issued photo ID and your boarding pass (either a printed paper copy or a digital version on your smartphone). Crucially, as of February 1, 2026, the TSA has fully transitioned to REAL ID enforcement for domestic travel. If your state-issued driver's license is not REAL ID-compliant (indicated by a star in the top right corner), you will be required to show an alternative, such as a passport, or face a $45 non-compliance fee to proceed. For international travel, a valid passport is mandatory. At the screening lane, be prepared to remove your shoes (unless you have TSA PreCheck or are under 12/over 75), light jackets, and belts. All liquids, gels, and aerosols must follow the 3-1-1 rule: 3.4-ounce (100ml) containers or smaller, fitting into a single one-quart clear bag. Large electronics, like laptops and tablets, must typically be removed from your bag and placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening.

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Be prepared to show screening officials your identification, whether it be a driver's license or passport, and your boarding pass at any time.

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Taking liquids through security
  • all drinks, including water.
  • liquid or semi-liquid foods, for example soup, jam, honey and syrups.
  • cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss.
  • sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants.
  • pastes, including toothpaste.


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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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Place laptops and large electrical items separately in a tray. Put coins, keys, mobile phones and other small items in your coat or hand baggage. Place your hand baggage and coat into a tray. Place any liquid items (important: see 'Liquids - 100ml rule' above), correctly bagged, into the tray.

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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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Is toothpaste considered a liquid by the TSA? Yes, toothpaste must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule for liquids and gels. Toothpaste can be brought through TSA security in your carry-on as long as it is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less and placed in a 1-quart bag.

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You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened. You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It's highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.

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Your identity document (for example your passport or identity card) will be checked when you arrive at a UK port or airport to make sure you're allowed to come into the country. It should be valid for the whole of your stay. You may also need a visa to come into or travel through the UK, depending on your nationality.

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Your identity document (for example your passport or identity card) will be checked when you arrive at a UK port or airport to make sure you're allowed to come into the country. It should be valid for the whole of your stay. You may also need a visa to come into or travel through the UK, depending on your nationality.

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Stick deodorant is fine in any size. Well, almost any size… Powders and crystals are good to go as well. Spray, Gel, Liquid, Cream, Pastes, and Roll-On deodorants need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces and placed in a clear quart-sized baggie.

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Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols.

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You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

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Toothpaste is considered a liquid by the TSA (Transport Security Agency), even though it's technically a paste. In fact, all pastes, gels, waxes, and lotions are also classified as liquids. And even today, these substances are still restricted by the 3-1-1 rule in hand luggage due to safety threats.

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If you want to take perfume on a plane, you need to keep in mind that perfume is considered a liquid and is subject to TSA regulations. The perfume must be in a container that holds no more than 3.4 ounces (100 millilitres), and it should be placed in a clear, plastic, quart-sized bag for screening.

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Mobile phone
Mobile devices will set of the alarm at the airport security check, so ensure that you remove your personal devices and place them onto the tray to be scanned. Summary: ? Remove mobile phones from your pockets. ? Place mobile devices on the tray to be scanned.

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Wallet and purse As long as your wallet doesn't hold something metallic, you're fine to leave your wallet in your pocket and won't have to remove it at airport security. As purses tend to be larger than wallets, they'll need to be removed and screened separately.

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With hundreds of travelers coming through an airport security checkpoint each hour, the bins are a common use item, the agency said. Do not place personal items such as wallets, keys or phone in a bin. Instead, secure them in carry-on property to be screened through the X-ray system.

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Yes, CDC recommends travelers wear a mask throughout their travel journey.

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Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags. For more information, see the FAA guidance on portable rechargers. For more prohibited items, please go to the 'What Can I Bring?' page.

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