What do you do with your passport when going through airport security?

In any event, it'll certainly take some time, and it's not going to be a particularly pleasant process. The bottom line: always, always, always keep your passport on your person or in your personal item — one that will never be gate-checked.



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Typically, you'll only need to show your passport when checking in for a flight, but it's always a good idea to bring a driver's license or another form of ID just in case.

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Never keep your passport in your back pocket. That pocket is called the “sucker pocket” for a reason. The very best way to keep your passport safe is to carry it on your person in an anti-theft pouch or money belt that is hidden under your clothes. Here is a selection of anti-theft money belts and wallets.

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Leave your passport behind: Your original passport is only mandatory when going through customs or boarding a flight. But away from these situations, you won't need your passport much. So, should you carry your passport with you when leaving the hotel? The answer is no.

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If a digital ID cannot be verified at the TSA security checkpoint, a passenger must use an acceptable physical identity document (e.g., driver's license, passport) to proceed through the identity verification process.

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Driver's licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) U.S. passport. U.S. passport card. DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)

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Mobile Passport Control (MPC) allows eligible travelers to submit their travel document, photo, and customs declaration information through a free, secure app on their smartphone or other mobile device.

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7 Safe Ways to Carry Money When Traveling
  1. Divide Your Money. Whenever possible, we suggest you divide your cash and credit cards into multiple safe spots so that a potential thief can't wipe you out at once. ...
  2. On-Body Storage. ...
  3. Theft-Proof Bag. ...
  4. Clean out Your Belongings. ...
  5. Dummy Wallet. ...
  6. Lock Valuables Away. ...
  7. Plan Accordingly.


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As of March 2023, there are no states that require passports from U.S. citizens to fly domestically. Your airline or the TSA should never ask you to present a valid passport. Of course, you could carry it with you for additional photo identification in case you lose your other forms of ID.

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Yes, simply show your mobile boarding pass on a mobile phone, iPad, or Apple Watch and a valid form of identification to the TSA Agent at security to proceed.

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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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Before you even head out on your trip, you should make multiple copies of your passport: Copy the page that has your photo and full name on it, and keep these copies in separate places—at the bottom of your bag in different pieces of luggage, or even with different people who may be traveling with you.

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Copies of all identification documents for travel
Having photocopies of your important travel documents can save you a headache if you lose your important travel documents. Keep your original documents in your carry-on or personal item. You can store one copy of these identification documents in each checked bag.

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It might not be scanning because: you haven't aligned the NFC reader on your phone with your passport; or. your passport chip might not be working.

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You will not be allowed to enter the security checkpoint if your identity cannot be confirmed, you choose to not provide proper identification or you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process.

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