Latest TSA Security Directives

3-1–1 for Carry-ons

Air travelers may now carry liquids, gels and aerosols in their carry-on bag when going through security checkpoints.

With certain exceptions for prescription and over-the-counter medicines, baby formula and breast milk, and other essential liquids, gels, and aerosols, the following rules apply to all liquids, gels, and aerosols you want to carry through a security checkpoint.

3–1–1 for carry-ons

  • 3 ounce bottle or less
  • 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag
  • 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin.

One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3 oz. container size is a security measur

Come early and be patient. Heavy travel volumes and the enhanced security process may mean longer lines at security checkpoints.


Updates to the TSA Security Requirements(effective November 10, 2006): Latest security bans according to the TSA Security Directives Summary of Security Directive Changes for Flights departing from and within the U.S.

  • Effective November 10, 2006, the TSA has advised that travelers may now carry through security checkpoints travel-size toiletries (3.4 ounces/100 ml or less) that fit comfortably in ONE, QUART-SIZE, clear plastic re-sealable bag. At the security checkpoint passengers will be asked to remove the clear plastic re-sealable bag from their accessible baggage and place it in a separate bin or on the conveyor belt for screening. X-raying these items separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items. In addition, prescription liquid, gel and aerosol medications, baby formula/milk/food, and diabetic glucose treatments must be declared at the checkpoint for additional screening if they are not included in the ONE QUART clear plastic re-sealable bag.

  • Passengers who attempt to bring undeclared liquids, gels, or aerosols into the sterile area without providing to the TSA for separate screening may be subjected to secondary screening.
  • Passengers who purchase liquids, gels, and/or aerosols in the sterile area are now allowed to take them onboard the aircraft.

  • Duty Free liquids, gels, and/or aerosols purchased inside the sterile area may be brought onboard the aircraft by passengers, and no longer must be delivered to the aircraft.
Summary of Security Directive Changes for Flights departing from non-U.S. (except the UK)

  • Effective November 10, 2006, the TSA has advised that travelers may now carry through security checkpoints travel-size toiletries (3.4 ounces/100 ml or less) that fit comfortably in ONE, QUART-SIZE, clear plastic re-sealable bag. At the security checkpoint passengers will be asked to remove the clear plastic re-sealable bag from their accessible baggage and place it in a separate bin or on the conveyor belt for screening. X-raying these items separately will allow TSA security officers to more easily examine the declared items. In addition, prescription liquid, gel and aerosol medications, baby formula/milk/food, and diabetic glucose treatments must be declared at the checkpoint for additional screening if they are not included in the ONE QUART clear plastic re-sealable bag.

  • Passengers who attempt to bring undeclared liquids, gels, or aerosols into the sterile area without providing to the TSA for separate screening may be subjected to secondary screening.

  • Passengers who purchase liquids, gels, and/or aerosols (including Duty Free items) in the sterile area are now allowed to take them onboard the aircraft if:
    • Liquids, gels, and/or aerosols are not carried into the sterile area through the screening checkpoint AND
    • Passengers do not mingle with other passengers who have not been screened to enter the sterile area.
    • If both of the aforementioned points cannot be ensured, liquid, gel or aerosol Duty Free items must be delivered to the passenger onboard the aircraft or as he/she boards the aircraft.
The airline is suggesting that all customers consider checking all of their luggage, in an effort to minimize delays at airport security checkpoints.

KK (not verified)

Hi - I mislaid a laptop on the security belt in T4 on Wednesday afternoon - I called lost and found and they said I must call security, but I cannot locate a number for them - any advice?

FOM (not verified)

I lost my US visa at JFK and I need to file a police report so the Embassy will issue a replacement visa.

As I am out of the US and can´t go back without a visa, I will need to file the police report by phone or by e-mail.

Can anyone give me the contact information for the Police Station at JFK ??

Anonymous (not verified)

The phone number of Port Authority Police Department is 718-244-4335.

Anonymous (not verified)

Is it legal to bring a airsoft gun in my luggage?

Anja (not verified)

Can someone verify if it is possible to get a kitchen knife, brand new, sealed in a box, through check in luggage, out of the States to Europe?

Please only pps with experience,knowing for a fact that it is or it is not possible.

Thank you

Juana Maria (not verified)

Good morning,
when I will travel to the U.S. about I'll be 20 weeks pregnant. What kind of scanners I pass? What kind of scanners I pass? I must take some official document of some department of his country, I am Spanish and here the documents are issued in Spanish.
Thanks

Anonymous (not verified)

hi im flying to jfk in june and have just had surgery and wear a brace on my knee and wrist and wondering if i can take my prescription mediciens on board and not have them taking off me and will i get braces taking off me as i need them to walk

Dawn C (not verified)

My fiance flew into JFK in July 2009 and handed his sealed medical records to the immigration department there. They were to send them on to the office in Detroit. When we went to Detroit on January 2010 for our last interview, the immigration officer there told us his medicals never arrived from the department in New York. Now they want us to spend another $400+ to have them redone here in the States. I can't find a number anywhere to discuss this with Immigration there at JFK, or to even find a number to the airport itself to ask them what the immigration office number is. Any ideas?

Anonymous (not verified)

How many carry ons are allowed per person on each flight? Can I bring a carry on plus my camera equipment (ie: Semi Pro digital camera and camcorder) on board the plane?

jk (not verified)

If I want to fly on a domestic flight but I dont have photo ID what papers can I bring to get on the flight?

waveman55

im a painter and would like to take take tubes of my paint

Anonymous (not verified)

Hi - Does anyone know who I can report a security issue to? A few months ago, an individual who was a TOTALLY DIFFERENT RACE and AGE than me was issued a boarding pass with my name on it, got through ALL security check points, and boarded my plane. I, too, was of course issued a boarding pass with my name on it (so there were 2 boarding passes issue with the same name about 20-30 min apart). In light of recent events, I think this needs to be reported...a large, International airport like JFK can NOT let something like this happen!!

Anonymous (not verified)

send all the details to Homeland security with cc mail to TSA and FBI.

Anonymous (not verified)

Can I buy a Knife in NYC for Scuba diving and bring it throgh customs in my checked in luggage?

Anonymous (not verified)

Yes as long as it's checked. I brought my scuba knife home in checked luggage.

Anonymous (not verified)

are you kidding. Hell you can not....

codisil

What are the new directives for the security measures. I heard about thermal scanners at airports...and are there any more updates

Anonymous (not verified)

I`m planning to buy a projector here in the US to take back to my country. But I want to know first if it is allowed nowadays to take it as hand-luggage? How can I get some info about this?

Anonymous (not verified)

Are small knitting needles allowed on international flights? Also, how much time do you need to allow currently (ebd of Dec) for security at JFK international flights?

Anonymous (not verified)

i am flying from jfk to uk on 16/1/2010. the flight is on 19:00 . i cannot be at the airport before 18:30. is it possible to make all arrengments in advance on the 15/1/2010 and just come directly to the flight without anything on 16/1/2010 at 18:00 and still catch the flight?

Anonymous (not verified)

Im flew from jfk to Amsterdam on December 21th. Security is unbelievable arrogant and rude to tourist. Im lost my watch and the x ray machine and i am a 100% sure that the people from TSA stole it from me! DO NOT TRUST THESE PEOPLE!!

Anonymous (not verified)

Female landing from overseas into Terminal 7 with many bags. Is there carts or help availible to help get them from the conveyer belt, into the customs & immagration area, to the nonsecure area where help awaits? thanks & Merry Christmas & or happy holidays!

Anonymous (not verified)

Do you absolutely need your passport when traveling to another country? Is there anyway to get away with just using a photocopy of it or something along those lines?

Anonymous (not verified)

Yes you do. No you can't.

Anonymous (not verified)

If something gets confiscated at the checkpoint, is there anyway to get it back? Can it be mailed to you?

Anonymous (not verified)

No.

Anonymous (not verified)

My daughter and I are flying to Amsterdam tomorrow morning, but first, we have a 7 and a half hour layover in NYC at JFK, does anyone know if we are able to leave during this time? I don't want to spend & hours in the airport with a 3 year old, and no one else does either, I can visit some friends near by, but recently someone told me they had trouble leaving the airport on a layover for an international flight...can someone tell me the policy?

Anonymous (not verified)

Is peanut butter considered a liquid or is it allowed on the aircraft?

Anonymous (not verified)

I had a jar of peanut butter taken away not because it was a liquid but a gel.

Anonymous (not verified)

I had hummus taken away once, they said if i put it on the bagel i could keep it but since it was in the original container i had to throw it away

Anonymous (not verified)

I am travelling with a friend to jfk soon, my friend broke his arm last week and has a plaster cast on the lower part of his arm and wrist. Our airline have confirmed he can fly but a friend has said that at jfk security may ask him to have the plaster cast removed. Please can someone advise?

Anonymous (not verified)

They can not ask you to remove a cast. They will x-ray it to make sure there is not any metal. You will be fine.

Anonymous (not verified)

I am a Muslim woman who will take a trip in the coming week and I wear hijab. I was wondering if we can use pins when we are traveling?
Shokran

K DeVito (not verified)

Can I bring a wedding gift, a creme brulee set ( ramekins and a lighter but NO butane canister which must be purchased separately) on my flight to San Francisco?

Anonymous (not verified)

Hello,
My mom is a US Citizen and traveled yesterday to the Holy Land, but at the JFK airport a security officer took her purse due to "security reasons", so she was not able to have her bag along with her during the flight, they said to take her money with her and that they will give her purse back once she arrived.

They also aksked her this bunch of questions regarding her flight reasons... I have not speek to her since she has not arrived yet, but I am a little bit worried and would like to know if this is normal. I will appreciate suggestions, informations or anything that can calm my nerves, is this normal???!

Anonymous (not verified)

can you take an electric guitar through security at JFK?
the airline states its up to the airport to decide.

Anonymous (not verified)

Yes u can! I do it all the time. The problem might be the compartment above your head.It might be too small. Check with your airline,in this case how it can be stored safely.American Airlines often will put your guitar on the business class area if there is space left,otherwise they will make u check that in right when u are about to go in the aircraft. Brazilian TAM airlines is the best!They have a very long space for everyone and there's never been a problem. I checked once my acoustic vintage and cracked!Never again!Good luck,best!

Anonymous (not verified)

I want to bring a hard drive from my computer into America. Will I be able to do so without it being checked? I dont want to go through all the hassle if it does...

Anonymous (not verified)

On Sunday 27 September I flew from NY terminal 4 to Geneva, Switzerland. I left my camera in my suitcase, and when I arrived in Geneva, my camera was in the suitcase but NOT THE MEMORY CARD. Is there anywhere I can write to have it back? I can only think that it must have been security which removed it, otherwise I find NO other explanation. If they did, were they not supposed to put a paper saying that they have checked my luggage? Anyhow, does anybody know if there is a remote possibility to have my memory card, with my beautiful photos of my visit to NY back?
Thanks

Ale (not verified)

Hi, i will fly from Rome To San Diego, but i have to change in new york, if i will by a liquor bottle in Rome, when i will do the carry on baggage check, can i pass with this bottle if i have a receive and the bottle bag is sealed off?

ANDREW DENT

Hi
I will transitting thru JFK in October, does anyone know if its possible to take photos of the aircraft thru the windows.In this day and age of high security ,i want to ask first.If someone knows of whom i could email

Thank you
Andrew (UK)

Fred S. (not verified)

Dear Sir or Madams,

While flying out of JFK airport using Jet Blue as a carrier I sadly noted a lost, wild bird within the Jet Blue terminal, flying inside the terminal between Gates 15 - 17; landing occasionally on higher objects like signs, etc. It obviously got in accidently & can't figure out how to get back out. It will be dead within a day from dehydration & exhaustion. Can someone, please, please catch it as soon as possible & release it outside so it can survive?! I last saw it at about 3:30pm (EST), today (8/18/09) when flying out of town. It is an adult, male, sparrow. It is a mission of mercy which would not take too much effort & time by some caring, nice people. Please look into this matter as soon as you can. Bird & animal lovers like my wife & I would highly appreciate it. God bless you for helping...
Sincerely,
Fred S.

Ale (not verified)

Hi, i have a question, i will fly from Rome to San Diego, but i have to change in New york, if i will buy a liquor bottle in rome airport, when i will do the carry on baggage check in new york, if i have the receive and the liquor bag si sealed off, Sholud be ok?

juliegulya

I'm flying with my 3 month old baby, it will take 17 hours of fly. how many bottles of liquid formula I can take?

captain ezmirly (not verified)

on the 13th jul. i was part of the saudia airlines cockpit crew flight SV020 from JFK to Jeddah Saudi Arabia. at terminal 1. i left my big bag at the TSA check area. when i arrived to jeddah i took my bag from down laoding area to find out when i opend the bag that it was messed up and missing a brand new GARMIN GPS that i bought from Costco a day befor. there for i demand from the TSA to investigate this matter and chack with the cargo personal who did it. thanks

Anonymous (not verified)

You need to contact TSA and make sure you call the police, you may also file a report with police, next time you are in JFK call the police department and also send a report to the maker of your GPS with the serial number, and they may help you.

Eire (not verified)

If you bought a laptop in New York and wanted to bring it back on a plane via. Air Lingus to Ireland. Is that possible?
Even if you kept it in the original packaging and put it in Checked-In Luggage?

jose (not verified)

They suggest you check in your bag if possible. Apparently this hasn't been updated in a while and does not mention that almost every major airline now charges you extra for any bag you check in.

daithimech (not verified)

who do you complain to about theft from your luggage

Anonymous (not verified)

Very disappointed to find my watch,(D N G) stolen from my luggage when I arrived home from New York last Monday morning. Departed from Terminal 4. What kind of security is on to eleminate this????