If you're carrying liquids, follow the 3-1-1 rule. The size limit for carry-on bottles is 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. Click here for more information.
Be aware of items that will set off the metal detector.
-Keys, loose change, mobile phones, pagers, and personal data assistants (PDAs)
-Heavy jewelry (including pins, necklaces, bracelets, rings, watches, earrings, body piercings, cuff links, lanyards or bolo ties)
-Clothing with metal buttons, snaps or studs
-Metal hair barrettes or other hair decoration
-Belt buckles
-Under-wire bras
Wear slip-on shoes. This will allow you to take them off and put them back on quickly, without having to sit down. Travelers are required to remove their shoes before entering the walk-through metal detector at all U.S. airports and put them through the x-ray machine for inspection.
Beware of prohibited items. You can carry up to two lighters on your person but can't put any in your checked baggage. Here's a full list of permitted and prohibited items.
Pack coats in your checked baggage. All coats and jackets must go through the X-ray machine for inspection, which can cause delays at the inspection site.
Do not wrap gifts. If a security officer needs to inspect a package, they may have to unwrap your gift, so it's best to wait until after the flight to wrap gifts.
Have your documents ready. Make sure you have your boarding pass and approved photo ID in hand when you approach the security checkpoint.
If you are traveling with kids, take your infants and children out of baby carriers and strollers and take them through the metal detector with you. Strollers and baby carriers have to go through the X-ray machine with your bags. Click here for more information.
If you are traveling with pets, you can walk your animal through the metal detector with you. Your pet will never be placed through an X-ray machine. Click here for more information.
If you have any disabilities or medical conditions, click here for more information.
Body piercings. Certain piercings may set off the metal detector, which will result in an getting an additional screening. If that is required, you are allowed to remove your body piercing in private as an alternative to a pat-down search.
Head coverings. You are permitted to wear head coverings and religious garments during the screening process, but might get an additional screening if your headwear or clothing (religious or otherwise) is loose fitting or large enough to hide prohibited items. Click here for more information.
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