The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is part of the Department of Homeland Security and is responsible for security of the nation's transportation systems. TSA has strict guidelines relating to airline travel and security.  If you do not travel often (or even if you do!), the OCS Office suggests that you review all of the guidelines regarding airline travel on the TSA web site.  Please note that outside the U.S. security regulations may be different.  If you have any questions about what is allowed and what is not, please check with the airlines you are travelling on.

Here are some tips from TSA for to make your air travel experience easier:

• Don't pack over-sized electronics in your checked baggage. 
• Your shoes must be removed before you pass through the metal detectors in all U.S. security checkpoints and will be screened by the x-ray machine.
• It is best to have your boarding pass and ID (passport for international travel and U.S. driver's license for domestic travel) ready as you first approach security as they must be reviewed by a Transportation Security Officer.
• Arrival times can vary by airline and by destination, but be sure to arrive on time to the airport for your departure.  It is best to check with your airline to see what their arrival recommendations are.  Many times, this is 3 hours before departure for international flights and up to 90 minutes for domestic flights.