REAL ID enforcement is live, shoes rules vary by airport, and PreCheck is more useful than ever. Here’s what to expect from TSA airport security right now.
Updated October 2026. TSA rules shift often enough that a “definitive” checklist gets out of date fast. This one is current as of this month, and we’ll keep it that way rather than leaving outdated advice up.
The REAL ID Deadline Has Passed — Here’s What Happens If You Don’t Have One
As of February 1, 2026, flying domestically without a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or a valid passport means going through TSA’s ConfirmID process instead: a $45 fee and extra identity verification, with delays that can run 30 minutes or more. If your driver’s license doesn’t have the star marker in the corner, check whether your state has REAL ID-compliant renewals available before your next trip.
What Actually Counts as Acceptable ID
A REAL ID-compliant license or a valid passport both work. TSA’s own identification page lists every accepted form if you’re unsure about a specific document. One thing that trips people up: children under 18 don’t need ID at all for domestic flights, only adults.
Do You Need to Take Your Shoes Off?
TSA changed this rule in mid-2025 — most travelers can now keep their shoes on during screening. That said, this isn’t universal yet: some older checkpoints and specific security situations still call for shoe removal, so treat “shoes stay on” as the new default, not a guarantee, and follow whatever the officer at your specific checkpoint tells you.
The 3-1-1 Liquids Rule: What Actually Gets Confiscated
Every container in your carry-on must be 3.4oz (100ml) or less, and all containers must fit in one quart-size clear zip bag. The rule catches a lot more than shampoo — common surprises that get binned at the checkpoint include:
- Snow globes of any size (the liquid inside makes them non-compliant regardless of the globe’s overall size),
- Gel shoe insoles — they count as gel, not as a solid,
- Peanut butter, hummus, yogurt, and spreadable items — the TSA treats these as liquids,
- Full-size tubes of toothpaste and sunscreen — container size matters, not how much is left inside,
- Oversized saline solution bottles.
If a substance can be poured, spread, or sprayed, assume it’s subject to 3-1-1 and decant or check it accordingly.
TSA PreCheck vs. CLEAR: What’s Actually Different
These two programs solve different problems but are often conflated.
TSA PreCheck ($78, five-year membership) is a streamlined screening lane where you typically keep shoes on, leave your laptop and liquids in your bag, and move through faster.
CLEAR ($189/year, free for Delta Medallion members) is an identity-verification shortcut that lets you skip the ID check line using biometrics — but it still feeds into the standard security lane unless you also have PreCheck.
For most travelers, PreCheck alone is the higher-value purchase. Global Entry ($100 for five years) is worth considering if you travel internationally regularly: it covers expedited US customs re-entry and includes TSA PreCheck at no extra cost.
What the New CT Scanners Change
Airports with the newer CT scanner technology let you leave laptops and liquids inside your bag rather than pulling them out for a separate bin. Rollout is still airport-by-airport, not everywhere yet, so this is a pleasant surprise when you get it rather than something to plan around.
Medications, Medical Devices, and CPAP Machines
TSA does not require a prescription or doctor’s note for medications — they just can’t be in your liquids bag if they’re over 3.4oz (declare them separately in their own bag instead). Liquid medications, including insulin and eye drops, are exempt from the 3-1-1 rule when declared. CPAP and BiPAP machines don’t count against your carry-on allowance and aren’t subject to the liquids rule for the distilled water inside them — declare the water separately and they’ll test it, which is routine. If you use a medical device with a lithium battery, check the battery’s watt-hour rating before you fly, since there are limits on what can travel in carry-on vs. checked baggage.
Secondary Screening: What to Do If You’re Flagged
Secondary screening happens for various reasons — a bag that needs a closer look, an alarm at the body scanner, or a random selection. It’s not an accusation, and the process is usually quick: a TSA officer will go through your bag, possibly swab surfaces for explosive trace detection, or run a wand over you. Stay calm, answer questions straightforwardly, and watch your belongings — everything returned to you should be intact.
If you’re flying with anything unusual (a prop, a musical instrument, medical equipment, or research materials), having a brief written description ready speeds things up significantly.
Pack a TSA-Approved Lock If You’re Checking a Bag
A TSA-approved lock lets screeners open and relock your bag without cutting it off, which is the only kind worth buying if there’s any chance your bag gets a physical inspection.
✈️ Find Flights
Use Skyscanner to compare fares across airlines and dates. Booking around three months ahead generally gives the best prices on most routes; flexibility on dates can reduce the fare further.
The Short Version
Make sure your ID is REAL ID-compliant or bring a passport. The 3-1-1 rule catches more than shampoo — spreads, gels, and snow globes all count as liquids. PreCheck streamlines the lane; CLEAR speeds up identity verification; Global Entry covers both plus customs re-entry. Declare medications and medical devices separately. If you’re flagged for secondary screening, stay calm and watch your belongings — it’s usually resolved in minutes.
