Tips for the Screening Process

If a personal search is required you may choose to remain in the public area or go to a private area for your screening. If you refuse either option you will not be able to fly.

• You should be offered a private screening before the beginning of a pat-down inspection if the pat-down will require the removal or lifting of clothing and/or display of a covered medical device.
• You may request a private area for your personal search at any time during the screening process.
• Your companion or assistant may accompany you during the private screening to provide you with assistance.
• You may ask for a chair if you need to sit down during the screening process.
• You may request a pat-down inspection in lieu of going through the metal detector or being handwanded.  You do not need to disclose why you would like this option.
• If you have a disability, condition, or implant, that you would like to remain private and confidential, ask the screener to please be discreet when assisting you through the screening process.
• You have the right to ask a screener to change her/his gloves during the physical inspection of your accessible property, before performing a physical search (pat-down,) or any time a screener handles your footwear.
• Medication and related supplies that are carried through a checkpoint are normally x-rayed.  However, as a customer service, TSA now allows you the option of requesting a visual inspection of your medication and associated supplies.

Some points to remember:

• You must request a visual inspection before the screening process begins, otherwise you medications and supplies will undergo x-ray inspection.
• If you would like to take advantage of this option, please have you medication and associated supplies separated from your other property and in a separate pouch/bag when you approach the screener at the walk-through metal detector.  Request the visual inspection and hand your medication bag to the screener.
• In order to prevent contamination or damage to medication and associated supplies and/or fragile medical materials, you will be asked at the security checkpoint to display, handle, and repack your own medication and associated supplies during the visual inspection.
• Any medication and/or associated supplies that cannot be cleared visually must be submitted for x-ray screening.  If you refuse, you will not be permitted to carry your medications and related supplies into the sterile area.

Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security