Security, TSA & Check-In Tips

ID Requirements

Adult passengers (18 and over) are required to show a U.S. federal or state-issued photo ID in order to be allowed to go through the checkpoint and onto their flight.

The TSA understands passengers occasionally arrive at the airport without an ID, due to lost items or inadvertently leaving them at home. Not having an ID, does not necessarily mean a passenger won’t be allowed to fly. If passengers are willing to provide additional information, TSA has other means of substantiating someone’s identity, like using publicly available databases.

Passengers who are cleared through this process may be subject to additional screening. Passengers whose identity cannot be verified by TSA may not be allowed to enter the screening checkpoint or onto an airplane.

Acceptable IDs include:

NOTE: Real ID Requirements extended to October 1, 2021 – Read about the official details here.  Note: when Real ID is required, it will change some of the below ID requirements.

• U.S. passport
• U.S. passport card
• DHS “Trusted Traveler” cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)
• U.S. Military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents, and DOD civilians)
• Permanent Resident Card
• Border Crossing Card
• DHS-designated enhanced driver’s license
• Drivers Licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) – SEE REAL ID REQUIREMENTS
• A Native American Tribal Photo ID
• An airline or airport-issued ID (if issued under a TSA-approved security plan)
• A foreign government-issued passport
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) card
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)

Non-US/Canadian citizens are not required to carry their passports if they have documents issued by the U.S. government such as Permanent Resident Cards. Those who do not should be carrying their passports while visiting the U.S.

This standardization of the list of accepted documents better aligns TSA with other DHS components, including Customs and Border Protection, and REAL ID benchmarks.

TSA PreCheck Program

Cape Air participates in the TSA PreCheck program at ALL location served by the TSA. Read the complete details of the Cape Air PreCheck program here.

General Travel Tips

• Ensure there are no prohibited items in luggage
• Have valid identification and boarding pass out before arriving at the travel document checker
• Remove liquids and large electronics, including laptops, from carry-on baggage
• Remove shoes, outerwear, bulky jewelry and empty pockets while waiting in line place valuable items in a carry-on bag

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Check for Prohibited Items
Detection of prohibited items at the checkpoint causes delays in the screening process. Travelers can use the “When I fly can I bring my…” search tool on tsa.gov​. This tool helps passengers check what items are allowed and prohibited in carry-on and checked baggage.

3-1-1 Liquids Rule​
Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes must be 3.4 ounces or less and all bottles must fit in a one quart-size plastic bag and placed in a bin for screening. Detection of over-sized liquids can cause delays at the checkpoint.

Pack Smart
Passengers can help the screening process by packing their carry-on luggage in an organized manner. This allows our officers to clear your bags quickly and process you through the checkpoint.

TSA Cares for Persons with Disabilities
TSA Cares is a helpline that provides travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances additional assistance during the security screening process. Passengers may call (855) 787-2227 at least 72 hours prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint. Injured service members and veterans including individuals associated with a wounded warrior program may contact TSA Cares to help facilitate the screening process.

*travel tips courtesy of flychicago.com

International Traveler?

When flying international, there are various travel tips that can make your process easier.

• Global Entry – Trusted Traveler Network: A U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection program that allows quicker clearance for pre-screened/approved, low-risk travelers entering the U.S. Learn more here.
• Automated Passport Control at O’Hare Int’l Airport: ORD is the first airport in the U.S. to offer the program. It is designed to move travelers through the Customs process quicker by entering their information in self-service kiosks.  Learn more about the program at O’Hare here. – Learn and apply.
• Mobile Passport Control: A mobile app – download here – that travelers can use that can expedite customs if approved. Learn more about the program at O’Hare here.