TSA recognizes the concerns that some members of the transgender/non-binary/gender nonconforming traveling public have with screening technology and certain security screening procedures, and is committed to ensuring all passengers are treated with respect and dignity. Screening is conducted without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender, gender identity, national origin, religion or disability.
Prior to the Airport
TSA PreCheck®
The TSA PreCheck® program application has been updated to include an additional gender marker option to better serve non-binary and gender non-conforming passengers.
TSA allows TSA PreCheck® applicants to select their gender based on self-attestation, regardless of the sex assigned at birth. If you are a member of the TSA PreCheck® Application Program, you may call (855) 347-8371 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. ET to request a gender data update. You may also submit your inquiry online.
This new gender marker option will not impact the security screening process. Security screening is conducted without discrimination against passengers based on their race, color, sex, gender, gender identity, national origin, religion or disability.
Updating your gender on other identification documents is not required to enroll in TSA PreCheck® screening. You will receive TSA PreCheck® security screening even if your current gender differs from the gender provided upon enrollment in TSA PreCheck®, as long as the name, Known Traveler Number (KTN), and date of birth on your reservation matches their record with TSA. For more information, please visit TSA PreCheck Frequently Asked Questions.
Making Your Air Travel Reservations
When making a reservation, please use the same name and date of birth indicated on your government-issued ID. We also encourage you to provide the gender indicated on your government-issued ID. TSA recommends that passengers contact air carrier customer service if the gender marker on their government-issued ID is not offered in the air carrier’s reservation system. TSA continues to work closely with our domestic air-carrier partners to promote the use and acceptance of the “X” gender marker. Some major domestic air carriers already offer “X” or undisclosed gender options in their travel reservation systems, please check with your air carrier when making your reservation. Read additional information about identification.
Contacting TSA in Advance
Prior to a flight, you may contact the TSA Cares helpline at (855) 787-2227 with questions about screening policies and procedures, as well as what to expect as you proceed through the security checkpoint. You may request the assistance of a Passenger Support Specialist, who will provide assistance through the security screening process.
While at the Airport
Travel Document Checker
At the checkpoint, present your government-issued identification and boarding pass to the TSA officer who will ensure the identification and boarding pass are authentic with the exact name shown on each document. If the name shown on the identification document does not exactly match the name on the boarding pass, you may need to go to your airline ticket counter for a new boarding pass.
TSA has updated its checkpoint procedures to remove gender considerations when validating a passenger’s identification at airport security checkpoints. When passengers appear at the travel document checker podium for identity verification, gender information is not considered. Go to Security Screening Identification for more information.
Inform the TSA Officer
For carry-on baggage - inform the TSA officer if you have medically necessary liquids, medications and/or medical equipment, and separate them from other belongings before screening begins. If a bag must be opened by an officer to resolve an alarm, you may ask that the bag be opened and inspected in private.
Physical Screening Procedures
You will be screened by Advanced Image Technology (AIT), a walk through metal detector (WTMD), and/or a pat-down procedure.
AIT Technology Enhancements and Screening Procedures
In June 2023, TSA implemented a gender-neutral algorithm for the AIT, which decreased the false alarm rate by 50%. This change benefits everyone, including transgender, non-binary, and gender nonconforming passengers by reducing the number of pat downs for TSA officers and the traveling public. Ask to speak with a supervisor if concerns come up during screening.
Pat-Downs
If there is a screening alarm by technology, or you opt-out of screening by technology, a pat-down is required and is conducted by an officer of the same gender as the officer’s assessment of how you present. Alternatively, you may choose to inform the officer of your gender identity and make a request that the pat-down be conducted by an officer of that gender.
Screening can be conducted in the checkpoint area, or you may request to have a pat-down in private. You can request that your traveling companion accompany you to private screening. You are not required to remove or lift any article of clothing to reveal sensitive body areas. You may be asked to adjust loose fitting clothing by the officer performing the pat-down. For additional information about the pat-down, see Security Screening.
To File a Complaint
If your screening experience did not meet your expectations, speak with a supervisor at the checkpoint. You may also submit your concern to the TSA Contact Center.