Security Screening Tips

The federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens all passengers and luggage at Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

An overview of key screening topics is listed below. For more detailed information, visit the TSA’s web site.

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General Information

  • Travel through the security checkpoint is limited to ticketed passengers.
  • Airlines  may grant a gate pass for one person to accompany a minor child or passenger needing assistance to the gate area.
  • Bags and persons are subject to search at any time in the airport.
  • Make sure you keep your bags attended at all times and don’t accept items from someone you don’t know.
  • Airport Mailers operates kiosks at each security checkpoint where you can mail any prohibited items back to yourself during the screening process.

REAL ID

TSA will begin enforcing the federal REAL ID requirement on May 7, 2025. Passengers who travel on or after that date must show a REAL ID or other acceptable alternate form of identification to board commercial flights at RDU and other U.S. airports. Passengers who do not have acceptable identification can expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being allowed into the security checkpoint. A list of acceptable alternate identification can be found online at tsa.gov.

TSA PreCheck

TSA has PreCheck lanes in both checkpoints at RDU. TSA has a PreCheck enrollment office in Bag Claim at Terminal 2. Guests may also complete PreCheck enrollment and renewal through CLEAR in both Terminals 1 and 2. Learn more about TSA PreCheck.

CLEAR

CLEAR’s identity verification services are available at RDU, in both Terminals 1 and 2. CLEAR allows guests to verify you are you with your eyes or fingerprint instead of waiting to show government issued photo I.D. Guests may also complete TSA PreCheck enrollment and renewal through CLEAR. Both Terminals 1 and 2 features CLEAR verification kiosks and expedited lanes. Look for the kiosks pre-security in the ticketing area. Learn more about CLEAR at RDU.

Liquids Rule

  • Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes must individually be inside containers that are 3.4 ounces or less
  • All items must be in one 1 quart-sized clear plastic zip-top bag to proceed through the security checkpoint.
  • Medications, baby formula/food and breast milk are not subject to this rule. Declare these items upon entering the security checkpoint.
  • Bags checked prior to security are not subject to this rule. Visit the TSA web site for more information on traveling with liquids.

Food and Gifts

Many travelers have questions about bringing homemade items and specialty gifts through the checkpoint.

  • In general, if food and or gift items have the consistency of a liquid or gel they are subject to the liquids rule. Plan to pack these items in your checked bags, ship them ahead or leave them at home if this isn’t possible.
  • Please don’t wrap gifts until reaching your final destination. Often, wrapped gifts have to be unwrapped during the security screening process.

Military and Law Enforcement Officers

Members of law enforcement, military, veterans and wounded warriors are eligible for special screening provisions at the security checkpoint. Visit the TSA web site for details on these programs.

*Information is provided to the best of Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority knowledge and is subject to change at any time.