Here are the new TSA COVID-19 rules in effect immediately
TSA’s new Coronavirus (COVID-19) information page has been published on its website.
- An interactive map will now track TSA officers who test positive for the virus.
- TSA new coronavirus rules for carrying liquids will allow passengers to carry up to 12 ounces of liquid hand sanitizers in carry-on bags.
- All other liquids will remain at the 3.4-ounce levels.
- Driver’s license rules at TSA checkpoints have changed. Drivers licenses that expire on March 1 or later may be used as identification at airport checkpoints. Driver’s licenses will be accepted by TSA up to a year from expiration. They will remain in effect until 60 days past the end of the coronavirus national emergency.
- Keep reading for other new changes to TSA rules during these days of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Confirmed cases of TSA officers tested positive for coronavirus
TSA understands that COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is on the minds of travelers and the general public.
To that end, we have established a map for the purpose of notifying the public about airports where TSA officers have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.
TSA is working with the CDC and state and local health departments to monitor local situations as well as the health and safety of our employees and the traveling public. Impacted security checkpoints may close as needed, so you may be redirected to other security screening checkpoints at the airport. TSA officers remain dedicated to their mission to ensure that travelers can get to their destinations as safely and securely as possible.
| Airport | Position within TSA | Last day at work | Location | Shift |
| Orlando International Airport (MCO), Orlando, FL | Screening Officer | March 10* | Checkpoint West | 1 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. |
| Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Atlanta, GA | Screening Officer | March 7* | Terminal F, Departures | 6:16 a.m. – 4:45 p.m |
| Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), San Jose, CA | Screening Officer | March 7* | Terminal A, Checkpoint A | Mid-day |
| Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Fort Lauderdale, FL | Screening Officer | March 3* | Terminal 3, Checkpoint F | 2:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. |
| Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), San Jose, CA | Screening Officer | March 2 | Terminal B, Checkpoint B | PM |
| Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), San Jose, CA | Screening Officer | February 26 | Terminal B, Checkpoint B | PM |
| Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), San Jose, CA | Screening Officer | February 21 | Terminal B, Checkpoint B | PM |
* Employee’s last day at the checkpoint occurred within the past 14 days
New preparedness and readiness efforts by TSA
Learn about the preparedness and readiness efforts by the Department of Homeland Security to confront COVID-19, keeping Americans safe, and helping detect and slow the spread of the virus.
CDC Travel and Prevention
Travelers are reminded to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention travel and prevention guidance regarding COVID-19. This includes practicing good hygiene, such as washing your hands regularly.
Medical exemptions instituted for liquid hand sanitizer
TSA is allowing passengers to bring liquid hand sanitizer containers up to 12 ounces in carry-on bags until further notice. Passengers can expect that these containers — which are larger than the standard allowance of 3.4 ounces of liquids permitted through a checkpoint — will need to be screened separately, which will add some time to their checkpoint screening experience.
Please keep in mind that all other liquids, gels, and aerosols brought to a checkpoint continue to be allowed at the limit of 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters carried in one quart-size bag.
Learn about TSA’s special procedures for traveling with medication.
New driver’s license acceptance rules for ID purposes
Travelers with a state driver’s license that expired beginning on March 1, 2020, and who are not able to renew at their state driver’s license agency, may still use it as acceptable identification at the checkpoint. TSA will accept expired driver’s licenses a year after the expiration date, plus 60 days after the duration of the COVID-19 national emergency.
Travel restrictions in effect for American citizens
Learn about current travel processes for American citizens, legal permanent residents, and their immediate families who are returning home after recently visiting certain European countries, China, and Iran.
In order to help prevent the spread of travel-related cases of coronavirus in the United States, today the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Acting Secretary Chad F. Wolf issued a Notice of Arrival Restrictions outlining the process for American citizens, legal permanent residents, and their immediate families who are returning home after recently visiting certain European countries (listed below), China, and Iran.
Read the press release and fact sheet.
FAQs — Here are more questions answered.
Are there travel restrictions?
American citizens, legal permanent residents, and their immediate families who are returning home after recently visiting certain European countries, China, and Iran. Read the press release and factsheet.
Can I bring cans of disinfecting spray in carry-on?
Flammable disinfectant sprays are prohibited and are not allowed in either carry-on or checked bags. Check out the “What can I bring?” tool to learn what items are allowed.
Can I bring disinfecting wipes on my flight?
Yes. You may take disinfecting wipes without any restrictions.
Can I bring my large bottle of hand sanitizer?
TSA is now allowing passengers to bring liquid hand sanitizer containers up to 12 ounces in carry-on bags until further notice. Passengers can expect that these containers larger than the standard allowance of 3.4 ounces of liquids permitted through a checkpoint will need to be screened separately, which will add some time to their checkpoint screening experience.
Can I request for new swabs and gloves during security screening?
TSA requires that frontline personnel wear nitrile gloves when conducting screening duties and are required to use swabs when testing for explosive material. Travelers may request for new gloves to be used during the screening process. TSA has directed officers to use a fresh swab for each passenger when testing for explosive material.
What is TSA doing to keep checkpoints clean?
TSA has issued guidance to frontline employees to conduct routine cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces and security screening equipment at the TSA security checkpoint. Many airport authorities are also performing additional cleaning of security checkpoints. Employees are encouraged to wash their hands after cleaning and after removing their gloves.
TSA is also taking additional efforts to clean bins, but most importantly, travelers are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines and wash their hands before and after completing the security screening process. Travelers should place personal items such as wallets, keys or phone in their carry-on property to be screened through the X-ray system.
TSA will continue to follow guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and will continue to work with government and industry partners to contain the spread of the virus.
What guidance is TSA issuing to travelers regarding the virus?
ravelers should follow the guidance issued by the CDC and practice good hygiene, such as washing their hands.
Charlie Leocha is the President of Travelers United. He has been working in Washington, DC, for the past 14 years with Congress, the Department of Transportation, and industry stakeholders on travel issues. He was the first consumer representative to the Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protections appointed by the Secretary of Transportation from 2012 through 2018.
