Don't Put Pets Through X-Ray Unit At Airport Security Checkpoint: TSA

DULLES, VA — Too many air travelers have been leaving their pets inside their carrier and putting it through the X-ray machine at security checkpoints, according to a Transportation Security Administration release.

TSA officials at Washington Dulles International Airport conducted a demonstration on Friday to remind travelers to remove their small pets from their carriers before putting it into the X-ray unit.

Scott T. Johnson, TSA's federal security director for Dulles Airport, acknowledged that pets often travel with their owners and are even considered to be family members.

“That’s why it’s important that if a passenger is traveling with their pet to become familiar with the security procedures for pets and how to go through the checkpoint security screening process together quickly and easily," Johnson said, in a TSA release. "Key in the screening of pets is to know that they should never be screened through a checkpoint X-ray unit.”

To help travelers with pets prepare for their next visit to an airport security checkpoint, TSA shared the following checklist:

• All pets should be brought to a security checkpoint in a hand-held travel carrier.
• Remove the pet from the carrier just prior to the beginning of the screening process.
• Place the empty travel carrier on the checkpoint conveyor belt so it can be X-rayed.
• Never place a pet in the X-ray tunnel. The X-ray at the security checkpoint is used to screen passengers’ personal property and carry-on luggage only.
• If possible, carry the pet through the walk-through metal detector during the screening process. Alternately, a pet can walk through the screening process if the owner has the pet on a leash. Best to listen to the guidance that a TSA officer is providing.
• A TSA officer will give the pet owner’s hands an explosive trace detection swab to ensure there is no explosive residue on the owner’s hands.
• After the screening process is complete, owners should return their pet to the travel carrier at the re-composure area away from the security checkpoint. This location helps ensure the safety of the pet, as well as other passengers.

TSA asks travelers to check with the airline and any airports they will be visiting because pet travel restrictions vary.

TSA officials at Dulles Airport routinely screen travelers' pets. In addition, the airport offers four pet relief areas. Two are located outside the terminal (pre-security) and the other two are inside the concourses (post-security).