Do You Go Through TSA Twice on International Flights?

Learn about TSA procedures for international flights and if you need to clear security again during layovers.

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No, you typically do not go through TSA twice for international flights. When traveling internationally, you clear TSA security at your departure airport. Upon arriving at your international destination, you'll go through customs and immigration, not TSA procedures. For connecting to another international flight, you generally stay within the international terminal's secure area, eliminating the need for a second TSA screening. Exceptions exist, though, especially if re-entering the U.S. you may go through a security checkpoint again after customs.

FAQs & Answers

  1. Do you have to go through TSA for international flights? No, you typically only go through TSA security at your departure airport. Upon arrival at your international destination, you will go through customs and immigration.
  2. What happens to luggage on international flights? Your luggage is checked through to your final destination on most international flights. However, you may have to retrieve and re-check your bags if you have a layover in the U.S.
  3. Are there any exceptions to TSA security for international flights? Yes, if you are re-entering the U.S. after an international flight, you may need to go through TSA again after clearing customs.
  4. What is the difference between customs and TSA? TSA is responsible for security screening of passengers before departure, while customs is concerned with regulating what can be brought into the country upon arrival.

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