Transportation Security | Homeland Security
Source: https://www.dhs.gov/topics/transportation-security
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:28
Transportation Security | Homeland Security
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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created in the wake of 9/11 to strengthen the security of the nation’s transportation systems while ensuring the freedom of movement for people and commerce.
Within a year, TSA assumed responsibility for security at the nation’s airports and deployed a federal workforce to screen all commercial airline passengers and baggage. TSA now screens 100 percent of all passengers into, out of, and within the United States through TSA’s Secure Flight program. TSA uses the latest technology to stay ahead of evolving threats and is continuing their efforts to screen 100 percent of cargo, regardless of where or how it is moving.
TSA employs a layered, risk-based approach to secure U.S. transportation systems, working closely with stakeholders in aviation, rail, transit, highway, and pipeline sectors, as well as the partners in the law enforcement and intelligence community. The agency continuously sets the standard for excellence in transportation security through its people, processes, technologies and use of intelligence to drive operations.
We use layers of security to ensure the security of the traveling public and the Nation's transportation system. Because of their visibility to the public, we are most associated with the airport checkpoints that our Transportation Security Officers operate.
These checkpoints, however, constitute only one security layer of the many in place to protect aviation. More security measures both visible and invisible to the public include:
Intelligence gathering and analysis
Checking passenger manifests against watch lists
Random canine team searches at airports
Federal air marshals
Federal flight deck officers
TSA is committed to evolving its systems to enhance the safety of the traveling public as well as individual passenger experiences whenever possible. Our new risk-based, intelligence-driven approach to aviation security is evolving from what may have seemed like a one-size-fits-all approach and is establishing TSA as a high performing counterterrorism agency.
We are now focusing our resources on those we know least about, and using intelligence in better ways to inform the screening process. This risk-mitigation strategy makes both good business and security sense.
TSA Pre✓™ is an initiative based on this risk-based, intelligence-driven approach. TSA is working to enhance security and expedite the screening process for travelers we know and trust who are willing to voluntarily share information with TSA before they travel. When travelers opt into this program, they will qualify for expedited checkpoint screening at airports, significantly decreasing waiting time.
Image
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is working to raise the baseline for aviation security across the globe by implementing enhanced security measures, both seen and unseen, at all last-point-of-departure airports in 105 countries around world. These measures will be implemented in phases, in coordination with our international partners.
Aviation Security
Image
Securing the global supply chain, while ensuring its smooth functioning, is essential to our national security and economic prosperity.
Cargo Screening
Image
The Department of Homeland Security Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP) is a single point of contact for individuals who have inquiries or seek resolution regarding difficulties they experienced during their travel screening at transportation hubs—like airports—or crossing U.S. borders.
DHS TRIP
Image
DHS provides the only official US Government Trusted Traveler programs for travelers, customized to fit a variety of travel needs. Trusted Traveler programs allow members to use expedited lanes when crossing international borders, and at the airport.
Trusted Traveler Programs
Image
The Visa Waiver Program permits citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa.
Visa Waiver Program
Image
The U.S. Coast Guard protects against potentially dangerous cargo. The
Maritime Information Exchange
makes Coast Guard maritime information available to the public.
Maritime Security
March 17, 2026
|
Press Releases
SPRING BREAK UNDER SIEGE: Democrats’ Reckless DHS Shutdown is Forcing TSA Officers to Work Without Pay and Holding American Travelers Hostage
December 19, 2025
|
Press Releases
Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, the Department of Homeland Security Has Historic Year
November 25, 2025
|
Press Releases
ICYMI — Deputy Secretary Edgar: “How Kristi Noem’s Leadership Saved America: Righting the Fiscal Ship after Biden”
Keywords
Transportation Security Officer
Last Updated:
02/19/2026
Back to Top
Skip to main content
Official websites use .gov
A
.gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A
lock
(
)
or
https://
means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Countdown to America's 250th Anniversary!
162
Days
5
Hours
47
Minutes
notice
Due to the lapse in federal funding, this website will not be actively managed. Click here for more information.
Breadcrumb
Home
Topics
Transportation Security
Topics
Border Security
Citizenship and Immigration
Cybersecurity
Disasters
Election Security
Homeland Security Enterprise
Human Trafficking
Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Preventing Terrorism and Targeted Violence
Resilience
Science and Technology
Trade and Economic Security
Transportation Security
2023 Biennial National Strategy for Transportation Security (NSTS)
Aviation Security
Cargo Screening
Domestic Travel
Travel Alerts
Traveler Redress Inquiry Program
U.S. Visa Waiver Program
Visas
e-Passports
News
All DHS News
Apps
Blog
Comunicados de Prensa
Data
Events
Featured News
Homeland Security LIVE
Media Contacts
Media Library
National Terrorism Advisory System
Press Releases
Publications Library
Academic Engagement
Border Security
Citizenship And Immigration Services Ombudsman
Citizenship and Immigration Services
Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
Cybersecurity
Disasters
Do Business with DHS
Election Security
Homeland Security Careers
Homeland Security Enterprise
Human Trafficking
Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Intelligence and Analysis
International Engagement
Law Enforcement
National Terrorism Advisory System
Preventing Terrorism and Targeted Violence
Privacy
REAL ID
Resilience
Science and Technology
Trade and Economic Security
Transportation Security
Weapons of Mass Destruction
Social Media
Subscribe
In Focus
One Year of VOICE
Worst of the Worst
Making America Safe Again
CBP Home
Fentanyl
Independent Review of 2024 Attempted Assassination
Cybersecurity
How Do I?
Alphabetical Listing
At DHS
For Businesses
For Travelers
For the Public
Get Involved
Blue Campaign
If You See Something, Say Something®
Know2Protect
Nationwide SAR Initiative
Ready.gov
Secure Our World
US Coast Guard Auxiliary
About DHS
Budget & Performance
Contact Us
Employee Resources
History
Homeland Security Careers
In Memoriam
Laws & Regulations
Leadership
Mission
Organization
Site Links
Subscribe
Subscribe to Transportation Security news and updates
Publications Library
View Transportation Security publications
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created in the wake of 9/11 to strengthen the security of the nation’s transportation systems while ensuring the freedom of movement for people and commerce.
Within a year, TSA assumed responsibility for security at the nation’s airports and deployed a federal workforce to screen all commercial airline passengers and baggage. TSA now screens 100 percent of all passengers into, out of, and within the United States through TSA’s Secure Flight program. TSA uses the latest technology to stay ahead of evolving threats and is continuing their efforts to screen 100 percent of cargo, regardless of where or how it is moving.
TSA employs a layered, risk-based approach to secure U.S. transportation systems, working closely with stakeholders in aviation, rail, transit, highway, and pipeline sectors, as well as the partners in the law enforcement and intelligence community. The agency continuously sets the standard for excellence in transportation security through its people, processes, technologies and use of intelligence to drive operations.
We use layers of security to ensure the security of the traveling public and the Nation's transportation system. Because of their visibility to the public, we are most associated with the airport checkpoints that our Transportation Security Officers operate.
These checkpoints, however, constitute only one security layer of the many in place to protect aviation. More security measures both visible and invisible to the public include:
Intelligence gathering and analysis
Checking passenger manifests against watch lists
Random canine team searches at airports
Federal air marshals
Federal flight deck officers
TSA is committed to evolving its systems to enhance the safety of the traveling public as well as individual passenger experiences whenever possible. Our new risk-based, intelligence-driven approach to aviation security is evolving from what may have seemed like a one-size-fits-all approach and is establishing TSA as a high performing counterterrorism agency.
We are now focusing our resources on those we know least about, and using intelligence in better ways to inform the screening process. This risk-mitigation strategy makes both good business and security sense.
TSA Pre✓™ is an initiative based on this risk-based, intelligence-driven approach. TSA is working to enhance security and expedite the screening process for travelers we know and trust who are willing to voluntarily share information with TSA before they travel. When travelers opt into this program, they will qualify for expedited checkpoint screening at airports, significantly decreasing waiting time.
Image
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is working to raise the baseline for aviation security across the globe by implementing enhanced security measures, both seen and unseen, at all last-point-of-departure airports in 105 countries around world. These measures will be implemented in phases, in coordination with our international partners.
Aviation Security
Image
Securing the global supply chain, while ensuring its smooth functioning, is essential to our national security and economic prosperity.
Cargo Screening
Image
The Department of Homeland Security Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP) is a single point of contact for individuals who have inquiries or seek resolution regarding difficulties they experienced during their travel screening at transportation hubs—like airports—or crossing U.S. borders.
DHS TRIP
Image
DHS provides the only official US Government Trusted Traveler programs for travelers, customized to fit a variety of travel needs. Trusted Traveler programs allow members to use expedited lanes when crossing international borders, and at the airport.
Trusted Traveler Programs
Image
The Visa Waiver Program permits citizens of participating countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa.
Visa Waiver Program
Image
The U.S. Coast Guard protects against potentially dangerous cargo. The
Maritime Information Exchange
makes Coast Guard maritime information available to the public.
Maritime Security
March 17, 2026
|
Press Releases
SPRING BREAK UNDER SIEGE: Democrats’ Reckless DHS Shutdown is Forcing TSA Officers to Work Without Pay and Holding American Travelers Hostage
December 19, 2025
|
Press Releases
Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, the Department of Homeland Security Has Historic Year
November 25, 2025
|
Press Releases
ICYMI — Deputy Secretary Edgar: “How Kristi Noem’s Leadership Saved America: Righting the Fiscal Ship after Biden”
Keywords
Transportation Security Officer
Last Updated:
02/19/2026
Back to Top