When it comes to air travel, you’re rarely as frustrated as unclear rules about what you can or cannot do while flying, or conflicting information about whether a certain type of ID will guide you through security.
Yes, the US Transportation Security Agency (TSA) provides a thorough list of things that cannot be fed on that website, along with countless web pages detailing information on topics such as acceptable identification and countless web pages detailing how to apply for the rapid screening program TSA Precheck. Still, you may occasionally come across travel-related questions that do not have an obvious answer.
Fortunately, TSA has made it easier than ever to get quick answers via text.
Yes, beyond tweeting via email, phone (855-787-2227) or Asktsa x Another option available to accounts, travelers is to send text messages to the TSA. This approach can be a game changer for travelers who need fast and reliable information. Here’s how to text your agent and why you want it:
How does texting work?
To start the chat, text the word “travel” to your Asktsa number (275-872). You will receive a message within the moment explaining that an automated response is available 24/7. For questions, the algorithm will staff the staff of the staff from 8am to 6pm. Users can choose from seven topics in the Auto Menu.
- TSA PRECHECK
- What can I bring with me?
- identification
- Medical Questions
- Damage/Clause
- employment
- other
When you select a topic, subsequent text from the TSA provides subcategories to select. For example, after selecting Damage/Clause, the following optional rounds include claim status, damaged locks, damaged properties, and how to file a claim.
You will continue to receive more subcategories until you think the service is answering your questions. The following text asks: You can say yes. ” If you respond with “No,” the following text will be “Please write a query here. Our social care experts will be in touch soon. As a reminder, our live agents will be available from 8am to 6pm.” If there is time for the staff on the line, TSA employees will respond whenever possible. (We tested the service and the average response time was about 10 minutes.) If it is not working hours, you will need to send the question again the next day as the questions will not be recorded to answer when the specialist returns online. That being said, if you choose “medical questions” and are blended in with one of the subcategories offered: screening, medication, CPAP, etc., you will be able to answer the number that the appropriate department will call, like the Passenger Support Specialist Division at TSA.
Why tourists want to text the TSA
Let’s say you lose your ID at some point while traveling and don’t know how you can go home. When I asked the system “I lost my ID, can I still fly?”, the TSA replied that there are other ways to verify my identity at a security checkpoint. After providing a list of other acceptable forms of identification formats, “If there is no ID from the list, our officers can ask you to complete the ID verification process, which involves collecting information such as your name and current address and verifying your identity. If confirmed, you will be allowed to enter a screening checkpoint.” In such an example, this response will help to provide quick answers and peace of mind.
“What Can I Take?” on Tsa.gov is a page (and was previously asked in my Asktsa X account), and it is safe to assume that determining what is permitted in carry-on bags (particularly related to food) leads to the most commonly asked questions. Some no-go items that even the most seasoned travelers might surprise include Snow Globes and Magic 8 Balls (because there’s too much liquid) or cast iron frying pans and tent pegs (because they can be used as weapons).
While offering travelers another way, they provide another way to determine whether they can bring cheese to bring (the answer is yes for solid cheese, up to 3.4 oz for creamy cheese) or fireworks (Can’t fly, period), the text program is clunky. If too many people use the service at once, the answer can take several minutes, and answers are often not as detailed as what you find online.
The questions we asked gave a satisfactory answer (for example, for milk under 3.4 ounces, ice is required if you need to follow the 3.4 ounces rule) but the other questions have been flattened (for example, foam swords are not allowed as a transmission, but there is no explanation why).
In some cases, it may be faster to search for answers online. Especially if you have multiple questions, consider that there is about 15 minutes delay before sending another query to the text messaging system. Given questions that don’t provide sufficient Googleable answers or require additional context (such as why bowling balls are allowed as carry-on), travel can be smoother if you have access to real people relatively quickly during business hours. Or at least, it can save you from the embarrassment of pulling the bag for additional screening.
This article was originally published on January 11, 2023. Updated on March 3rd, 2025 with new information.
