The Documents and IDs You'll Need
To board a domestic flight in the United States, you need one form of government-issued photo ID. A driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. If you don't have a photo ID, you can still fly — the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) will ask you additional security questions at the checkpoint, and the process takes longer, but it's allowed.
Your boarding pass is also required. You get this when you check in, either online, at a kiosk, or at the airline counter. Most people check in online 24 hours before their flight and print or save the boarding pass on their phone. The airline will scan it at the gate before you board the plane.
You do not need a passport for domestic flights. A passport is only required if you're flying to another country. For flights within the United States — including to Hawaii and Alaska — a regular state ID or driver's license is sufficient.
Key Takeaways
- You must have a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID, or passport to board a domestic flight.
- Your boarding pass, obtained through online check-in or at the airport, is required at the gate before you board.
- If you lack a photo ID, TSA will ask security questions instead, but the process takes extra time.
- Arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight so you have time to check in and pass through security.
- Bring your boarding pass and ID together — you'll show both at security and again at the gate.
What to Bring in Your Carry-On Bag
Pack medications, glasses, phone chargers, and any items you need during the flight in your carry-on bag. The TSA allows one personal item (purse, backpack, or laptop bag) and one standard carry-on bag (typically 22 by 14 by 9 inches) at no extra charge. Both fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Liquids, gels, and aerosols — including toothpaste, shampoo, sunscreen, and peanut butter — must be 3.4 ounces or smaller per container. Pack these items in a single quart-sized clear plastic bag. You'll remove this bag at the security checkpoint. Solid foods like sandwiches, fruit, and cookies are allowed; liquids and spreads are not.
Electronics larger than a cell phone — laptops, tablets, e-readers — must come out of your bag at security. You'll place them in a bin on the X-ray conveyor. Phones and small devices can stay in your bag.
Checked Baggage Rules and Fees
Most airlines allow one free checked bag (up to 50 pounds and 62 inches in length plus width plus height). A second checked bag usually costs $35 to $50 per flight. Budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier charge for the first checked bag. Check your airline's website before you pack to know what you're allowed and what it will cost.
Prohibited items cannot go in checked baggage or carry-on: firearms, explosives, certain tools, and some sporting equipment. Lithium batteries (the kind in laptops and power banks) have strict limits. Check the TSA website or call your airline if you're unsure whether something is allowed.
Arrive at the airline counter or baggage drop at least two hours before departure if you're checking a bag. Online check-in doesn't include baggage drop — you still need to visit the counter to hand over your suitcase.
Timing and Airport Arrival
Arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight departs. This gives you time to check in (if you haven't done so online), drop off checked bags, pass through security, and reach your gate. If the airport is very busy or you're unfamiliar with it, arriving earlier is safer.
Security lines move faster on weekday mornings and slower on Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings. If you have TSA PreCheck or CLEAR (paid programs that speed up security), you can arrive closer to 90 minutes before departure, but standard passengers should plan for two hours.
Check your airline's website or app to see real-time security wait times at your airport. Some airports post these publicly. If you're running late, alert a gate agent or airline employee — they may be able to help you reach the gate faster, though they're not required to hold the flight.
Special Situations: Minors, Pets, and Mobility Needs
Children under 18 can fly domestically with an adult. They need their own boarding pass and ID (a school ID, passport, or birth certificate works). Unaccompanied minors — those flying alone — must be at least 5 years old and follow the airline's unaccompanied minor procedures, which include fees and supervision at the airport.
Pets in the cabin cost $100 to $150 per flight and must fit in a carrier under the seat. Larger pets travel in cargo, which is more expensive and has separate rules. Service animals (dogs trained to perform a task for a person with a disability) fly free and do not need to be in a carrier, but you must have documentation from a healthcare provider.
If you use a wheelchair, walker, or have mobility challenges, notify the airline when you check in. TSA and airline staff are trained to information you through security and to your gate. You can request a wheelchair at the airport even if you don't own one. Arrive a bit earlier to allow extra time for these accommodations.
What Happens at Security and the Gate
At the security checkpoint, you'll place your ID and boarding pass in a bin, remove your shoes and belt, and place them in a bin. Your carry-on bag and personal item go through the X-ray machine. You'll walk through a metal detector or body scanner. TSA officers may pat you down or swab your hands if the scanner flags something.
After security, head to your gate. Your boarding pass shows the gate number, but gates can change — check the airport monitors or your airline's app. Boarding usually begins 30 to 45 minutes before departure. You'll line up by boarding group (printed on your boarding pass) and scan your boarding pass at the gate before walking onto the plane.
Once on the plane, find your seat using your boarding pass. Stow your carry-on bag in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Sit down, fasten your seatbelt, and follow the flight attendant's safety instructions. The flight attendant will collect any trash before landing.
Documents You Don't Need (But Might Want)
You do not need proof of vaccination, a negative COVID test, or a health certificate for domestic flights. These requirements ended in 2022. However, some employers or destinations may have their own rules — check before you travel if you're flying for work or to a healthcare facility.
You do not need travel insurance, travel documents, or a letter from your employer. These are optional and not required by the airline or TSA. If you're traveling with someone else's child, a notarized letter of consent from the parent is not legally required for domestic flights, though some airlines may ask for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly with an expired driver's license?
No. Your ID must be valid and not expired. If your license expired, renew it before your flight or bring a passport instead. TSA will not accept an expired ID as your primary form of identification.
What if I lose my boarding pass at the airport?
Go to the airline counter or a kiosk and ask for a replacement. They can reprint it or send it to your phone. Bring your ID. This takes a few minutes and is free.
Can I bring a full-size suitcase as a carry-on?
Only if it meets the airline's size limits, usually 22 by 14 by 9 inches. Measure your suitcase before you pack. If it's too large, you'll be asked to check it at the gate, and you may be charged a fee.
Do I need to print my boarding pass or can I use my phone?
A digital boarding pass on your phone works fine. Show it to the TSA officer at security and to the gate agent at boarding. Make sure your phone is charged or bring a charger.
What if I'm connecting to another domestic flight?
You'll go through security once at your first airport. Your luggage will be checked through to your final destination automatically. At the connecting airport, follow the signs to your next gate — no need to recheck bags or go through security again for a domestic connection.