How to Call the TSA and What to Expect When You Do

The TSA has a phone line, but it does not handle airport screening questions

The TSA's main phone number is 1-866-289-9673. This line is staffed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time. However, this number does not connect you to the officers at your airport's security checkpoint. It connects you to the TSA's customer service center, which handles lost items, general policy questions, and complaints about screening procedures.

If you are calling about something that happened at your airport right now — a confiscated item, a screening concern, or a question about what you can bring through security — you need the airport's TSA office directly, not the main line. The main line is for questions about TSA rules in general, lost-and-found inquiries, and feedback about your screening experience after the fact.

Key Takeaways

The TSA's main customer service line is 1-866-289-9673, open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time, but it does not handle real-time airport screening issues.
To reach the TSA office at your specific airport, search "[your airport code] TSA" online or call the airport's main number and ask for the TSA office.
For lost items left at security, call the main line or use the TSA's online lost-and-found form at tsa.gov.
If you need to report a security concern or file a complaint about your screening experience, the main line can direct you to the right department.
TSA PreCheck and CLEAR customer service have separate phone numbers and are not reached through the main TSA line.

When to call the main TSA line at 1-866-289-9673

Call this number if you have a general question about TSA rules — what items are allowed in carry-on bags, whether you can bring a certain tool or device, or how the screening process works. The representatives can answer questions about prohibited items, liquid restrictions, and what to expect when you arrive at security.

This line is also where you report a lost item. If you left something at the checkpoint or in the security area, you can describe it to the TSA representative, and they will check the airport's lost-and-found or direct you to the right place. However, the TSA also has an online lost-and-found form at tsa.gov that you can fill out without calling.

Use this number to file a complaint or provide feedback about your screening experience. If you felt you were treated unfairly, screened inappropriately, or had a problem with an officer, the main line can route your complaint to the right department. Be ready to describe what happened, when it happened, and which airport you were at.

How to reach the TSA office at your specific airport

If you need to speak to someone at your airport's TSA office right now, do not use the main customer service line. Instead, call your airport's main phone number and ask to be transferred to the TSA office or the security checkpoint. The airport's switchboard can connect you directly.

You can also search online for "[your airport code] TSA office" or "[your airport name] TSA." Most major airports list their TSA office phone number on their website. For example, if you are flying out of JFK, search "JFK TSA office phone number" and you will find the direct line to that location's TSA staff.

When you call the airport's TSA office, have your flight information ready if you are asking about a current screening issue. Tell them which terminal you are in or will be in, and describe the problem clearly. They can often resolve issues faster than the main line because they have direct access to the checkpoint and can speak to the officers involved.

TSA PreCheck and CLEAR customer service numbers

If you have a question about TSA PreCheck — the program that lets you go through expedited screening — do not call the main TSA line. TSA PreCheck customer service is 1-855-347-8371, available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time. Call this number if you need to renew your membership, check your process status, or have questions about what PreCheck covers.

CLEAR is a separate program run by a private company, not the TSA. If you use CLEAR and have a question about your membership or account, you need to contact CLEAR directly, not the TSA. You can find CLEAR's customer service number on your membership card or at their website.

What information to have ready before you call

Before you call the main TSA line, have the following information ready: your name, the airport you are asking about (or were at), the date of your travel or the incident, and a clear description of your question or concern. If you are calling about a lost item, describe it in detail — color, size, brand, and any identifying marks.

If you are filing a complaint about a screening experience, write down the approximate time it happened, which terminal or checkpoint you were at, and what occurred. The more specific you are, the faster the representative can help you. If you have a confirmation number or receipt from your airport visit, have that ready too.

What to expect on the call

When you call, you will reach an automated system first. Listen to the menu options and select the one that matches your reason for calling — usually something like "Lost and Found," "General Questions," or "Complaints." This routes you to the right department and can speed up your wait time.

Once you reach a representative, explain your issue clearly and answer their questions directly. If they cannot solve your problem on the call, they will tell you what the next step is — whether that is submitting a form online, waiting for a callback, or contacting your airport directly. Ask for a reference number or case number if one is issued, so you can follow up later if needed.

Call times can be long during peak travel seasons, especially in the mornings and afternoons. If you are not in a rush, calling early in the week or later in the afternoon may mean a shorter wait.

Using the TSA website instead of calling

For many common questions, the TSA website at tsa.gov has answers without needing to call. You can search for specific items to see if they are allowed in carry-on or checked bags, read about the screening process, and find information about TSA PreCheck and other programs.

The website also has an online lost-and-found form. If you left something at an airport, you can fill out the form with details about your item and the airport, and the TSA will search their lost-and-found database. This can be faster than calling, especially if you are not in a hurry.

For real-time issues at the airport — something happening right now at security — the website will not help. In that case, ask a TSA officer at the checkpoint or call your airport's TSA office directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call the TSA to ask what I can bring through security before I pack?

Yes. Call 1-866-289-9673 and describe the item you want to bring. The representative can tell you whether it is allowed in carry-on bags, checked bags, or neither. You can also search the TSA website for the item — most common things are already listed there.

What if I left something at the airport and need it back today?

Call your airport's TSA office directly instead of the main line. They can check the checkpoint's lost-and-found when ready and may be able to hold the item for you. The main customer service line handles lost items but may take longer because they are not at your airport.

How do I file a complaint about how I was treated at security?

Call 1-866-289-9673 and select the option for complaints or feedback. Have the date, time, airport, and a description of what happened ready. You can also file a complaint online at tsa.gov. The TSA takes complaints seriously and will investigate if you provide specific details.

Is there a faster way to reach someone than calling?

For lost items, the online form at tsa.gov may be faster than calling. For general questions, the website has answers to most common questions without needing to call. For real-time issues at the airport, calling your airport's TSA office directly is faster than the main line.

What if I call and cannot reach anyone?

The main line is closed on weekends and after 10 p.m. Eastern time on weekdays. If you are calling outside those hours, try again during business hours. If you are calling during business hours and the line is full, you can try the online lost-and-found form or check the TSA website for answers to your question.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.