The TSA has a general information line, but it does not handle security screening questions

The main TSA phone number is 1-866-289-9673. This line answers general questions about TSA policies, what you can bring through security, and how screening works. It does not connect you to airport security staff or let you speak to someone at your specific airport during screening.

The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times vary, especially during peak travel seasons. If you are calling about a specific incident that happened at an airport, have your confirmation number or flight details ready.

Key Takeaways

  • The TSA general information line is 1-866-289-9673, open weekdays 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time.
  • This number handles policy questions and what items are allowed through security, but not real-time issues at airport checkpoints.
  • If you need to reach security staff at your airport during screening, ask a TSA officer at the checkpoint or contact your airport's main number.
  • For complaints or reports about screening procedures, the TSA website has a formal complaint process that may be faster than calling.
  • TSA PreCheck and CLEAR enrollment questions go to different numbers than the general information line.

What the general information line can answer

Call 1-866-289-9673 if you have questions about TSA rules before you travel. Staff can tell you whether a specific item is allowed in carry-on or checked baggage, explain how screening procedures work, or clarify TSA policies. This is the right number if you are planning a trip and want to know what to pack or how early to arrive.

The line also handles questions about TSA programs like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR, though enrollment and status questions may route you to a separate department. If you are calling about a PreCheck or CLEAR issue, mention that when you reach someone.

What this line cannot do during active screening

If you are at the airport and security staff have stopped you or confiscated an item, calling the general information line will not reach the checkpoint. The staff on the phone cannot contact the checkpoint in real time or override a screening decision.

If you need to speak to a supervisor or TSA officer at your airport while you are there, ask the officer at the checkpoint to get a supervisor. If the issue happens after you leave the airport, you can file a complaint through the TSA website or call the general line to report what happened.

How to reach TSA PreCheck and CLEAR support

If you have a question about your TSA PreCheck status or enrollment, the general information line can transfer you, but you may reach the PreCheck support line faster by calling 1-855-347-8371. This number handles account questions, renewal issues, and status checks.

CLEAR enrollment and support is handled separately. If you are enrolled in CLEAR or thinking about it, contact CLEAR directly through their website or app rather than calling the TSA line. CLEAR is a private company that partners with TSA, so TSA staff cannot access your CLEAR account.

Filing a complaint if screening went wrong

If you believe a TSA officer treated you unfairly or screened you improperly, you can file a formal complaint. The TSA website has a complaint form that documents your report and assigns it a case number. This method creates a written record and may be faster than calling, especially if you need to describe what happened in detail.

You can also call the general information line and ask to file a complaint by phone. Have the date, time, airport, and checkpoint location ready. The TSA will send you a case number and timeline for review.

Reaching your airport's TSA office directly

Some airports have a local TSA office number listed on their website. If you need to reach TSA staff at a specific airport for a non-emergency question, search "[airport name] TSA office" or call the airport's main number and ask for the TSA office. This can sometimes be faster than the general line if your question is about that specific location.

Local TSA offices do not handle real-time checkpoint issues either, but they may be able to help with lost-and-found items or follow up on a previous screening incident at that airport.

What to have ready when you call

Before you dial, gather any information that will help the TSA staff answer your question. If you are asking about a specific incident, have your flight confirmation number, the date and time, and the airport name. If you are asking about an item you want to bring, describe it in detail — for example, "a 3.5-ounce container of gel" rather than just "a container."

If you are calling about TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, have your membership number or the email address you used to enroll. This speeds up the process and prevents the staff from having to search for your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call TSA to get through security faster on the day of my flight?

No. The general information line cannot speed up screening or contact the checkpoint. If you want faster screening, enroll in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR before your trip. Both programs let you use expedited lanes at participating airports.

What if I left something at the checkpoint or on the plane?

Call the TSA general line and ask about lost and found, or contact your airline directly. TSA handles items left at the checkpoint; the airline handles items left on the plane. Have your flight details ready so they can search their records.

Does the TSA phone line have a callback option instead of waiting on hold?

The system does not offer a formal callback, but wait times are usually shorter during off-peak hours. Try calling early morning or late afternoon on weekdays. If you are not in a hurry, the TSA website's contact form may get a response within a few business days.

Can I call TSA to report a security concern at an airport?

Yes. Call the general information line and explain what you saw. They will take your report and may direct you to contact the airport or local law enforcement depending on the nature of the concern. For when ready safety threats, call 911 instead.

Is there a different number for international travel questions?

No. The same TSA line handles questions about international flights departing from U.S. airports. TSA screens all passengers leaving the United States, regardless of destination. For questions about what other countries require, contact the airline or the embassy of your destination country.