TSA Publishes Guidelines for Transgender Travelers

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Nobody enjoys Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checks. They feel invasive, they’re stressful, and they slow you down. For transgender travelers, however, such checks can be even more anxiety-inducing. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has released a set of guidelines to ensure that the process is as easy as possible for trans passengers.

The TSA recommends booking reservations with the gender and name data on the ID you use for traveling. However, this can be difficult for trans individuals who have not been able to change their name or gender marker since transitioning.

For help with this and other issues, passengers can contact TSA Cares at 1-855-787-2227. This toll-free helpline provides information on screenings, and trans passengers can request help at checkpoints through this number. For best results, passengers are advised to contact the line no less than 72 hours before their booking.

Passengers are advised to inform TSA agents, whether verbally or in writing, if they are wearing a prosthetic. While you will not be asked to remove prostheses, they may be subject to additional screening. If they are in a sensitive area, you will be provided with a private screening. You can also request that your bags be screened in a private area.

To read the full list of TSA guidelines, click here.