TSO Checkpoint Screening Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A passenger's carry-on bag alarms the X-ray machine but the image is unclear. What is the correct next step?
- Wave the passenger through to avoid delays
- Conduct a physical bag search to resolve the alarm (Correct answer)
- Send the bag through the X-ray a second time only
- Detain the passenger indefinitely
Correct answer: Conduct a physical bag search to resolve the alarm
When an X-ray alarm cannot be resolved visually, TSOs must perform a physical bag search to identify the source of the alarm.
Question 2: Which of the following items is generally permitted in carry-on baggage through a TSA checkpoint?
- A full 12-ounce bottle of shampoo
- A 3.4-ounce container of lotion in a quart-sized bag (Correct answer)
- A folding knife with a 4-inch blade
- A full can of aerosol hairspray
Correct answer: A 3.4-ounce container of lotion in a quart-sized bag
The TSA 3-1-1 rule allows liquids in containers of 3.4 oz or less, placed in a single quart-sized clear bag.
Question 3: A passenger refuses to remove their shoes at the checkpoint. What should the TSO do?
- Permit the passenger through without shoe screening
- Explain the requirement and offer alternative screening methods if applicable (Correct answer)
- Immediately call law enforcement
- Allow the passenger to proceed if they show ID
Correct answer: Explain the requirement and offer alternative screening methods if applicable
TSOs should calmly explain the screening requirement and may offer alternatives such as ETD (explosive trace detection) if the passenger cannot comply for medical reasons.
Question 4: What does AIT stand for in TSA checkpoint operations?
- Automated Imaging Technology
- Advanced Imaging Technology (Correct answer)
- Airport Identification Terminal
- Authorized Inspection Tool
Correct answer: Advanced Imaging Technology
AIT stands for Advanced Imaging Technology, which includes millimeter wave scanners used at TSA checkpoints.
Question 5: During a pat-down, a TSO discovers a hard, unidentifiable object on a passenger. What is the appropriate action?
- Ignore it if the passenger says it is harmless
- Document and report the finding to a supervisor and resolve through additional screening (Correct answer)
- Immediately arrest the passenger
- Allow the passenger through if they provide a reasonable explanation
Correct answer: Document and report the finding to a supervisor and resolve through additional screening
Unidentifiable objects found during a pat-down must be reported to a supervisor and resolved through proper additional screening procedures.
Question 6: How should a TSO handle a passenger traveling with a CPAP machine?
- Require the passenger to check it as baggage
- Permit it as a carry-on and screen it separately from other bag contents (Correct answer)
- Prohibit it entirely due to its electronic components
- Allow it without any screening
Correct answer: Permit it as a carry-on and screen it separately from other bag contents
CPAP machines are allowed as carry-ons and are typically screened separately by placing them in a bin for X-ray imaging.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of the Behavior Detection Officer (BDO) program at TSA checkpoints?
- To conduct random bag checks
- To identify passengers exhibiting behaviors that may indicate a threat (Correct answer)
- To manage passenger flow and reduce wait times
- To verify boarding passes against flight manifests
Correct answer: To identify passengers exhibiting behaviors that may indicate a threat
BDOs are trained to identify stress, fear, and deceptive behaviors that may indicate a security threat through observation techniques.
TSO Checkpoint Screening Procedures 2
A passenger's carry-on bag alarms the X-ray machine but the image is unclear.
What is the correct next step?