TSO Checkpoint Screening Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A passenger presents a state-issued ID that appears to be expired by two weeks. What should the TSO do?
- Automatically deny boarding
- Refer the passenger to document verification procedures per current TSA policy (Correct answer)
- Accept the ID without question
- Confiscate the ID as fraudulent
Correct answer: Refer the passenger to document verification procedures per current TSA policy
TSA policy provides guidance on accepting recently expired IDs and may allow passengers to proceed through identity verification procedures.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes the 'sterile area' at an airport?
- The airline ticketing and check-in zone
- The area beyond the security checkpoint accessible only to screened passengers and authorized personnel (Correct answer)
- The baggage claim area after landing
- The holding area for flagged passengers
Correct answer: The area beyond the security checkpoint accessible only to screened passengers and authorized personnel
The sterile area is the secure zone beyond the checkpoint that only passengers who have passed screening and authorized staff may enter.
Question 3: When must TSOs use fresh gloves during a physical search?
- Only when searching children
- Before each new passenger search to prevent cross-contamination (Correct answer)
- Only when the previous passenger had visible dirt on their belongings
- Gloves are optional at TSO discretion
Correct answer: Before each new passenger search to prevent cross-contamination
TSOs are required to change gloves between passengers to prevent cross-contamination and maintain screening integrity.
Question 4: A traveler claims they have a medical implant that will alarm the walk-through metal detector. What is the TSO's appropriate response?
- Deny them access to the checkpoint
- Note the claim and conduct alternative screening such as AIT or a pat-down (Correct answer)
- Waive all screening based on the traveler's statement
- Require a doctor's note before proceeding
Correct answer: Note the claim and conduct alternative screening such as AIT or a pat-down
Passengers with medical implants are offered alternative screening methods like AIT or a pat-down; no documentation is legally required.
Question 5: What is the correct procedure when ETD (Explosive Trace Detection) equipment produces an alarm?
- Allow the passenger through and note the incident in a log
- Conduct additional screening and notify a supervisor (Correct answer)
- Immediately evacuate the checkpoint
- Retest with the same swab to confirm
Correct answer: Conduct additional screening and notify a supervisor
An ETD alarm requires additional screening steps and supervisor notification to determine if a threat exists.
Question 6: Under TSA rules, how many ounces may a single liquid container in a carry-on bag hold?
- 2 ounces
- 3.4 ounces (Correct answer)
- 4 ounces
- 8 ounces
Correct answer: 3.4 ounces
TSA's 3-1-1 rule limits individual liquid containers in carry-ons to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less.
Question 7: Which action is a TSO required to take if a passenger becomes aggressive or threatening at the checkpoint?
- Physically restrain the passenger alone
- De-escalate verbally and immediately notify law enforcement or airport police (Correct answer)
- Continue screening to minimize disruption
- Ask other passengers to assist
Correct answer: De-escalate verbally and immediately notify law enforcement or airport police
TSOs are trained to de-escalate verbally while immediately summoning law enforcement for aggressive or threatening behavior.
TSO Checkpoint Screening Procedures 3
A passenger presents a state-issued ID that appears to be expired by two weeks.
What should the TSO do?