All passengers, regardless of disability, must pass through security checkpoints before proceeding to airline gates. Checkpoints are operated by the Federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Only ticketed passengers with boarding passes are allowed beyond the security checkpoints. Travelers with disabilities who need assistance or special clearance to allow medical equipment or services to go beyond the security checkpoint should make prior arrangements directly with their airline.

Passengers with wheelchairs, hearing aids, cochlear implants, service dogs or other aids should alert security personnel at the checkpoint of their equipment. If an individual with a disability is able to pass through the security system without activating it, the person is not subject to special screening procedures. Security personnel are free to examine an assistive device that they believe is capable of concealing a weapon or other prohibited item.

If an individual with a disability is not able to pass through the system without activating it, the person will be subject to further screening in the same manner as any other passenger activating the system. Security screening personnel may employ a hand-held device that will allow them to complete the screening without having to physically search the individual.

If this method is still unable to clear the individual and a physical search becomes necessary, then at the passenger's request, the search will be done in private. Provided the request is made in a timely manner, the TSA must provide a private screening in time for the passenger to board the aircraft.