Do I have to take my pet out of the carrier at TSA screening?

Yes. Pets must be removed from the carrier just before screening — the empty carrier is X-rayed, and you carry your pet or walk it on a leash through the metal detector. Pets are never sent through the X-ray tunnel.

Can I check my pet in the cargo hold instead of carry-on?

It depends entirely on your airline. Many airlines have stopped accepting pets as checked or cargo baggage, and those that do usually require an approved crate and advance arrangements. Check your specific airline's pet travel policy before booking.

Pet Carrier

Soft or hard pet carriers are allowed as carry-on if your airline approves the pet, but the carrier itself must be X-rayed empty at screening.

Carry-on

Allowed with conditions

Checked

Check with your airline

Carry-on details

Allowed with conditions. A pet carrier is allowed in the cabin if your airline has approved your pet to fly and the carrier fits their size limits (usually able to fit under the seat). At the security checkpoint, you must take your pet out of the carrier just before screening — the empty carrier goes through the X-ray on the belt, and you carry or walk your pet through the walk-through metal detector. You can ask for a private screening if you're worried about your pet escaping in an open area.

Checked-bag details

Check with your airline. Airline policies on flying pets in the cargo hold vary widely — many airlines limit or no longer accept live animals as checked baggage at all, and those that do usually require an approved travel crate, health documentation, and advance booking. Confirm your airline's specific pet policy before planning to check a pet.

Special instructions

Never place a pet directly on the X-ray belt or send it through the tunnel — TSA is explicit that pets must be removed from the carrier and screened separately, on a leash or carried, while only the empty carrier is X-rayed. Return your pet to the carrier at the recomposure area past the checkpoint, not out in the open screening area.

FAQ

Do I have to take my pet out of the carrier at TSA screening?: Yes. Pets must be removed from the carrier just before screening — the empty carrier is X-rayed, and you carry your pet or walk it on a leash through the metal detector. Pets are never sent through the X-ray tunnel.
Can I check my pet in the cargo hold instead of carry-on?: It depends entirely on your airline. Many airlines have stopped accepting pets as checked or cargo baggage, and those that do usually require an approved crate and advance arrangements. Check your specific airline's pet travel policy before booking.

Related items

Source: TSA — What Can I Bring? · Last verified: 2026-07-30

Final decision rests with the security officer at the checkpoint.