As of May 7, 2025, passengers must show a Real ID-compliant identification to board a domestic airline flight. In Arizona that means a standard driver’s license will no longer be acceptable at TSA Security Checkpoints. Arizona is offering a Travel ID that meets Real ID requirements. Click here for information on the Travel ID and other documents that meet the new requirement. |
There are two Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints at Tucson International Airport; at the entrances to the A and B gates. The concourses are not connected post-security so it is important to use the checkpoint for your gate.
Approaching the terminal on the roadway, the C gates, which are currently vacant, are the first you come to, followed by the B gates and then the A gates. Passengers departing on Alaska, American and Delta airlines enter the B gates at the west end of the departures level of the main terminal. Passengers departing on Southwest, Sun Country and United enter the A Gates at the east side of the main terminal.
Checkpoints for the A and B concourses in the main terminal open by 4 a.m. daily, or about two hours before the first scheduled flight of the day, and close with the final departure of the night. The checkpoint for the C gates is open only when flights are scheduled from that terminal. Security wait times are usually less than 15 minutes except during busy times early in the morning before 8 a.m. and mid-day from about 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Note: Tucson does not observe Daylight Saving Time and airlines adjust their schedules accordingly. From November until early March when Standard Time is in effect in the United States, the busy times are an hour later.)
Information regarding the checkpoint process can be found at the Transportation Security Administration’s website.
To reach TSA at Tucson International Airport
Customer Service: (520) 799-9300
Lost and Found: (520) 799-9302
TSA Checkpoint Updates
The Transportation Security Administration continues to proactively maintain protective measures instituted for the safety passengers and employees that were launched during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following is the latest information regarding changes to the security checkpoint process:
- Face coverings: As of April 18, 2022, the TSA withdrew the security directive requiring face masks be worn at airports and on airline flights. As a result, wearing a face mask is optional for customers and employees in the terminal at Tucson International Airport (TUS).
- Showing ID: Passengers now place their own ID or boarding pass directly on the electronic reader rather than handing it to an officer.
- Liquid hand sanitizer: Containers of up to 12 ounces of liquid hand sanitizer are permitted through the checkpoint but because they are larger than the standard allowance of 3.4 ounces of liquids they must be removed and screened separately.
- Food: Carry-on food should be placed in a separate clear plastic bag to allow an officer to visually inspect it if it triggers an alarm.
TSA PreCheck✓
Specially designated lanes at the entrances to both the A gates and B gates allow passengers who have been qualified through U.S. Department of Homeland Security programs including TSA Pre✓, Global Entry, SENTRI and active duty military personnel to use expedited screening. Passengers who qualify for this will have it noted on their boarding pass with a reference to TSA Pre✓. At times when there are not sufficient passengers, the TSA may close the PreCheck queue and/or screening equipment. At those times, the document checker will direct qualified passengers how to proceed through the screening process. In some cases, the PreCheck equipment may still be used and at other times passengers will go through the regular screening lane and permitted to wear their shoes but will be required to remove laptops and similar devices from carrying cases. TSA PreCheck✓ is not currently available at the C gates checkpoint.
Special Needs
Personnel are prepared to assist passengers using wheelchairs or strollers and their traveling companions, including service animals, through the TSA checkpoints. Passengers being dropped off and needing wheelchair assistance should request that assistance when making their airline reservations. Due to security regulations, the airport cannot permit drivers to leave their vehicles unattended at the curb while assisting passengers into the terminal.