Editor’s note: This article was originally published in 2022 and has been updated with the latest information.
There are certain travel apps I recommend downloading before you leave home, and one that often flies under the radar is the free MyTSA app.
The Transportation Security Administration’s official app is available for both iPhone and Android, and even frequent travelers may be surprised by how much useful information it provides.
I originally wrote about MyTSA back in 2022, but the app has evolved quite a bit since then. In fact, TSA rolled out another significant update in 2026 that makes it even more useful for travelers.
What can you do with the MyTSA app?
The free MyTSA app gives travelers quick access to a number of useful tools, including:
- Check TSA security wait times. The app provides crowdsourced checkpoint wait times, and TSA recently added real-time wait-time information for select airports.
- See how busy an airport is expected to be. You can check historical data to see how busy an airport typically is on the specific day and time you’re traveling.
- Check airport delays and weather. You can save your favorite airports and quickly see delay information and current weather conditions.
- Find out what you can bring through security. The “What Can I Bring?” feature lets you search hundreds of items to find out whether they’re permitted in carry-on or checked luggage.
- Get TSA PreCheck information. The app now has a dedicated TSA PreCheck section with information about benefits, participating airports and airlines and enrollment.
- Get help from TSA. You can access AskTSA as well as TSA’s Chat with Ace virtual assistant, which is available 24/7.
One important thing to remember about checkpoint wait times: I would never cut it close based solely on what an app says. Lines can change quickly because of staffing, equipment issues, a sudden rush of passengers or other factors. Use the information as another tool for planning, not as a reason to arrive at the airport late.
My favorite MyTSA feature
One of my favorite features has always been the ability to quickly find out whether you can bring a particular item through airport security.
Even frequent travelers like me sometimes encounter something unusual and think, “Can I actually bring this on the plane?”
The first time my wife and I traveled with our son, for example, she asked if we could bring more than 3.4 ounces of baby formula through security. I wasn’t sure.
Instead of guessing, I searched the MyTSA app and quickly found the answer.
And yes, you can.
TSA says formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby/toddler food are considered medically necessary liquids and can be carried in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. They don’t have to fit inside your quart-size liquids bag. You should tell the TSA officer about them at the beginning of the screening process and remove them from your carry-on so they can be screened separately.
Interestingly, TSA also says your child doesn’t need to be traveling with you to bring breast milk, formula and related supplies.
Wondering if you can bring something? AskTSA
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, AskTSA is another resource worth knowing about.
Travelers can contact @AskTSA through X or Facebook Messenger, but there’s now an even easier option: text “Travel” to 275-872 (AskTSA).
TSA says AskTSA is available 365 days a year, with live assistance currently available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. The MyTSA app also offers access to TSA’s Chat with Ace virtual assistant 24/7.
That’s especially handy when you’re standing in your kitchen the night before a trip wondering whether some random food, liquid or other item is going to make it through security.
Yes, you can bring eggs
When I first wrote this story in 2022, one traveler asked @AskTSA whether they could bring two dozen fresh chicken eggs on a plane because they didn’t want to have them confiscated at the airport.
TSA responded that fresh eggs are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags.
That’s still the case.
In fact, TSA’s searchable database covers hundreds of items. Many solid foods can go through security, including bread and other baked goods. But liquids and gels generally still need to follow the 3-1-1 rule unless they fall under one of TSA’s exceptions.
Keep in mind that TSA notes that the final decision about whether an item is permitted through a checkpoint rests with the TSA officer.
Bottom line
The MyTSA app isn’t the flashiest travel app on my phone, but it’s one of those tools that’s worth having before you need it.
Being able to check airport conditions, get an idea of security wait times, see when an airport is historically busiest and quickly find out whether something can go through security can save you time and potentially prevent a headache at the airport.
Best of all, it’s free.
So before your next trip, download MyTSA and familiarize yourself with it. You might not use it on every flight, but when you have a TSA question or you’re trying to figure out what’s happening at the airport, you’ll be glad it’s on your phone.
