How to Request TSA Cares Assistance at the Airport

What TSA Cares Does and How to Request It

TSA Cares is a free program that lets you request a TSA officer to walk you through security screening if you have a disability, medical condition, or other circumstance that makes standard screening difficult. You do not go through the regular line — instead, a dedicated officer meets you, explains each step before it happens, and can accommodate things like removing a prosthetic limb, keeping a service animal close, or taking extra time. The program exists specifically so you are not forced to choose between security and your health or dignity.

You request TSA Cares at least 72 hours before you fly. The program is not automatic — you have to contact TSA directly, tell them your situation, and they will confirm whether an officer will be available at your airport on your travel date. If they confirm, you show up at the airport on time, find the TSA Cares desk or officer, and they handle your screening from there.

Key Takeaways

• You must request TSA Cares at least 72 hours before your flight, not on the day you travel.
• Contact TSA through their toll-free number (855-787-2227), online form, or video relay service — phone is fastest for confirmation.
• Have your flight information, airline, and a brief description of your situation ready when you call or submit the form.
• TSA will confirm whether an officer is available at your specific airport on your specific date — availability varies by location and time.
• On travel day, arrive early and tell the TSA officer at security that you have a TSA Cares appointment.

Three Ways to Request TSA Cares

The fastest method is calling TSA Cares directly at 855-787-2227. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. When you call, have your flight number, airline, airport code, and travel date ready. Tell the officer briefly what you need — for example, "I use a wheelchair and need help getting through the metal detector" or "I have a service dog and anxiety in crowds." They will ask follow-up questions and confirm on the spot whether an officer will meet you.

If you cannot call during those hours, you can submit a request online at the TSA Cares website. Fill out the form with your flight details and a description of your situation. TSA aims to respond within 24 hours on weekdays, though it may take longer on weekends. You will receive a confirmation email or phone call.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the Video Relay Service (VRS) to call 855-787-2227. If you are blind or have low vision, you can request a call-back from TSA instead of filling out the online form — call the main number and ask for this option.

What Information You Need Before You Contact TSA

Gather these details before you call or submit your request: your full name, date of birth, flight number, airline name, departure airport code, arrival airport code, and the date and time of your flight. If you do not have your flight number yet, you can provide the date and time instead.

You will also need to describe your situation clearly but briefly. You do not need a diagnosis or medical documentation — TSA Cares is not asking you to prove anything. Instead, describe what you need during screening: "I cannot remove my shoes without assistance," "I have a service animal," "I have a colostomy bag and need privacy," "I am claustrophobic and need extra time," or "I have a port in my chest and cannot go through the metal detector." The more specific you are about what makes screening hard, the better the officer can prepare.

What Happens If TSA Cannot Accommodate Your Date or Airport

TSA Cares availability depends on staffing at your specific airport. If TSA tells you they cannot provide an officer on your travel date, ask whether they can accommodate you on a different flight time that day, or ask about your return flight. Some airports have more consistent availability than others.

If your airport cannot help, you still have options. You can still go through standard security screening and inform the TSA officer at the checkpoint about your situation — they can make accommodations like extra time or a private screening area, though it is not the same as having a dedicated officer walk you through the process. You can also contact your airline's disability services desk before you travel; they can sometimes coordinate with TSA or provide other support.

What to Expect on Travel Day

Arrive at the airport with the same extra time you normally would — TSA Cares does not mean you should arrive later. When you get to security, tell the TSA officer at the checkpoint that you have a TSA Cares appointment. They will either direct you to the TSA Cares desk or radio for the officer assigned to you.

The officer will meet you, confirm your name and flight, and then walk you through each step of screening. They will explain what is about to happen before it happens — for example, "I am going to ask you to remove your shoes now" or "The metal detector will beep if you have metal on you; that is normal." If you need a break, need something repeated, or need to do something differently, tell the officer. They are there to make screening work for you, not to rush you through.

TSA Cares for Traveling With a Service Animal or Emotional Support Animal

If you travel with a service dog or other service animal, TSA Cares can help you keep the animal with you throughout screening instead of separating. Tell TSA when you request the appointment that you have a service animal and describe the animal — breed, size, and what task it performs. The officer will know to screen you in a way that keeps your animal close and calm.

Note that emotional support animals (animals that provide comfort but are not trained for a specific task) are treated differently than service animals under TSA rules. TSA Cares can still help, but the accommodations may be different. When you call, describe what your animal does and TSA will explain what they can do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request TSA Cares the day I fly?

No. TSA requires at least 72 hours notice, which means three full days before your flight. If your flight is Monday at 8 a.m., you must request by Friday at 8 a.m. If you did not request in time, go to the security checkpoint and tell the TSA officer about your situation — they can still make accommodations, though you will not have a dedicated officer.

Do I need a doctor's note or letter to request TSA Cares?

No. TSA does not ask for medical documentation or proof of disability. You only need to describe what you need during screening. If you have a letter from your doctor, you can bring it to the airport, but it is not required to request the service.

What if I have a connecting flight?

You need to request TSA Cares for each airport where you go through security screening. If you connect through another airport, submit a separate request for that leg of your trip. Use the same phone number or online form for each request.

Can someone come with me during TSA Cares screening?

Yes. A family member, caregiver, or companion can accompany you through screening. Tell TSA when you request the appointment if you will have someone with you, so the officer knows to expect an extra person.

What if I am traveling internationally?

TSA Cares covers U.S. airports and flights departing from the United States. If you are flying out of a U.S. airport, request TSA Cares the same way. International airports may have their own disability services — contact your airline or the airport directly for those details.