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Security Screening
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Welcome to the Missoula International Airport Security Information Center. We want your business trip or family vacation to be a hassle-free and enjoyable experience. Security policies and procedures change rapidly these days, so why not take some time to allow us to answer some of your questions. Following are preparations you can make before you arrive at the airport to help you move more quickly and efficiently through the security processes.
If you are unable to find an answer to your questions, please visit the TSA Travel Assistant for more information about traveling by air.
What Items Are Currently Prohibited by TSA?
You don’t have to let a prohibited item ruin your trip. You are permitted to travel with most items, but you must put them in your luggage and check them with your airline. Certain items are prohibited from carry-on luggage for the overall security of air travelers. Prohibited items obviously include weapons, explosives, and incendiaries, but also items that are seemingly harmless and may be used as weapons like hammers, bats, or mace. You may not bring these items to security checkpoints.
If a prohibited object is discovered, you have the option of relinquishing the item to security staff, putting it in your checked bag or, with the exception of fueled lighters, mailing the object home in a padded envelope.
For more information about prohibited items, please call the TSA Consumer Response Center toll free at 866-289-9673, or visit the following Web site: TSA Web Site - Prohibited Items.
How's the Traffic In Missoula? Should I Leave Early?
People who visit Missoula for the first time are often surprised at the amount of traffic we have here. During the morning and afternoon rush hour commutes, you should plan on one hour for the 10-mile drive from the south side of Missoula to the Airport, and 30-45 minutes from the University District. Expect extended delays on Reserve Street between South 3rd Street West and Mullan Road. When possible, taking Interstate 90 to Airway Boulevard will generally cut down on driving time and delays. For directions to the Airport, Click Here.
Please arrive at the airport 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights. Contact your airline for more information.
Only active loading and unloading in the curbside drop-off/pick-up areas is allowed. Should you require additional time, consider using the airport's short-term and long-term parking lots located next to the passenger terminal.
What Should I Know About Checking-In at the Airport?
Bring Identification - Be prepared to present valid identification as requested by authorized personnel at the ticket counter, security checkpoints, and boarding gates. All passengers age 18 and older will need government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, along with a ticket, e-ticket receipt or printed e-ticket confirmation.
Ticket Counter Check-In - Passengers who are checking bags at the ticket counter will be directed through the checked bag screening process by Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and airline staff. Be prepared to answer questions about your baggage. The airline check-in lines may be long during the busy early morning and lunchtime hours. Ticket counter hours vary by airline. Contact your airline for opening and closing times.
Keep An Eye On Your Bags - Never leave your luggage unattended. Do not accept luggage or packages from others you do not know. If you see any unattended luggage or packages report them immediately.
How Can I Move Through Security Screening Quicker?
Travelers can move through the passenger security checkpoint by avoiding clothing and accessories that may set off the metal detector alarm.
Shoes - you may be asked to remove your shoes and place them into a bin to be viewed by the X-ray machine before you enter the walk-through metal detector. This includes all types of footwear. Gel shoe inserts are not permitted, but shoes constructed with gel heels are allowed and must be removed and screened. Due to the Homeland Security threat level being raised for the U.S. aviation sector worldwide, this is critical to protect the world's travelers who transit by air to and from the United States. Many kinds of shoes, depending on individual construction, are able to set off the security warning devices. Shoes can also be used to transport weapons. If a security agent requests that you remove your shoes, please do so. If you refuse, you will not be able to board your flight.
Metal Items - Prior to reaching the security screening point at MSO, you should place all liquids and gels in your checked baggage. Also take metal items such as keys, loose change, mobile phones, pagers and personal digital assistants (PDAs) out of your pockets. Put these in your carry-on, or in a plastic bag. This keeps lines moving and your experience more pleasant. Try to avoid wearing anything with metal, clothing, jewelry or other accessories that contain metal such as, heavy jewelry, clothing with metal buttons or snaps, belt buckles or under-wire bras.
Coats and Jackets - When practical, pack your coats and jackets in your baggage. All coats and jackets that you are carrying must go through the X-ray machine for inspection. If you choose to wear an outer coat or jacket to the checkpoint, you will need to either pack it in your carry-on baggage or put it in one of the bins we provide.
Is There Anything I Should Know About Wrapped Gifts?
What can be worse than spending all that time wrapping gifts and presents only to have them opened at the airport security screening checkpoint? Travelers should consider the following options:
• Wrap gifts upon arrival at their destinations
• Ship the packages to your destination in advance.
Wrapped gifts in both checked and carry-on baggage are subject to opening if inspection is required.
What Should I Do About My Electronic Items?
Electronic devices continue to be allowed in your carry-on luggage, as well as your checked luggage. Cell phones, handheld games, CD players and other electronic devices should be placed in your carry-on bag for screening.
A laptop computer should be taken out of its case and placed on the screening machine belt. It is a good idea to attach your name, address and telephone number to your computer.
What About Digital Cameras or Photographic Film?
Digital Cameras - None of the security equipment - neither the machines used for checked baggage nor those used for carry-on baggage - will affect digital camera images or film that has already been processed - slides, videos, photo compact discs or picture memory cards.
Photographic Film - The equipment used to screen checked baggage will damage undeveloped film. Pack your undeveloped film in your carry-on bag. High speed and specialty film should be hand inspected at the security checkpoint. To facilitate hand-inspection, remove your undeveloped film from the canister and pack in a clear plastic bag.
You should remove all film from your checked baggage and place it in your carry-on baggage. The X-ray machine that screens your carry-on baggage at the passenger security checkpoint will not affect undeveloped film under ASA/ISO 800.
If the same roll of film is exposed to X-ray inspections more than 5 times before it is developed, it is possible that damage may occur. Protect your film by requesting a hand-inspection for your film if it has already passed through the carry-on baggage X-ray screening equipment more than five times.
At the passenger security checkpoint, you should remove the following types of film from your carry-on baggage and ask for a hand inspection:
• Film with an ASA/ISO 800 or higher
• Highly sensitive X-ray, medical or scientific films
• Film of any speed that is subjected to X-ray
surveillance more than 5 times (the effect of X-ray
screening is cumulative)
• Film that is or will be underexposed
• Film that you intend to 'push process'
• Sheet, large format and motion picture film
Where Can I Go For More Information?
Federal Agencies Involved in Aviation Safety and Security
There are several other federal agencies involved with aviation safety and security. Below you will find links to the other agencies along with a brief description of each agency.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Besides providing a better-coordinated defense of the homeland, DHS is also dedicated to protecting the rights of American citizens and enhancing public services, such as natural disaster assistance and citizenship services.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
The TSA operates all security checkpoints at airports nationwide, including MSO. Signed into law by President Bush on November 19, 2001, the TSA was created by the Aviation and Transportation Security Act as a department within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
The priority mission of CBP is to prevent terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the United States. CBP is also responsible for apprehending individuals attempting to enter the United States illegally.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
As a department within the DOT, the FAA is responsible for air traffic control and the certification of airports, airlines, airplanes and pilots.
Additional Resources
• TSA Travel Assistant
• Key Travel Tips
• Security Checkpoint Wait Times at MSO
• Prohibited Items
• Traveling With Children
• Travelers With Disabilities or Special Considerations
• Traveling With Special Items
• Special Considerations
To report problems or make general comments to the Transportation Security Administration, travelers may call the TSA Consumer Response Center toll-free at (866) 289-9673, or by e-mail at: TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov
Missoula International Airport
5225 Highway 10 West
Missoula, Montana 59808
Website : www.flymissoula.com
Airport Information : 406 728-4381
Email us for more information : Click here
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