Does AVL have TSA Pre-check?
Yes, we do have TSA Pre-check at AVL. For more information about signing up for this service, please visit: https://www.tsa.gov/precheck.
What can I do if I inadvertently bring a prohibited item to the checkpoint?
- You can mail most non-approved items to any address for a fee at the Guest Services Center, located in Baggage Claim.
What can I pack in my checked bag?
- Visit www.tsa.gov for information on prohibited items.
I have metal in my body, will I set off the alarms?
- Probably! Be sure to notify a TSA agent of any metal in your body (plates, screws, pins or rods) so you can be screened appropriately.
Does AVL have body scanners?
- Yes, there is one body scanner at the security check point.
What time does the security checkpoint open and close?
- The security checkpoint opens at 4:00 a.m. each day. The security checkpoint closes after the last scheduled departure of the day. If your evening departure has been delayed, there is a possibility that the TSA will close prior to your departure (while rare, this can happen when late evening scheduled departures are delayed). This means that you should arrive two hours prior to your originally scheduled departure time, unless your airline communicates otherwise. Please check with your airline about required arrival time at the airport.
I don't have REAL ID, will I still be able to go through security?
- Starting February 1, 2026, travelers who do not present an acceptable form of ID will have the option to pay a $45 fee to attempt to verify their identity through TSA’s modernized alternative identity verification process, TSA ConfirmID.
- Utilizing TSA ConfirmID is voluntary, and travelers may decline to participate. However, a traveler who chooses not to use the service may be denied access to the sterile area and may not be able to continue with his or her flight.
- The TSA ConfirmID process should take an average of 10-15 minutes; however, it could take 30 minutes or more depending on the information used to verify the traveler’s identity, security checkpoint wait times, and additional screening measures.
- Travelers who do not have an acceptable form of ID and enter the security line will be escorted to a different location to use the TSA ConfirmID process before returning to the security checkpoint.
- For travelers who will be traveling before they can obtain acceptable form of ID, such as a REAL ID or passport at TSA checkpoints, TSA urges travelers to pay the fee required to use TSA ConfirmID as early as possible before travel to prevent any delays or cancellations.
What identification is required?
- REAL ID is required for domestic air travel. Passengers with a driver's license that is not compliant with the REAL ID Act will need to show an alternative form of acceptable identification for domestic air travel to board their flight. Find the list of acceptable alternatives at the TSA website.
- If you will be traveling outside of the United States, including Mexico, Canada, and U.S. Territories you will need a current passport.
- Minors (under 18) traveling domestically do not need to present ID at the security checkpoint; only a boarding pass is required.
- Minors traveling internationally are required to have a passport.
What can I pack in my carry-on?
- Visit www.tsa.gov for information on prohibited items.
How can I travel with my firearm and/or ammunition?
No firearms are allowed on the campus of Asheville Regional Airport, unless allowed by Federal or State law. One such "allowable" instance is if you have properly packed your unloaded firearm for transport in your checked luggage, per TSA and airline regulations. (You can view the TSA rules here. Also, check with your specific airline regarding the steps they require to properly pack and declare your firearm and/or ammunition.)
Safety is the priority, and passengers have an obligation to understand and follow all rules relating to transport of firearms and ammunition. All checked luggage will be screened prior to loading onto aircraft.
Travelers should be aware that firearms discovered at security screening will be seized as evidence by the AVL Department of Public Safety, the individual will be criminally charged with violation of North Carolina General Statute § 14-269 (Carrying Concealed Weapons), receive a written citation for mandatory appearance in state court, and will be released to continue their travel. If other criminal activity is suspected, additional measures may be taken including arrest. In addition, travelers will be subject to TSA civil penalties up to $15,000 and Concealed Carry Permits may be revoked.