The Transportation Security Administration has landed on the iPhone. That’s right frequent flyers — you can download the free My TSA app for current security checkpoint wait times, general airport condition status, a traveler’s guide and a database to search what is acceptable to carry on the plane versus what to pack in your checked bags.
The catch, though, is that security wait times are entered by users of the app, so the app is literally only as good as its users. For instance, I checked the security wait times at 8:30 p.m. on a weekday night and the last updated time for the Midway Airport in Chicago was an 11- to 20-minute wait at 4:42 p.m. that day, which was not that helpful.
The general airport condition status is more helpful, alerting passengers to delays at airports that affect flights. The delays are not airline-specific, so you will have to contact your airline directly to find out if your specific flight is delayed.
The “Can I bring?” function allows passengers to search by specific items to determine if you can bring on the plane or not. I searched for vodka, which you have to check, and toothpaste, which falls under special instructions (must by 3.4 ounces or less in a 1 quart zip-top bag for carry on).
The “TSA Traveler’s Guide” section has handy tips such as not wrapping presents and a reminder to remove body piercings in private before going through security.
