Washington D.C. (including Baltimore) - Arriving at Dulles (IAD) , are there more TSA checkpoints ????

Hi everydody!!!

Last time I flew was into LAX and I just picked up my baggage after landing, Is true that in Dulles you have to go thru TSA security checkpoints after landing on domestic flights????
If is true, what is the procedure after landing there on domestic flights?????

Hi everydody!!!

Last time I flew was into LAX and I just picked up my baggage after landing, Is true that in Dulles you have to go thru TSA security checkpoints after landing on domestic flights????
If is true, what is the procedure after landing there on domestic flights?????

There is no security check after baggage control. You may be confused by some discussion of international arrivals at Dulles where people are connecting to another flight. In that case, there is a security check, just like there is in every airport. The US doesn't trust anybody else to get security right.

Is true
It's not true. No need (or way, really) for security after domestic flights.

There is no security screening after domestic arrivals at Dulles. In some airports, like Atlanta, arriving international passengers who are NOT connecting to other flights must go though security since the path to exit the airport requires passing through the departure area. But I don't believe there is any airport where security check would be needed after baggage claim on a domestic arrival unless you are taking another flight.

You may be confused by some discussion of international arrivals at Dulles where people are connecting to another flight. In that case, there is a security check, just like there is in every airport. The US doesn't trust anybody else to get security right.

While you're correct about the international arrivals at Dulles, the reason for the security check in that instance has nothing to do with the 'US not trusting anybody else'. Once you've had access to your checked baggage you must be screened before you can depart on another flight. Just like everywhere else in the world, I believe. And it's been like that long before 9/11 or the TSA.

Or are you saying that in other countries you can have access to your checked baggage at customs and then proceed to a connecting flight without going through security again? Please tell me what countries allow that.

If I'm wrong, I'm open to being corrected/educated.

ronyyy, another welcome to FlyerTalk. Please follow the thread to the Travel->Washington, D.C. forum. Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator, TravelBuzz.

Thank you guys

I think you are right, I was confused, my flight is 100% domestic, no int. conexions, so after landing I have to go to "baggage claim" and that's all, right???^

Correct - assuming that IAD is your final destination on the trip. If you are connecting through IAD, your bags should be checked through to your final destination - all you have to do is go to the gate for your next flight. And, as with all-domestic connections, there are no security checks involved.


Thank you guys

I think you are right, I was confused, my flight is 100% domestic, no int. conexions, so after landing I have to go to "baggage claim" and that's all, right???^

Thank you!!!

While you're correct about the international arrivals at Dulles, the reason for the security check in that instance has nothing to do with the 'US not trusting anybody else'. Once you've had access to your checked baggage you must be screened before you can depart on another flight. Just like everywhere else in the world, I believe. And it's been like that long before 9/11 or the TSA.



A good point, although I will mention that I made no mention of 9/11 or the TSA. However, it should be pointed out that 'access to your checked baggage' is not a choice of the flyer, but a requirement of US customs, which is different from many countries in the world. Also, the fact that the US does not recognize the EU's tamper-proof duty-free bag suggests that they don't trust the security of others.

The US is also not alone in not trusting others. The UK and European airports are not trusting of others' security either.