abbreviation

TSA

tee-ess-AY

TSA (abbreviation) means the Transportation Security Administration, the United States government agency responsible for screening passengers and baggage at airports. Example: “TSA confiscated the bottle of water at the checkpoint.”

abbreviation

proper noun The Transportation Security Administration, the United States government agency responsible for screening passengers and baggage at airports.

"TSA confiscated the bottle of water at the checkpoint."

"Allow extra time — the TSA line was around the corner."

informal TSA PreCheck, the expedited US airport screening programme, referred to loosely as "TSA" on boarding passes and in conversation.

"I've got TSA, so I keep my shoes on."

business Technical service agreement or transition services agreement, a contract under which a seller continues providing services to a divested business for a set period.

"The TSA runs for eighteen months after completion."

How to use TSA

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe US agency that screens passengers and bags at airports.

When to use it

Standard in American travel writing. Usually takes no article when the agency acts ("TSA said"), though "the TSA" is common too.

Memory tip

Outside the United States the equivalent bodies have different names, so "TSA" in a travel article signals an American airport.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

CBP Global Entry Homeland Security FAA →

Common pairings

TSA checkpoint TSA agent TSA PreCheck TSA-approved lock

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Test yourself on “TSA” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ confiscated the bottle of water at the checkpoint.

Etymology

An initialism of Transportation Security Administration, a US federal agency created after the attacks of 11 September 2001.

Origin: English

Frequently asked questions

What does TSA stand for?

Transportation Security Administration. It is a US federal agency under the Department of Homeland Security, responsible for security across aviation, rail and other transport, though the public knows it almost entirely for airport passenger screening.

What is the difference between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry?

TSA PreCheck speeds up security screening when departing from US airports — shorter lines, shoes and laptops stay put. Global Entry does that too, since it includes PreCheck, and additionally speeds up customs and immigration when you re-enter the United States from abroad. Global Entry costs a little more and is the better buy for international travellers.

What is a TSA-approved lock?

A padlock that TSA screeners can open with a universal master key, so they can inspect a bag without cutting the lock off. They are worth using on checked luggage into or out of the United States.

What is the meaning of TSA?

"TSA" (abbreviation) means the Transportation Security Administration, the United States government agency responsible for screening passengers and baggage at airports.