SECURITY
At the Ithaca Tompkins International Airport, we’re your friendly and convenient alternative to larger airports. You can expect faster check-in times and shorter lines to wait in. Here are some important tips you should be aware of when you fly from Ithaca.
Arrival
Airlines recommend you be at the Ithaca airport 90 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time for check-in and security screening procedures, which is significantly less when compared to larger airports. Airline baggage check ends 45 minutes before departure. Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure.
TSA security screening typically opens about 90 minutes before your scheduled departure. Because ITH has a limited number of daily departures, the checkpoint is not open 24 hours.
If your flight is delayed, please note that TSA may not remain open for the full duration of the delay—especially if other flights have already departed. For this reason, we recommend that all travelers arrive around their flight’s originally scheduled departure time, even if the airline shows a delay. This ensures you can clear security and be ready when boarding begins. Flight delays can sometimes be reversed, and we’d hate for you to miss your flight due to a schedule change or TSA closure.
While ITH is not a full service TSA PreCheck airport, TSA PreCheck passengers flying out of ITH will still enjoy some of the benefits at ITH. You can keep your shoes on as well as lightweight jackets.
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To sign up for TSA PreCheck, first complete the online application on the official TSA website, then schedule and attend an in-person appointment for fingerprinting and identity verification. You can find a list of enrollment providers and locations on the TSA website to complete the online pre-enrollment and schedule your appointment.
The closest in-person fingerprinting location to Ithaca is the Staples in Big Flats, NY.
Beginning May 7, 2025, every traveler must present a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or other acceptable forms of identification, such as a valid passport or U.S. military ID, to fly within the U.S. Review the complete list of acceptable identification.
Passengers who present a state-issued identification that is not REAL ID compliant and who do not have another acceptable alternative (e.g., passport) can expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint.
More information on REAL ID can be found at this link TSA.gov/real-id.
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If your New York State license or ID does not have a star or a flag on it, then you do not have a REAL ID-compliant document.
A REAL ID is a federally compliant DMV-issued driver license, learner permit, or non-driver ID that is required to board a domestic flight (within the U.S.) or enter certain federal buildings, unless you have a valid passport.
Planning ahead and packing properly can facilitate the screening process and ease your travel experience at the airport.
Prohibited Items
Many travelers are not aware of items that are prohibited on-board an aircraft. You will have an opportunity at the airline check-in desk, to ask about which objects are prohibited in your carry-on baggage. If these objects are noticed at check-in, you will be allowed to transfer them to your checked baggage. Once that baggage has been checked in you will have no further access to it. For a complete and up-to-date list of prohibited items, please visit the TSA Website.
Illegal items, as opposed to prohibited items, will be confiscated and the passenger will be subject to arrest.
In the event you reach the screening point and discover a prohibited item, you will be afforded the opportunity to place it in your vehicle, time allowing. You will not be able to retrieve your checked baggage to place it in there. You will be asked to voluntarily surrender or throw away prohibited items. If you do not voluntarily surrender these items, you will not be allowed to board the aircraft.
Photography in Security
Due to the sensitive nature of the area, people are requested not to film or take photos in the vicinity of the security screening checkpoint.
Parking
Federal regulations prohibit unattended vehicles from parking at the curbside. You may position at the curb to drop off or pick up passengers but you may not leave the vehicle unattended, not even for a second.
Recognizing that this is sometimes inconvenient, we do provid Free Parking for the first 30 minutes in our public parking lots, only a few steps away. In addition, we are making baggage carts available, also Free of Charge, and will try to maintain a supply of them in the public parking lots, front entrance way, and baggage claim areas.
All prospective badge holders requiring unescorted access to secure areas of the airport must complete an application and undergo fingerprinting for a Criminal History Records Check (CHRC). To begin the process, you must set up an appointment with our office. Detailed instructions regarding acceptable forms of identification will be provided at the time of scheduling, along with directions to the badging office.
Badges will only be issued upon approval of results. If any disqualifying criminal offenses are found during the background check, the badge will not be issued. It is essential that applicants meet all necessary security and background clearance requirements.
For New IDs and Renewals, please contact:
Jeremy Puterbaugh
Deputy ARFF Chief/Security & Training Coordinator
Phone: 607-266-2644
Email: jputerbaugh@tompkins-co.org