Can you fly with a warrant in the United stats

If someone’s got a **warrant** out for their arrest, they might wonder if they can still **fly across the U.S.** The rules can change based on the type of warrant and where it was issued, so knowing the details of your situation is crucial.

Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant is a legal document issued by a court authorizing law enforcement to arrest an individual suspected of committing a crime. If an individual has an active arrest warrant, it can be difficult, if not impossible, for them to fly. Generally, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and airlines will have access to warrant information and will not allow a person with an active warrant to board a flight.

It’s important to note that an arrest warrant doesn’t prevent you from leaving the country; traveling internationally is a different matter; the warrants are not shared between states or countries, and an arrest warrant from one state does not prevent someone from traveling to another state.

Bench Warrants

A bench warrant is a warrant issued by a judge for failure to appear in court, typically for a traffic violation, failing to pay a fine, or failing to comply with a court order. Having a bench warrant doesn’t necessarily prevent you from flying domestically. However, if a TSA agent or airline employee becomes aware of the warrant, they can deny boarding or contact law enforcement.

It’s important to note that even if you do manage to board a flight with a bench warrant, law enforcement may still be able to arrest you once you land. Therefore, taking care of bench warrants is recommended as soon as possible.

What to do if you have a warrant

If you have an arrest or bench warrant, it’s important to take care of it as soon as possible. You can contact an attorney or a legal aid organization for help. In some cases, it may be possible to clear up the warrant through a lawyer without the need for the individual to be arrested and spend time in custody.

In some cases, if the individual cannot clear up the warrant, they may be able to travel if a bail bondsman accompanies them.

Whether or not an individual with a warrant can fly domestically within the United States depends on the type of warrant and the jurisdiction. Arrest warrants generally prevent individuals from flying, but bench warrants may not necessarily prevent individuals from flying; however, if TSA or the airline employee finds the warrant, they can deny the boarding or contact law enforcement. If you have a warrant, it’s best to consult a legal professional for guidance on handling the situation.