Can you fly if you have a pending felony?

Asked by: Norene Windler  |  Last update: December 15, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (5 votes)

Court Proceedings and Travel Restrictions The court may impose travel restrictions on you, requiring you to remain within the jurisdiction where the case is pending. You may need to obtain permission from the court to travel out of state, even for a short period.

Will a pending felony show up on a background check?

For example, California allows the inclusion of all pending charges in background checks. While the state forbids reporting of arrests not resulting in convictions, it doesn't prohibit the reporting of currently pending criminal charges.

What does felony pending mean?

If charges are “pending” it means that the authorities have charges in mind and they plan on executing them when an arrest is made. It can also mean that a person who is arrested and while in custody, the investigation leads to additional evidence that can support additional charges.

Do airlines check for felons?

A TSA background check is extremely rigorous and includes the following items: Fingerprinting and fingerprint processing to check against FBI criminal databases and FBI terrorist watch lists. Felony and misdemeanor criminal searches at the county, state, and federal level.

Can you get a passport with a pending felony?

As part of the passport application process, you will be asked to answer questions about outstanding legal issues, including outstanding warrants. The Department of State can refuse a passport application if a person has: An outstanding warrant for a federal felony. An outstanding state or local warrant for a felony.

STFU When You Have a Pending Criminal Case

37 related questions found

Can you fly with a pending felony?

If you face criminal charges, you may be restricted from traveling out of state or internationally. You may need to obtain permission from the court to travel, and you will be required to comply with any conditions set by the court, including adhering to the specific criminal laws of the jurisdiction you are in.

What will disqualify you from getting a passport?

Some reasons to deny a passport include: A valid, unsealed federal warrant of arrest. A federal or state criminal court order. A condition of parole or probation forbidding departure from the United States (or the jurisdiction of the court)

Do they run your name at the airport?

Typically, the TSA doesn't verify your identification. However, they frequently perform routine checks to ascertain that the name on your identification matches the one on your boarding pass.

Do they do a background check when you fly?

Keeping airports safe and secure is a vital effort today. The potential consequences of failing to do due diligence could be tragic. For those reasons, the TSA and FAA enforce clear guidelines for airport background checks.

What is a disqualifying felony?

"Disqualifying offense" means a conviction for: Any offense that is a felony; a sex offense as defined in this section; a crime against children or persons as defined in RCW 43.43.

Can a pending felony be dropped?

A felony charge may be dropped before trial if new evidence comes to light proving innocence or casting reasonable doubt. It may also occur if the prosecutor decides the case is too weak to lead to a conviction.

Can you go on a cruise with a pending felony?

You may need to stay within the jurisdiction where the case is pending, as your departure could signal to the authorities, your bail bond agent, and the court that you are a flight risk.

Can you go to college with a pending felony?

An unresolved legal case can make it feel like you have to put your life on hold, but that is not always true. It is still entirely possible to get into college with an open felony case. However, having an experienced criminal defense attorney can increase your chances of a favorable outcome.

Does Amazon hire felons?

Yes, Amazon does hire felons. Your eligibility for employment will depend on the type of felony, time since you have fulfilled your sentence and corrective actions you have completed.

What background check do most employers use?

The most common types of employment background screening include: Address History, Civil Records, SSN Verification, Criminal Records, Resume Verification, Medical Registration and Sanctions, and Drug and Alcohol Testing.

Does TSA know if you're a felon?

TSA may also determine that an applicant is not eligible if the security threat assessment process reveals extensive foreign or domestic criminal convictions, a conviction for a serious crime not listed in Part A or B below (including some lesser included offenses of serious crimes; e.g. murder/voluntary manslaughter), ...

What makes you fail a TSA background check?

If you commit certain violations of federal security regulations, such as assault, threat, intimidation, or interference with flight crew, physical or sexual assault or threat of physical or sexual assault of any individual on an aircraft, interference with security operations, access control violations, providing ...

Can TSA see your criminal record?

However, to safeguard the ranks of this vital agency, a rigorous and thorough background check was set into place as part of the TSA hiring process. From checking credit rating to unpaid debts, and criminal convictions, there are a number of factors that can you lead to automatic disqualification.

What does TSA see when they scan your license?

This updated version of CAT (known as CAT-2) biometrically verifies a passenger's identity by taking a picture and comparing the passenger's live image to the photo on their authenticated photo ID (e.g., driver's license, passport). TSA first demonstrated this technology in August 2020 at DCA.

Do airlines run background checks on passengers?

Two government agencies are subject to airport background checks: the Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). When an airline performs a background check on a passenger, the results must comply with TSA and FAA regulations.

Can TSA see warrants?

People with outstanding arrest warrants usually cannot travel in the United States as the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) has access to many law enforcement databases including records on arrest warrants. With this access, TSA can screen and maybe hold those with active warrants at airport terminals.

Can I still get a passport with a felony?

The quick answer is yes, felons in the United States can obtain passports in most cases.

How do I know if my passport is flagged?

Extended questioning can be a sign that you've been flagged for further inspection. Secondary Inspection: If you're directed to secondary inspection upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry, it could indicate that you've been flagged for additional scrutiny.

Can you get a passport with a pending case?

If you are a current U.S. passport holder or are in the process of applying for one, having pending criminal charges or previous criminal convictions can cause your passport application to be denied or your current passport to be revoked. Let's discuss ways in which your passport might be at risk.