Can you fly within the US with pending felony charges?
Asked by: Evalyn Cole | Last update: November 13, 2025Score: 5/5 (34 votes)
Traveling with Pending Criminal Charges 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.
Can you fly if you have a pending felony?
Violating travel restrictions when you have pending felony charges is a serious matter. If you do not appear for any criminal proceedings because you left the state, the court may issue a bench warrant for your arrest. The judge will likely take further action against any defendant violating travel restrictions.
Will I pass a background check with a pending felony?
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.
Can you travel to the states with pending charges?
The U.S. often denies travellers entry for both pending criminal charges and past convictions. Even if your charge is eventually dropped or withdrawn (or you are acquitted), the U.S. may also deny you entry if you are dishonest with them about your arrest record or even admit to the crime.
Can you get TSA approved if you have a felony?
Along with felonies, some criminal offenses, including extortion, bribery, and firearms related incidents, can disqualify you from being approved for TSA PreCheck if they occurred in the last seven years.
Can I Travel To The United States With A Pending Charge?
Does TSA run background checks on passengers?
When you fly domestically with a family member, the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) generally doesn't run background checks on passengers. They focus on security screening to ensure safe travel.
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 I travel within U.S. while my case is pending?
Traveling within the U.S. with a pending Adjustment of Status application is allowed, but be sure to carry proper identification such as your EAD card or a state-issued ID. Starting in May 2025, REAL ID compliance will be required for state IDs and driver's licenses, so check now to ensure your ID is compliant.
Can other states see pending charges?
Most states are like California, so the odds are that any pending charges will show up in a background check--regardless of whether or not it was a misdemeanor or felony. As with any type of background check though, the information that shows up is dependent on how closely someone checks the records.
How much does a U.S. Entry Waiver cost?
#1: Processing Fee
United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) charges USD 1100 to process an Inadmissibility Waiver application. Depending on the exact exchange rate, this government processing fee will likely convert to $1400+ Canadian dollars.
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 leave the US 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.
How do I know if I'll pass a background check?
- Make sure you're well-prepared for these checks. ...
- Check your credit. ...
- Review your driving record. ...
- Be informed about banned substances. ...
- Contact former employers and ask for copies of your employment records. ...
- Research local employment laws. ...
- Beat employers to it.
Will a pending felony show up on a background check?
In addition, a background check may show pending criminal charges and misdemeanor or felony convictions, with a look-back period of seven years. However, non-convictions aren't reported, such as non-pending arrests, charges, or indictments that did not lead to a conviction.
Do airlines check for felony warrants?
Yes, you can technically fly with a bench warrant, especially on domestic flights, as the TSA does not specifically check for warrants.
Can felons fly within the US?
A convicted felon is allowed to fly, take a plane, train or automobile for transportation. You are even allowed to move from state to state. Not sure this is a Federal question, as you made no reference if it was a Federal or State conviction. Have a safe flight.
Can you travel out of state with pending felony charges?
If an emergency requires you to travel out of state, the first step is to contact your attorney. They can help you file a motion with the court, seeking temporary permission to leave the state without jeopardizing your case.
What states are felony friendly?
- California.
- Colorado.
- Kansas.
- Maryland.
- Massachusetts.
- Montana.
- Nevada.
- New Hampshire.
What state doesn't do background checks?
Wyoming: Known for its individualistic approach, Wyoming does not mandate background checks in many scenarios, offering employers more freedom but also more responsibility in their hiring decisions. Montana: This state takes a similar approach, placing the onus on employers to decide when and how to conduct checks.
Can you travel within the U.S. while waiting for adjustment of status?
Traveling Inside the U.S. While Your Application Is Pending
Fortunately, traveling within the U.S., including visiting family members in other states or taking a vacation within U.S. borders, will not affect your adjustment of status case at all — even if it's still pending with USCIS.
How long does it take to get the Form I-131?
The travel document usually arrives within 150 days (sometimes longer) after submitting your application. You can't leave the country until you have your approved travel document in hand, so you should expect to spend the 3–5 months after submitting your green card application in the United States.
Who is eligible for advance parole?
Who is eligible to apply for advance parole? Advance parole is an option for certain noncitizens within the U.S. This includes recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), recipients of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), T and U visa holders, and most applicants who have already applied for a green card.
Do they run your name at the airport?
If you have an outstanding bench warrant, or an arrest warrant issued by a court, you may be detained or arrested at the airport. It is more common for your name to be checked against various databases when you are traveling internationally.
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.