According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), airport workers who need unescorted access to secure areas of commercial airports must pass a Security Threat Assessment (STA). The requirements for these background checks are established under 49 CFR Part 1542, which outlines the criminal offenses that may disqualify an applicant from obtaining airport security credentials.
Many people with felony convictions wonder whether they still have a chance to build a career at an airport. The encouraging news is that a felony conviction does not automatically prevent someone from working at a U.S. airport. Thousands of airport employees work in positions that either do not require access to secure areas or are evaluated individually by employers.
Whether you can work at an airport depends on several factors, including:
- The type of felony
- The date of conviction
- Whether the job requires secure-area access
- TSA regulations
- Airport authority policies
- Employer hiring practices
- State laws regarding employment
You can work at an airport with a felony in the United States, but eligibility depends on the position and your criminal history.
Some airport jobs require a federal security clearance through the TSA. Others only require a standard employment background check.
A felony conviction may:
- Disqualify you from certain security-sensitive positions.
- Delay employment because of additional screening.
- Have little impact on jobs that do not require secure-area access.
Every employer evaluates applicants differently.
How Airport Employment Works?
Many people think every airport employee goes through the same background check. That is not true.
Airports employ thousands of workers across dozens of industries, including:
- Airlines
- Restaurants
- Retail stores
- Cleaning companies
- Construction contractors
- Maintenance companies
- Government agencies
- Cargo companies
- Transportation services
- Private security firms
Each employer has its own hiring policies.
For example:
- A restaurant inside the airport may have different hiring standards than TSA.
- An airline mechanic has different security requirements than a cashier.
- A baggage handler needs different credentials than an airport hotel employee.
Why Some Airport Jobs Have Strict Background Checks?
Airport security changed significantly after September 11, 2001. Today, employees who need access to secure airport areas must pass a federal background investigation.
The purpose is to protect:
- Aircraft
- Passengers
- Airport employees
- Cargo
- National security
The TSA Security Threat Assessment is designed to identify applicants with certain criminal convictions that may present a security risk.
What Is a TSA Security Threat Assessment (STA)?
A Security Threat Assessment is a federal review conducted before an airport issues a Secure Identification Display Area (SIDA) badge or similar airport credential.
The assessment may include:
- Criminal history records
- Identity verification
- Immigration status verification (when applicable)
- Terrorism watch list checks
- Fingerprint-based criminal history checks
Not every airport job requires an STA.
What Is a SIDA Badge?
A Secure Identification Display Area (SIDA) badge allows airport employees to enter restricted portions of an airport without an escort.
Examples include:
- Aircraft ramps
- Baggage loading areas
- Cargo zones
- Maintenance hangars
- Secure terminals
- Airfield operations
Employees who require a SIDA badge must pass TSA security requirements.
Jobs That May Hire Applicants With a Felony
Many airport jobs remain available, especially those that do not require direct access to secure areas.
Examples include:
1. Restaurant Employee
Airport restaurants often hire:
- Cooks
- Dishwashers
- Servers
- Cashiers
- Kitchen staff
Hiring policies vary by employer.
2. Retail Store Associate
Airport shops sell:
- Books
- Snacks
- Electronics
- Clothing
- Gifts
Some retailers consider applicants with criminal records on a case-by-case basis.
3. Janitorial Services
Cleaning contractors frequently hire workers for:
- Terminal cleaning
- Restroom maintenance
- Office sanitation
- Floor care
Security requirements depend on the work location.
4. Warehouse Positions
Airports contain numerous warehouse operations.
Examples include:
- Inventory control
- Supply handling
- Equipment storage
5. Customer Service
Some customer service jobs involve:
- Information desks
- Parking services
- Rental car facilities
Requirements vary.
6. Shuttle Driver
Airport transportation companies hire drivers for:
- Hotel shuttles
- Parking lots
- Employee transportation
Commercial driver’s license requirements may apply.
7. Maintenance Worker
Maintenance positions include:
- Plumbing
- Electrical work
- HVAC
- Painting
- Landscaping
Some positions require secure-area access, while others do not.
Learn More: Eggshell Skull Rule: Legal Definition, Examples and Landmark Cases
Jobs That Are More Difficult to Obtain
Some airport positions have stricter federal requirements.
Examples include:
- Airline pilot
- TSA Transportation Security Officer
- Federal Air Marshal
- Customs and Border Protection Officer
- Airport police officer
- Border Patrol agent
- FBI positions
- Certain airline security jobs
These positions often require extensive background investigations beyond standard employment checks.
Does Every Felony Automatically Disqualify You?
No. A felony conviction does not automatically prevent employment. The nature of the offense matters. The TSA identifies certain offenses that may disqualify an individual from obtaining unescorted access credentials for a period specified by regulation.
Employers may have additional standards. Always review the latest TSA regulations because disqualifying offenses and procedures can change.
Types of Crimes That May Create Serious Problems
Certain offenses receive greater scrutiny because they involve safety, security, or public trust.
Examples include convictions involving:
- Terrorism-related offenses
- Aircraft piracy
- Espionage
- Murder
- Explosives
- Weapons violations
- Certain transportation security crimes
- Kidnapping
- Racketeering
- Treason
- Distribution of controlled substances in circumstances covered by TSA regulations
The list is defined by federal regulations.
Does Time Since the Conviction Matter?
Yes. For some offenses under TSA regulations, eligibility depends on how long ago the conviction occurred or when the individual was released from incarceration.
Many employers are more willing to consider applicants who have demonstrated rehabilitation over several years.
Positive factors include:
- Stable employment
- Educational achievements
- Professional certifications
- Community service
- No new criminal convictions
What Happens During an Airport Background Check?
The hiring process often includes:
Identity Verification
Employers verify:
- Social Security number
- Government-issued identification
- Employment authorization
Criminal History Check
The employer reviews available criminal records.
Fingerprinting
Many secure-area jobs require fingerprint submission.
Employment Verification
Previous employers may be contacted.
Security Threat Assessment
Applicants needing secure-area access undergo additional TSA screening.
Can Airlines Hire Someone With a Felony?
Yes. Individual airlines establish their own hiring policies, subject to applicable laws and federal security requirements.
Many airlines evaluate applicants individually. Factors considered include:
- Job duties
- Criminal history
- Time since conviction
- Evidence of rehabilitation
- Honesty during the application process
Should You Disclose Your Felony?
Always answer application questions truthfully.
Failing to disclose a conviction when required can result in:
- Immediate disqualification
- Job termination
- Loss of airport credentials
Many employers value honesty and evidence of rehabilitation.
How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Hired?
1. Obtain Additional Education
Certificates in areas such as:
- Aviation maintenance
- Customer service
- Logistics
- Information technology
- HVAC
can strengthen your application.
2. Build a Strong Employment Record
Consistent employment demonstrates responsibility and reliability.
3. Prepare an Honest Explanation
If asked about your conviction:
- Accept responsibility.
- Explain what you learned.
- Highlight positive changes.
- Focus on your qualifications.
4. Gather References
Strong recommendations from:
- Employers
- Teachers
- Community leaders
- Military supervisors
- Volunteer coordinators
can improve credibility.
5. Apply Broadly
Large airports host many employers, including:
- Airlines
- Retailers
- Food service companies
- Cleaning contractors
- Maintenance firms
- Cargo handlers
- Parking operators
Each may have different hiring criteria.
Can You Work for TSA With a Felony?
TSA employment standards differ from those for private airport employers. Transportation Security Officer (TSO) positions involve federal employment requirements, including background investigations and suitability determinations.
Eligibility depends on the specific circumstances of the applicant’s criminal history and applicable federal hiring standards. Review current TSA hiring information before applying.
State Laws Can Affect Hiring
Some states have enacted “Ban the Box” or fair-chance employment laws.
These laws may:
- Delay when employers ask about criminal history.
- Require individualized assessments.
- Limit consideration of certain records.
However, federal security requirements for positions requiring secure-area access still apply.
Common Myths
Myth: Every felony means you cannot work at an airport.
Reality: Many airport jobs remain open to applicants with felony convictions.
Myth: TSA hires everyone with a clean record.
Reality: TSA evaluates applicants under federal employment standards, which include more than just criminal history.
Myth: Employers never hire people with felonies.
Reality: Many employers participate in fair-chance hiring and evaluate applicants individually.
Myth: Expungement guarantees airport employment.
Reality: Expungement may improve employment opportunities in some situations, but federal background checks may still consider records as permitted by law.
Key Takeaways
A felony conviction does not automatically end your opportunity to work at a U.S. airport. The deciding factors include the type of job, whether secure-area access is required, the nature and timing of the offense, and the employer’s hiring policies.
Many positions—such as jobs in retail, food service, maintenance, customer service, parking operations, and some logistics roles—may be available to qualified applicants with criminal records. Positions requiring a Security Threat Assessment or other federal security clearances are subject to stricter standards established by the TSA and other federal agencies.
The best approach is to be truthful during the hiring process, understand the security requirements for the specific position, strengthen your qualifications through education or work experience, and review the most current TSA regulations before applying.
FAQs
Can I become a baggage handler with a felony?
Possibly. Many baggage handling positions require secure-area access and a TSA background check. Eligibility depends on the job’s security requirements and your criminal history.
Can I work at an airport restaurant with a felony?
Yes, many airport restaurants hire applicants with felony convictions, subject to the employer’s policies and any required airport credentialing.
Does every airport conduct the same background check?
No. Background check requirements vary based on the employer and whether the position requires access to secure areas.
Can a drug felony prevent airport employment?
It can affect eligibility for certain positions, particularly those requiring TSA credentials, depending on the offense and applicable regulations.
Can I appeal a denial?
In some circumstances, TSA regulations provide procedures to challenge or correct criminal history information used in a determination. The available process depends on the reason for the denial.
