Where is the sterile area located in relation to the TSA checkpoint?

• A. Before the checkpoint
• B. After the checkpoint
• C. In between
• D. Not applicable

Answer: (B)

The sterile area is the secured part of the airport that you reach only after passing through the security screening. Because the TSA checkpoint screens passengers and items to prevent prohibited items from entering the gates, the sterile area lies beyond that checkpoint. In other words, you must be screened to access the sterile area, which is why it’s located after the checkpoint. The area before the checkpoint is non-sterile, where you can access ticketing and shops but not the gates. The option that places the sterile area after the checkpoint best fits this setup.