Getting through airport security efficiently is something we all want to do quickly. TSA agents have shared some common mistakes that passengers make when packing their carry-on bags which slow everything down for everyone else in line behind you too. If you change a few simple things about how you prepare you will breeze through the line much faster and without all that stress that we usually feel when traveling.
Packing Large Liquids Bottles Instead Of Travel Sizes
A lot of travelers still get caught trying to bring big bottles of liquids that are way over the 3.4-ounce limit which means they have to stop everything while agents inspect their bag thoroughly. To fix this you should only use travel-sized containers for your lotions and soaps and keep them all together in one small clear quart-size plastic bag that is super easy to reach.
Leaving Your Laptop And Tablet Buried Deep Inside Your Bag
Large electronics have to be pulled out and put separate into a bin for the X-ray machine but many people pack them way at the bottom under layers of clothes and shoes. Packing these items right on top or in an accessible outside pocket means you can get them out and placed in the plastic tray almost immediately.
Tossing Loose Coins And Keys Directly Into Your Pockets
That small metal clutter inside your jeans or jacket pockets often makes the metal detector alarm go off and you have to go back through which wastes precious time. A simple trick is to put your coins and keys inside your carry-on or personal bag before you even get in line so you can just walk right on through the scanner.
Keeping Your Shoes Tied Tight In Line Instead Of Slipping Them Off
We usually have to take our shoes off to go through the security screening process so wearing complicated boots that are hard to remove can really slow your line down. For your travel days you should wear comfortable and simple slip-on shoes which you can kick off very fast without having to struggle with messy laces.
Carrying Unorganized Electronic Cables In A Big Mess
TSA agents tell us that large tangled piles of wires and chargers can obscure the X-ray view of everything else which makes it necessary for them to open the bag and look manually. Using a small pouch or an organizer to keep your charging cords nice and tidy helps the scanner see inside your bag clearly.
Wrapping Gifts Up With Paper And Bows For The Holidays
If you are traveling with presents security may need to check the items inside so if they are already wrapped nicely they will have to be unwrapped and your pretty paper will get totally destroyed. It is a much better idea to put those gifts in reusable bags or simple gift boxes that can be opened easily in case the agents need to take a quick peek inside.
Leaving Jewelry Or A Big Belt On Your Body
Large necklaces or chunky belts and even bracelets can trigger the metal detector alarms when you walk through which holds everyone else up behind you for a bit. We suggest putting those accessories in your personal carry-on bag before you get to the front and then you can put them back on once you get past all the security checkpoints.
Packing Dense Food Or Powders Without Organizing Them First
Certain solid food items and large amounts of powder like protein mix are quite dense and can look odd to the scanner so they may require some additional checks by the agents. While you don’t always have to remove these you should try to keep them together in one spot in your bag so they are easy for security staff to find and examine quickly.
Forgetting About Basic Items Like Knives Or Very Large Scissors
We sometimes forget simple everyday items like small pocket knives or large craft scissors are still in our carry-on which will always get flagged and taken away. You must remember to do a good check of all your bag compartments and pockets before leaving your house to make sure nothing that is on the prohibited list is still inside them.
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