TSA agents see 10 common mistakes at security checkpoints

You may have been stopped by airport security for having your laptop in the bag or a bottle of Sprite half-full. your carry-on bagYou’re not the only one. Even the most experienced travelers can become anxious when they are rushing to get to their airport gate in time. fumble at security checkpoints.  

Christopher Kirchein, an officer at John F. Kennedy International Airport, said previously that “people seem to forget about some of the common and routine steps they need to follow when packing for a trip or going through a security checkpoint.” a press release published by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Although these mistakes are not uncommon, they can be very frustrating for you and your TSA employee at the checkpoint. You can also find out more about the following: The growing queue of anxious passengers is forming behind.  

Lisa Farbstein and Daniel Velez were contacted by me to learn about the most common mistakes TSA agents make at security checks. two TSA spokespeople The North East and New England regions of the administration are respectively. Velez and Farbstein both gave me the inside scoop on how traveler mistakes could affect the security line. Continue reading to learn about the 10 most common traveler mistakes, as well as how to avoid making them. TSA-approved luggage locks Use a carry-on bag with plenty of pocketsAmazon.com has a selection of’s starting at just $8.

Making the mistake of putting your keys, wallet or boarding card in a waste bin

Solution: Keep your carry-on organized

Etronik 3-In-1 Travel Duffel Bag

TSA checkpoints usually require you to empty out your pockets before going through the scanners. The TSA warns against this practice. 

Farbstein continued, “Unfortunately,” it’s common for people to leave their IDs and/or boarding passes in the bin as they walk to their gates. She added that these small items could also get caught between the rollers of the conveyor belt, making them difficult to retrieve. To prevent your valuables from being left behind, Velez suggested: “Anytime you have a loose item—keys, wallets, rings, your watch—put them in your carry-on bag.”

You can easily stow away your items in the security queue by choosing a bag that has many pockets and compartments. This top-rated Etronik duffel bag It has many internal and external pockets, including one large enough for your phone, wallet, and keys. The bag can also be used as a backpack. There are separate compartments for shoes and your laptop.

Mistake: leaving your bag unattended when you arrive at the airport

Track your bags to make it easy to identify

Apple AirTags 4-pack

Lily Pulitzer Leatherette Tag for Luggage

TSA agents stress that you should always keep an eye on your luggage as it enters and leaves the scanner. Farbstein warned, “Never leave any item, whether it’s a bag, roller bag or laptop bag. It could be a shopping bag, rucksack, backpack or anything else, unattended.” “If you see an item that is unattended, alert airport officials.”

Stowing your luggage is a great way to keep track of your carry-ons, personal items, and checked bags on each leg of your journey. GPS luggage trackers into your belongings. Also, luggage tags in vibrant colors can be used to identify your bags when you are at TSA. 

Apple AirTags is something I use on every flight. I keep one in my wallet with an Apple AirTag card holderI keep one in the underseat bag and one in the carry-on, then attach it to my keys. AirTag keychain holder. Lily Pulitzer’s leather luggage tags are my favorite. Each of the 10 designs is unique, colorful and sure to make your luggage stand out amongst other grey and black items.

The mistake: Removing jewelry

Solution: Pack them neatly or keep them with you.

Bagsmart Travel Jewelry Organiser

Another common mistake that TSA agents see? It takes too long to remove your jewelry. It’s a common misconception that you must remove your jewelry before you can step into a TSA body scanner, but actually, employees would prefer that you keep it on, so as not to cause a backed-up security line—or worse, forget it after you’ve retrieved your carry-on. “Never remove your rings,” Farbstein said. “Too many individuals leave their rings in a trash can.”

Small jewelry is not an issue for body scanners. However, larger and bulkier items will need to be put in a container. If you’re not sure if your jewelry will be accepted, keep it all organized and stowed in your carry on. This Bagsmart travel jewelry The organizer is $14 and has dedicated compartments and pockets for rings, bracelets and necklaces. It folds into a small pouch to make packing easy. 

Packing weapons and sharp objects that are not allowed

Choose TSA-approved tools

Geekey Multi-tool

Aishahicks, TSA officer at Philadelphia International Airport previously told the TSA Many travelers forget that knives and small weapons are prohibited at TSA checkpoints. She said, “It is shocking to see people carrying knives.” Weapons of all kinds are prohibited at TSA checkpoints.

The same rules do not apply to carry-on luggage. While firearms, swords and portable powersaws are allowed in checked baggage, they cannot be packed into carry-on luggage. TSA also prohibits other sharp items, such as Swiss Army knives, corkscrews and box cutters that can be used for weapons.

Choose a TSA compliant tool instead of a pocketknife. Geekey MultitoolThis set comes with a bottle open, a closed ratchet, a can open, and serrated edges for cutting small items. 

Velez suggests using the MyTSA App on your mobile device. You can also check for airport delays and request TSA live assistance.

Drinks through TSA: A common mistake

Solution: Bring along an empty, packable bottle of water

TakeToday Collapsible Silicone Water Bottle

Velez noted that, “oddly, water is the most commonly prohibited item,” adding that people often forget they have drinks inside their carry-ons or personal item bags. Passengers are then asked to dispose of their drinks in a designated dumping area or into a garbage can. “It is not the end, but if we have multiple passengers doing that, it slows down the line.”

Velez suggests that one way to easily prevent this is by starting with a You can also find out more about the newest technology. empty bag before you start packing—that way, you know exactly what’s going into your bag: “You never know what you had in there from a previous trip, and you could have had something in there that isn’t allowed into the cabin of an aircraft.”

You can avoid the extra cost of airport water bottles by bringing a folding, refillable bottle. Fill it at a fountain. This $24 TakeToday water bottle It is light, leak-proof and can be rolled up to take up less room in your carry on. 

The toiletries you pack exceed the 3-2-1 rule

Solution: Use travel-sized, refillable containers

Set of Morfone Refillable Toiletry bottles

The TSA also sees toiletries that are larger than the TSA’s limit at checkpoints. 3-1-1 rule regarding liquids. If the container of your expensive hair serum or luxurious night cream is too big, you might be asked to throw it out. If you are going to put [toiletries] Velez said, “Make sure you have travel-size items in your carry-on.” 

You can’t find the travel-sized version you want of your favorite body wash or shampoo? Buy a refillable set of toiletries: $8 Morphine bottle set Includes four TSA-sized bottles of silicone, product labels and a clear carrying case with zipper for easy packing. 

Mistake: Wearing hard-to-remove shoes 

Wear comfortable slip-ons

Skechers Womens Go Walk Joy Sneaker

While there’s no specific rule regarding what kind of shoes you can wear to the airport, some styles—like laced sneakers or hiking boots—can be a pain to take off and put back on, extending your time at security. While some airports don’t require you to take off your shoes, others still adhere to the rule and won’t let you pass until you do. 

Velez suggests that if you want to simplify your life, slip-on shoes will be helpful. These lightweight Skechers Go Walk Joy slip-on sneakers The upper is made of a breathable, stretchy mesh. It’s completely laceless so you can put it on or take it off in seconds. 

Use the wrong type of lock on your carry-on

Use only TSA-approved locks

Sure Lock TSA compatible luggage locks

No one wants to have their backpack or carry on suitcase robbed by thieves. According to the experts, there are a few ways to protect your belongings. TSA websiteUse only TSA-approved luggage locks. 

TSA employees are able to open these locks using “master keys” and not other locks. The TSA will not have to remove the lock if your bag is selected for in-depth inspection. This could cause you to be delayed at your gate. 

You can also find out more about this by clicking here. two-pack of Sure Lock luggage locks Will keep your valuables protected and secure, while still being TSA friendly. Amazon shoppers gave these locks five-star ratings. one reviewer noting They’re “easy-to-operate” and come with a popup indicator to show you if the TSA opened your lock in order to check your checked luggage. 

Leave your laptop in your carry on

Solution: Put it in a protective laptop case 

Mosiso Padded laptop Sleeve and Electronics Case

Velez says it depends on which airport you are traveling to. Velez explains that TSA checkpoints located at major airports are being outfitted with new Computed Tomography scanners. Everything is better with a little help Laptops are allowed in your bag. You will need to place older scanners in a separate container. Velex explained that not all federalized airports are equipped with the exact same technology.

Keep your laptop in a separate, padded laptop bag to prevent damage. It will also make it easier for you to remove it from your carry-on. This will help you to avoid damage and make it easier to remove from your carry-on. Mosis padded laptop sleeveThe $22 price tag includes a zippered case to hold charging cables, USB flash drives, and other accessories. 

Avoid wearing jackets or coats you will have to remove

Solution: Wear an outfit that is cozy and comfortable

Sweatsuit Two-piece Anrabess

TSA does not have any specific rules about what you are allowed to wear at the airport. “Clothing really isn’t a big deal,” Velez said—with a caveat. “If you are not using TSA pre-check and wearing a light jacket through the airport, you must remove it.”

Wear an outfit that is warm and comfortable without your jacket to avoid the TSA line. If you want to get through TSA as quickly as possible, but are usually cold on flights, try packing your jacket in your carry-on and wearing an outfit that is warm and comfortable all by itself. two-piece, long-sleeved matching set Made with a “cosy” fabric, the Anrabess sweater is “lightweight but warmMaking it “absolutely perfect for travel.”

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