There are 8 mistakes to avoid when it comes to U.S. Customs security lines

Modern airports are a stress-filled place. When you’re at the airport, it can be stressful. congested lines for TSA screenings Airports, with their ever-changing departures and hard to locate gates, can cause even experienced travelers to get lost. Most of the stress that travelers experience is caused by mistakes they could have avoided, particularly when going through Customs. 

It only takes a few minutes a little preparation and organization Travelers should become professionals. Who better to give advice than airport or airline employees who have experience in the region? Read on to learn about eight of the most common customs mistakes made by travelers and what you can do to avoid them.

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Missing documents last minute is a mistake

Solution: Use an exclusive travel wallet

We’ve all experienced it: You just arrived after a long red-eye flight across the Atlantic. You are slightly groggy, not sure of what time zone is, or even where to find your necessary documents. You get off the plane, and you say that you will look for your documents while you wait in line. “When passengers wait until they’re at the front of the Customs line to search for their passport, boarding pass, or declaration form, it can slow down the process and add unnecessary stress,” says Denise Margrét Yaghi, a senior cabin crew member at PLAY Airlines. 

To better prepare, Yaghi recommends purchasing a travel wallet Keep everything in one place, including passports, IDs, forms, and cards. This wallet comes in twelve different colors. You may also want to choose a brighter color to help you see it easily in a purse or carry-on. It has RFID blocking features that will keep your sensitive documents safe. 

Ignoring to declare goods 

Solution: Create a packing checklist 

Even though it may seem simple, forgetting what you bought on vacation (especially after two weeks of rest) is inevitable. Even experienced travelers can forget to carry restricted liquids, electronics or food. This is especially true after duty-free purchases. She suggests making a list of what you need to pack in order to be prepared. Rocketbook’s reusable notebookIt’s an affordable and easy way to stay on top of things. 

The high-tech traveler can take advantage of technologies like Amazon’s Alexa Echo Create a digital packing checklist, which will alert you to any Customs-sensitive items. You can review them before landing. The Alexa App allows travelers to set up travel-specific reminders such as ‘Declare Cheese’ or Carry on liquids less than 100 milliliters’, and Alexa reminds them the day prior to travel.

The wrong snacks are packed in the bag

Keep snacks sealed in your carry-on

It is important to note that the illegal importation of fresh fruit and vegetables into foreign countries, along with other restricted goods (and into the U.S.The warning is widely advertised, but it is easy to overlook when you are hungry at 10 am and place an orange from the airport in your bag for the flight. You then realize that you did not eat the orange and it is now on U.S. land with you. 

To avoid this situation (and what to do then), you can keep your favorite shelf-stable snacks and granola in your carry-on. handy, reusable Stashe Bag. You won’t starve, and you’ll avoid being pulled over by Customs and potentially fined.

Mistake: A dead phone battery

Solution: Keep your devices charged

We understand: It is easy to forget the chargers or converters that will keep your devices fully charged. You will not only be without entertainment on a long flight, but you may also lose important travel documents if your device runs out of power. 

Yaghi is a customs officer who sees a lot of passengers relying on their digital boarding pass or customs form, only to discover that the phone battery is dead. Yaghi advises that travelers should always carry a powerbank approved for air travel, which can charge multiple mobile devices quickly. Anker PowerCore Portable Charger It is TSA approved, lightweight and charges your phone three times with one charge.

Mistake: Wearing complex shoes 

Avoid slip-ons 

Security and customs checkpoints require that travelers remove their shoes, whether they are clearing TSA at departure or an unexpected screening upon entry into a new nation. Yaghi says wearing boots with high laces can cause a delay in the queue. She says to stick with comfortable shoes that are easy to remove. Yaghi recommends the following Skechers slip-ons These are a great option for travel; they have minimal designs, supportive cushions, and cooling properties for long days of traveling.

Excessive jewelry and accessories 

Solution: Keep them in the carry-on bag 

Yaghi reminds travelers that they are often asked to remove metal jewelry and belts as well as other layered accessories. Wearing excess jewelry is another way to “ensure smooth travel through airport checkpoints”. Keep your jewelry minimal if you want to arrive at the airport in style. small jewelry container You can carry a pouch or a small bag in your luggage to help you look your best when you arrive at your destination. Be sure to store your earrings in a place that is secure so you don’t lose them down the drain. 

Mistake: Feeling dehydrated or sick in a long queue

Solution: Take a reusable water bottle

After a long flight, or even before a flight, it’s easy to get dehydrated if there are delays or traffic at the airport. TSA recommends that you pack a refillable bottle of water in your carry on. You can fill it up after security or after a long flight before Customs. Many arrival halls have water fountains en route to Customs. If the line is longer than normal, this is the best way to ensure you don’t dehydrate. 

This bottle will not take up much space. collapsible version This is a fantastic solution. It holds 27 ounces but can be folded down to 5.9 inch. Use the aluminum alloy to attach it to the outside your bag, so that you don’t have to worry about taking up any space inside!

Carry-on liquids overloaded is a common mistake.

Solution: Transfer all your toiletries to TSA-approved containers

TSA spokeswoman says “oversized toiletries can still be found at the security checkpoints” despite liquids, gels and aerosols only being allowed to weigh 3.4 ounces in carry-on luggage. Purchasing a can make your travels easier. variety of 3-ounce reusable travel bottles You can use squeeze bottles to store liquid soaps, aerosols or spray bottles of all kinds. 

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