TSA Agents reveal the 9 best travel bags for use

When it comes. airport security screeningsThe TSA and the traveler share a common goal: a quick, efficient process. Lorie Dankers, TSA spokesperson, told us that “keeping people moving in the X-ray line is crucial to our success”. Travel + Leisure. It is important to have a security system that works efficiently, especially during the busy summer season and holiday travel when crowds at airports increase. 

Dankers suggests that in order to move the line along, you should listen to instructions from the TSA officers at the beginning. However, ultimately it is up to you. how you pack It’s the difference that counts. She explained that the screening technology differs from airport to airport. They will tell you if it’s ok to keep things in your luggage or remove them. Just listen to what they say. 

Dankers and colleagues share the top nine travel bag mistakes made by their customers. TSA security lineAmazon offers each item starting at $10. Also, you’ll find some useful travel accessories that will make it easier for you to get through TSA screening.

Mistake: Bring an Oversized Carry On Suitcase

Samsonite Omni Hardside Spinner 20-inch Carry On Bag

La Toya Maestas shared that the opening of the TSA’s X-ray machine is not as small as the carry-on size allowed by most airlines. It is safest to use a bag under 22 inches in length and 9 inches tall. Choose a bag with a hard-sided spinner, such as the Samsonite Omni 20-inch Carry-on Instead of a soft-sided duffel bag that can be stuffed in odd angles and may not fit the opening of an X-ray machine. 

Caleb Harmon Marshall is a former TSA agent who worked for seven years. He now writes a weekly newsletter, called Gate Access It is full of travel-related advice. He also suggests hard-case luggage to protect your carry on items. “When you send bags through X-rays, sometimes you are not able grab your bag as quickly as desired, leading to it being smashed up by the other bags following.”

The Mistake of Not Having a Place to Store Loose Item 

Eddie Bauer Stowable Packable Totes

You may have to wait longer for screening if your items are too large. Maestas cautioned that if your child is in a stroller or a car seat you will have to remove them as well as any toys, blankets, pacifiers and other items. 

In this case, having a small bag on hand to put your children’s favorite items in—the ones they simply can’t let out of their sight for more than a few seconds—will be a real time saver. The Eddie Bauer Stowaway Totes These bags come in vibrant colors and patterns and are foldable so that you can keep them in your pocket and pull them out to be screened. After the screening, simply roll the bag up and put it back in your carry on.

Take a rigid, old-school stroller 

Use this instead: Summer by Ingenuity CS+ Compact Folding Travel Stroller

Maestas noted that although the travel stroller, or car seat, is up to the traveler’s preference, it can be a surprising item for the TSA line. Strollers can be a major obstacle to security screening. can’t Fold ups will need to be swabbed individually. Maestas said that you will be asked to wait until a security officer is available. You can opt instead for a collapsible travel stroller such as this one from Summer by Ingenuity The X-ray machines can keep the process moving.

Mistake: Fumbling with your laptop when you take it out of your bag

Coolife Luggage Case With Front Pocket

TSA spokesperson Daniel D. Velez explained that as airports modernize, many screening lanes use Computed Tomography. “This allows passengers to leave the laptop in their carry-on bags,” explained TSA spokesperson Daniel D. Velez. As these machines may not be available at every airport it is best to follow the officer’s instructions on where to store your laptop. 

Take a tip from Dankers and travel with a carry-on like this one from CoolifeThe bag has a laptop pocket that allows you to easily remove and replace your device. put them in the security bins. She urged, “Never rely on the CT scanner.” “Make these items easy to reach, either by using a pocket or sleeve on your suitcase, or simply placing them in the top part of your bag.” This can be solved by rolling bags that have laptop sleeves. 

The TSA has approved luggage locks.

Samsonite 21-inch Freeform Carry On Spinner

Imagine you’ve locked your carry-on bag with a lock which isn’t TSA approved, the lock has been pulled for screening, and there’s no key available. Maestas explained that when this occurs, the lock must be cut off. Agents carry a key to unlock the door. use a TSA-approved luggage lock You never know when a TSA agent or you may need to open a bag. You’ll waste time if you can’t find the key. Or if a TSA agent has to cut off the lock.

You can also upgrade your everyday suitcase to the Samsonite Freeform Carry-onBlack Friday is the perfect time to save 42 percent on the, which includes a TSA approved lock. You don’t have worry about leaving it behind or forgetting to buy a lock to replace a faulty one. 

Mistake: Bring a Heavy Carry On That You Cannot Lift

Bagsmart Duffel Bag

In order to maintain efficient TSA security, it is the responsibility of each passenger to put his or her own bag onto and off the conveyor. Maestas pointed out that it is not uncommon for travelers to struggle with their heavy bags, overstuffed suitcases, backpacks, or purses. The result? Long wait times.

She said that each passenger should be aware of their own lifting limit. Choose a soft-sided option such as the Bagsmart Duffel BagIt’s likely to be lighter in design. If you’ve been shopping until you drop on your vacation and your suitcase is too heavy to lift, you can use a tote bag to spread the weight. 

Mistake: Trusting an Item of Personal Bag without Top Closure

Bagsmart Tote Bag with Zipper

Tote bags can be useful for storing a lot of items, but they’re not practical when it comes time to organize and secure your belongings. If you choose a bag that doesn’t zip, all of your items can spill into the TSA security container. Then, at the end, it will be a race to collect the scattered items.

Harmon-Marshall stated that zippers are a must for travelers, as they often forget their bag could easily fall into the X-ray machines. Amazon has the bestselling book on this topic. Bagsmart Tote BagRight now, you can get it for just $22. The top zipper is sturdy and will keep your belongings safe, whether at the TSA checkpoint, on your plane seat or in your car. 

You forgot to take your phone out of your pocket 

BesTour Belt bag

Dankers thought, “Cell phones have become a part and parcel of us.” Always check if a police officer asks whether you have your cell phone with you. Dankers noted that she often sees people respond in a knee-jerk way that their cell phone is not in their pocket. This can slow down the line, as the metal detector will go off and they’ll have to go through it again. 

Travel with a personal item bag such as the BesTour Belt BagThe phone can be easily inserted and removed without causing a delay in the queue. This is also a great wallet for when you want to show your TSA officer quickly your ID or boarding pass before entering the security checkpoint. 

Mistake: Not taking the batteries out of your smart luggage

Matein Travel Backpack 

The USB port bags will not slow you down. Harmon-Marshall emphasized that battery-operated bag will slow you down. “Bags containing batteries will always be removed so that the officer can verify what exactly they are,” Harmon-Marshall said. 

If you don’t want to hold up the line, opt for luggage without batteries like a sleek duffel or travel backpack—we have our eyes on the Matein Carry-on BackpackWhich can fit a week’s worth of clothesAccording to reviewers and has a handy USB socket so you can recharge your devices via power bank You can’t have it without The TSA flagging system 

You can upgrade your luggage, but you should consider making some small changes to your travel accessories. This will make the next airport trip more convenient. Check out these TSA agent-approved items—all at Amazon.

TSA Approved Travel Accessories: 

Travel Bag Set Eoout 24 Pack Mesh Travel Bag

A clear zippered bag is the best way to protect your belongings and pass through TSA screening without incident.”Securing your belongings is essential, so that when you leave the security checkpoint, you can be sure everything is there and not have to visit lost andfound,” Dankers recommended.  

As an example, consider one of the following Eoout Mesh Travel Bags is the perfect solution for securing tiny and valuable personal items—like your phone, Apple AirPods, passport, and wallet—that you’d typically keep in your pocket but have to remove during your security screening. 

Narway Clear Toiletry Bag 

Use a clear bag for toiletries like this one. one from Narway Dankers recommends packing liquids safely instead of leaving them in your carry-on. When an officer stops you to search your bag it is easier to hand them one bag than to have them search your entire suitcase. 

JoyTale Dog Leash 

You should remember to remove your pet from the carrier when you travel with a small pet that can fit in a carrier. Maestas advises that you keep your pet in their carrier until your turn comes to go through security. They also recommend having a leash on hand to prevent any mishaps. 

Store the sale leash instead of struggling with an over-sized leash, which is difficult to buckle when you’re in a hurry. JoyTale Dog Leash In your pet carrier, carry on, or personal items bag so that you can stay ahead of the chaos. The device is easy to use and compact. 

Brita Hardside Filtered Water Bottle 

Velez said that water is often forgotten by travelers at the security checkpoint. Water should be consumed before entering security. If you are prone to forgetting or throwing out your water, Velez suggests getting a clear bottle of water like this. Brita water bottle with a built-in filter This is a good idea to place on the outside your bag. You’ll know exactly how much water you have in your bag and will not be delayed by unplanned delays.

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