These simple gear changes guarantee a more seamless experience.
When it comes to
airport security screenings
, both the traveler and TSA agents share a common goal: a quick and smooth procedure. “Ensuring individuals move swiftly through the X-ray line is crucial for our effectiveness,” said TSA spokesperson Lorie Dankers.
Travel + Leisure
A streamlined security procedure becomes particularly relevant during the
busy holiday season
When heightened travel leads to larger airport crowds, and this year, the TSA anticipates
record-breaking traveler numbers
.
To maintain the flow of traffic, Dankers recommends paying attention to the guidance provided by the TSA officer at the start of the conveyor belt; however, fundamentally, it comes down to this.
how you pack
That creates the most impact. “Screening methods differ between airports,” she stated. “Therefore, they will inform you whether items should remain in your luggage or be removed; they will clarify all details, so make sure to pay attention to their instructions.”
Before the busy holiday travel season begins, Dankers and her team are highlighting nine frequent errors people make with their luggage in the TSA checkpoint. They also suggest simple changes in your travel accessories that can lead to a more seamless journey through airports (all items mentioned below start at $13 and are available on Amazon).
massive Cyber Monday sale
) Additionally, you’ll receive helpful suggestions for travel accessories that can assist you in navigating TSA security smoothly.
Error: Packing an Excessively Large Roll-aboard suitcase
Try This Alternative: Samsonite Omni Hardside 20-inch Roll-aboard Suitcase
$170
$99
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La Toya Maestas, TSA Assistant Federal Security Director, mentioned that although the size of the X-ray machine’s opening is compact, it still adheres to the typical airline regulations for carry-ons. Therefore, bags shouldn’t pose a problem during inspection. However, she advises erring on the side of caution and choosing luggage that measures less than 22 inches in length and 9 inches in height. A sturdyspinner suitcase would be a good choice to consider.
Samsonite Omni 20-inch Carry-on
Instead of using a soft-sided duffel bag, which might get compressed into irregular shapes that could have trouble passing through the X-ray machine slot.
Caleb Harmon-Marshall, who served as a TSA officer for seven years, now authors a newsletter titled
Gate Access
Packed with travel advice, he suggests using hard-case luggage to safeguard your cabin baggage: “As you send your bags through the X-ray, often you can’t retrieve your bag quickly enough, causing it to get crushed by the subsequent bags.”
Error: Lacking a Secure Location for Unstored Objects
Try This Alternative: Eddie Bauer Foldable Carry Bag
$40
$28
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Large items can delay the screening process if you’re not familiar with preparing them for the X-ray machine. According to Maestas, if you’re carrying a stroller or car seat, everything inside must be taken out including the child, as well as any toys, pacifiers, or blankets present.
In this scenario, keeping a compact bag ready to store your kids’ most cherished belongings—the things they refuse to part with for even a couple of seconds—will genuinely save you time.
Eddie Bauer Stowaway Totes
Are large, all-purpose bags available in various bright colors and designs; moreover, they are collapsible, allowing you to store them conveniently in your pocket until needed. After passing through security, simply unfold it, use it to hold your child’s belongings, and afterwards, roll it up again before placing it in your carry-on luggage.
Error: Using an Inflexible, Traditional Stroller
Try This Alternative: Summer by Ingenuity 3Dquickclose CS+ Compact Folding Travel Stroller
$100
$81
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When discussing travel with young children, Maestas pointed out that even though selecting your travel stroller or car seat ultimately depends on personal preference, these essential items can unexpectedly cause delays at TSA checkpoints. If you’re aiming to streamline your security check process, consider that collapsible strollers might be more efficient.
can’t
Fold-up strollers will need to be cleaned individually. As mentioned by Maestas, this implies that you may be requested to step aside and await a security officer’s availability. Alternatively, consider using a telescopic stroller such as the one offered by Summer by Ingenuity, which can pass through the X-ray scanner smoothly without causing delays.
Error: Stumbling While Removing Your Laptop From Your Case
Try This Alternative: Coolife Luggage Suitcase Featuring a FrontPocket
$100
$80
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As airports get updated, numerous screening lanes are now utilizing Computed Tomography; “passengers can keep their laptops inside their carry-on bags,” clarified TSA representative Daniel D. Velez. Nevertheless, because not all airports have these devices yet, it’s advisable to follow the directions from security officers regarding how to handle your laptop or sizable electronic items.
Following Dankers’ example, it’s wise to travel with a
like this one from Coolife
, featuring a dedicated laptop compartment allowing you to quickly take out your device and place it in the screening trays. She advised, “Don’t assume you’ll breeze through the X-ray machine; ensure these items are readily accessible, either via a specific pouch within your luggage or simply by positioning them at the top of your carry-on.” Luggage with rolling wheels and integrated laptop compartments offers an excellent option for this purpose.
Error: Attaching a Non-TSA-Approved Luggage Lock to Your Bag
Try This Alternative: Samsonite Freeform 21-inch Roll-aboard Suitcase
$200
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Imagine this scenario: You secure your carry-on luggage using a lock not approved by TSA. The bag gets flagged for inspection, but you can’t find the key readily available. In such cases, officials may need to remove the lock, as mentioned by Maestas. Therefore, it’s advisable to use a lock that has a master key provided to airport security staff.
Use a lock approved by the TSA for your suitcase.
Because you won’t know when you or a TSA agent might have to access the bag. If you’re struggling to locate the key or if the TSA agent has to forcibly remove it, this could lead to delays and make the whole screening process slower for everybody involved.
Alternatively, consider upgrading your favorite suitcase to the
Samsonite Freeform Carry-on
It includes a built-in TSA-compliant lock (to avoid forgetting to bring yours or needing to purchase an additional replacement due to loss), and it’s being offered at a 42% discount over Black Friday.
Error: Packing a Weighty Carry-on That Is Too Heavy to Lift
Try This Alternative: Bagsmart Duffel Bag
$41
$27
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To keep the TSA security lines running smoothly, every traveler must place their belongings onto and then remove them from the conveyor belt themselves. However, as Maestas pointed out, it’s frequent to observe individuals who have overloaded baggage finding difficulty lifting hefty suitcases, backpacks, and handbags, which can cause significant delays in line movement.
“Each individual passenger should know their limit of how much they can lift,” she explained. An easy way to avoid heavy luggage is to choose a softside option like the
on-sale Bagsmart Duffel Bag
As it tends to offer lighter constructions. Additionally, should you’ve gone shopping extensively during your trip and find your luggage too cumbersome to carry on your way back, you can utilize the tote to better manage the load.
Error: Placing a Personal Belongings Item Lacking a Secure Top Closure
Try This Alternative: Bagsmart Tote Bag Featuring A Zippered Closure
$25
$19
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Tote bags work well for quickly stuffing in numerous impromptu possessions, yet they fall short when it comes to keeping everything organized and secure. Without a zip closure on your preferred carry-all, your stuff might tumble out into the TSA screening tray, leaving you scrambling to collect all your dispersed items as soon as they come off the X-ray machine.
“Definitely, one of the reasons I suggest using zippers is because many travelers overlook that your luggage could tip over inside the X-ray machine,” Harmon-Marshall stated. If you’re looking for options on Amazon, you can find them here:
Bagsmart Tote Bag
, currently priced at $19, features a robust top zipper designed to securely hold all contents intact as you navigate through the TSA security checkpoint, sit in your airplane seat, or drive up to your hotel.
Error: Neglecting to Remove Your Phone From Your Pant Pocket
Try This Alternative: BesTour Waist Pack
$23
$13
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“Cellphones are integral to who we are,” Dankers reflected. Therefore, when an official asks whether you have a cellphone in your pocket, always verify. According to Dankers, too frequently she observes passengers hastily claim they do not carry one in their pocket, which ultimately delays the process since this leads them to trigger alarms and necessitates retracing their steps through the metal detectors.
Even better, you can opt for a practical personal item bag when traveling like the
BesTour Belt Bag
, which includes numerous easily accessible storage compartments allowing you to effortlessly retrieve your phone whenever necessary without causing delays. This feature is equally useful for carrying your wallet, particularly when you need to swiftly present your boarding pass or ID to the TSA agent prior to reaching the security screening area.
Error: Failing to Remove the Batteries From Your Intelligent Luggage
Try This Alternative: Matein Carry-on Travel Backpack
$34
$24
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USB port bags won’t hinder your progress. But those powered by batteries certainly will,” emphasized Harmon-Marshall. “Baggage equipped with built-in batteries will invariably be inspected so officers can confirm their exact nature.
If holding up the line isn’t what you’re aiming for, choose battery-free luggage such as a stylish duffel bag or travel backpack—our top pick being the Matein Carry-on Backpack, which
able to accommodate a week’s worth of clothing
As per reviews, it features a convenient USB port allowing you to charge your gadgets while traveling using a power bank.
without
being marked by TSA security.
Additional Handy TSA-Approved Travel Accessories:
Rather than updating your equipment, consider making minor adjustments to your travel essentials to ensure your upcoming trip through the airport goes smoothly. Take a look at these TSA-agent recommended products, currently available at discounted prices.
Amazon’s Black Friday sale
.
Eoout 24-Pack Mesh Travel Bag Collection
$22
$14
Buy on Amazon
Using a transparent, zipped pouch ensures your belongings stay safe and helps you breeze through TSA checkpoints effortlessly. “It’s crucial to keep your possessions secure so that all your items remain inside as you pass through the screening area,” said Dankers, emphasizing the importance of avoiding visits to the lost and found.
For instance, one of these Eoout Mesh Travel Bags offers an ideal way to safeguard small and precious personal belongings—such as your smartphone, Apple AirPods, passport, and wallet—that you usually carry in your pockets but must take out during the security check.
Narway Clear Toiletry Bag
$9
$8
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Similarly, enlist the assistance of a transparent toiletry bag like this one.
on-sale one from Narway
To securely transport liquids, instead of placing them freely in your carry-on, Dankers recommended this approach. Should an official stop you to inspect your luggage, it’s simpler to hand over a single container rather than requiring them to sift through your whole case looking for that misplaced bottle.
JoyTale Dog Leash
$12
$7
Buy on Amazon
If you’re traveling with a tiny pup that can fit inside a pet carrier, make sure to remove the furry friend from the carrier before placing it into the X-ray machine for screening. According to Maestas, keep your four-legged companion safely confined within the carrier up until just before you approach the security checkpoint, at which point ensure their leash is handy and prepared for immediate use to prevent any snags (keep in mind pets must remain leashed after exiting the carrier).
Rather than struggling with a bulky leash that’s difficult to fasten quickly, keep the discounted one handy.
JoyTale Dog Leash
In your pet carrier, carry-on, or personal item bag, ensuring you stay ahead of the chaos. This product is compact, user-friendly, and now priced at just $7.
Brita Purified Hard-sided Plastic Water Bottle
$23
$17
Buy on Amazon
Velez states that water is typically what people realize they’ve forgotten to remove from their luggage when going through airport security. Ideally, passengers should finish drinking or discard the water prior to reaching the security checkpoint. However, if you often neglect doing so, he recommends using a transparent water bottle instead.
Brita water bottle featuring an integrated filter
To attach it externally to your backpack. This way, you’ll constantly be aware of the water level and can avoid unexpected hold-ups when heading to your departure point.
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