TSA Line Mistakes that Could Ruin Your Trip

Travel Tips for TSA Airport Security. These are common TSA airport security mistakes avoid when flying and going through the TSA line in 2024.

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In today's video we will cover essential travel tips for a smooth trip through the TSA Security line. Travel in 2024 is a nightmare with staff shortages and busy airports, which puts you at a higher risk of having things stolen. Knowing what to expect at TSA airport security will help you get through the security checkpoint as quickly as possible. Avoid these common travel mistakes and you can avoid being delayed due additional screening or a pat down. Whether it is your first time through TSA security or you just haven't been in a while, this TSA line procedure video will help you prepare for the experience.

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0:00 TSA line mistakes to avoid
0:45 the most common tea line mistake
1:28 TSA liquid limit
2:20 TSA container size limit
3:07 Things you need to take out at airport security
3:29 the right and wrong TSA line
4:00 theft in TSA line
4:40 electronics and valuables in the bin
5:10 Airport security travel hack
5:35 Speaking with TSA agents
6:25 other people in TSA line
7:13 TSA line hack to never forget anything
7:30 put your passport away

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// ABOUT

Hey there, I'm Megan and I've spent 5+ years living and working from over 50 countries around the world. I'm on a mission to prove that anyone (even you!) can do it too.

Portable Professional is a youtube channel full of actionable tips and guides to travel, live and work from anywhere in the world. Serving seasoned digital nomads and first-time travelers alike, it's the ultimate resource to hack the travel lifestyle.

[ofallsadwords]

The electronics rule is so inconsistent and it annoys me. Sometimes they want my Kindle and battery bank out, and sometimes they yell at me for taking them out. I'm autistic, just tell me the rules clearly and I'll follow them...

[jkhegarty]

This is what I do. While standing in the TSA line, I bring a clear large zip lock bag and place those pocket items eg, watch, coins, wallet, phone, etc in it. I place this bag on the bottom of the bin & then place my jacket on top of it. When my bin is at the end & maybe ahead of me in the line, prying eyes do not see the bag but my jacket instead. Should the TSA agent need to question any of my items, it's already in a clear bag & they can view it for themselves. Easy peasy.

[chriswright]

One great tip/hack for TSA security, bring a gallon sized ziploc bag, place everything from your pockets in the bag, then place bag in your carry-on, or if asked a bin, if you are wearing a belt put that in the bag too. Once you clear security if the bag is in a bin grab it and head to your gate, then remove items from the ziplock bag and organize them, if you are not wearing a jacket

[adamthomason]

I work for TSA and I love conversing with the passengers. Making light hearted jokes and asking them about where they are going. You can talk to us and make conversation. When the line backs up and it's not moving talk to us. I know the lady in the video said not to but it makes our day go by faster and it could help us if we had to deal with a passenger right before that was causing problems.

[ausbare]

I have always had a problem with the TSA not giving my personal items any security.
TSA take no responsibility for your personal items even though TSA make you put your personal items in a unsecure tray.
TSA as with airports are a law unto themselves.

[sunnyscott]

I bought my husband a man purse so he can put all of his stuff in one place. He's 75 years old and hasn't been on a plane in at least 10 years.
I fly on a regular basis and I have TSA down to a routine..but there is no consistency depending on the airport! 🙄✈❤ .
It does help to be NICE and COURTEOUS to the TSA agents

[Hunter-mpxk]

im not someone who travels alot, and when i do it’s mainly roadtrip. but i just so happen to be flying twice this year, rare for me. i’ve been watching these videos religiously to help ease my anxiety about every little thing. thank you so much :)

[CTA--]

I haven't flown in over 10 years its crazy how much flying has changed thanks 4 the tips i'll be using them on my trip this year

[sarafstop]

One of the smartest purchases I ever made for travel is an infinity scarf with a zipper. It's especially made for valuables. That's where money, passport, etc go. On the plane, it removes the worry of going to the restroom and leaving these things unattended in a bag.

[giantclam]

Yes....a cough drop that was washed in my pocket...buried in the corner of my cargo shorts pocket...no idea it was there....then the agent tried to claim I lied.

[jimjerry]

Arguing with the agents is the dumbest thing any person can do👍🏼💯🙏..Great tips thanks 🙏 a lot.

[Starfish]

BTW it is not acceptable for any member of TSA to “yell at you”. If that happens immediately ask for a supervisor and tell them to knock it off

[AidaJof]

The absolute best advice I have seen here on YouTube. In this day and age of air travel, I see so many people lining up to enter Security or TSA screening, yet so unprepared causing unnecessary delays during their screening process. Most of the times I am well organized and fully prepared for that moment when placing my items in the trays, I keep a close eye on my belongings on the conveyer belt. I must admit however one of those times the scanner I passed triggered an alarm for which I was puzzled. Since I was wearing pants, I was asked if I was wearing a belt, to which I answered no, yet it still triggered the alarm when passing the 2nd time and even after undergoing the manual scan then the agent realized that it was triggered by the metal snap atop of the zipper and I was good to go. There will be times that are beyond our control, just go through it.

[roses]

Grreat tips. I can't tell you the number of times I've had to stand there waiting for someone that is disorganized, unaware, or overwhelmed by the TSA process. I use the jacket tip you offered but add a feature to make it even safer. I use a biking wind-breaker jacket where the pockets are zippered. What I store in the jacket isn't going to slip out while being bundled into the tray.

[reynaldoflores]

I'm old enough to remember flying as a teenager in the 70s. Before hijacking of planes became common.
Back then, there was almost no security screening. No patdowns, no x-rays, no k9s. I hope those times would return someday.

[letterbox]

Hi Megan, after watching this video, I realized how much risk we undergo at the airport. All this when we are either sleep-deprived, stressed, and wondering if our flights have been cancelled. Thanks for helping us prepare for our travels. I especially appreciate the tip to keep all valuables in a jacket and just take off the jacket rather than emptying all pockets. Another thing that sets of the security alarm is my belt buckle.

[DNAdoll]

Love your tips. I don't know how realistic it is to keep and eye on your stuff the whole way through security. I have been very worried about this issue, mostly recently as well since my husband suffered and a spinal cord injury and can only be screened manually. Its incredibly frustrating to go through TSA and they really don't care about the safety your things AT ALL.

[amy]

Thanks so much for this helpful video! I'm getting ready to fly again after many, many years, and loved learning from you about how to get through the airport safely, efficiently, and with kindness to others. Thank you!

[aardvarkhole]

Silly.
Just pop the $85 for the TSA Pre-check privilege. There’s rarely a line, and you don’t have to take electronics out of your bag, or remove your shoes and belt. I’ve had Pre-check for years and it has made my travel experiences much more pleasant.

[vickibender]

I was at a small airport last week and they made us remove all food from our carry-on bags. M&Ms, peanuts, etc. They didn't tell us prior to the x-ray, so it took extra time. I told TSA that they should put a sign in the line area so we could be prepared. They didn't like that comment.