With all of the variations in rules and procedures from airport to airport (and even TSA agent to TSA agent) my best piece of advice is to pay attention to what is happening in line in front of you. Notice what the agent is telling those ahead of you to do etc.. Just copy what they are doing and the process is a lot easier.

I like to pack/use one of those reusable grocery bags to place my items in that I need to have ready before I go through screening. I usually stop before entry and place the items in my bag. That way when I get to the scanner, it's easier for me to pull out needed items or leave the rest in. After the line, I take the items out and return them to their respective bag or put them back on. I then roll the bag up and place it in my pack. Great to use once I get to my destination for shopping etc.

Send a care package addressed to yourself, ahead of time, to your destination. Anything that might be a TSA problem will be waiting for you. Just before your return flight mail it all back home. This might seem like overkill for toiletries that could be purchased at any pharmacy or dollar store but adding knives and/or multi-tools to the equation makes the idea reasonable. It might also make sense if you are traveling as a family or a group; one package covers everybody's stuff.

Be mindful of your souvenirs. I was pulled aside by tsa because something looked like really large knives in my bag. I was looking at the x-ray stunned because sure enough it looked like knives. They open my bag and pull out a tinkerbelle statue I got. It was her wings. TSA actually had a good laugh about it thankfully

I've been pretty happy avoiding the liquid issue completely by finding as much solid stuff as possible. There's some great colognes and toothpastes as well as obvious things like soap and deodorant!.

I just returned from a trip to TX from NYC. I have TSA pre-check, and everything was smooth going to TX, but when going through security at DFW airport, I got pulled aside because I’d left a folding knife in my bag from a previous (non-flight) trip! The knife made it through security at LGA, but had to leave it behind in TX! Lesson learned: check your bags before you pack for your trip to make sure you haven’t left anything in there that isn’t TSA approved! 😳🤦🏽‍♀️

2:00 one thing that you did not mention is to pack your liquids on top of your backpack or in a seperate corpartment that you can access easily from the outside - seems kinda obvious but alomst every time you see people opening their suitcases and unpacking all of their stuff just because their bag with liquids is somewhere on the bottom of their backpack or suitcase... which is not only a hassle and takes time but also slows down everyone behind you. I am actually amazed that backpack designers do not take that into account while designing compartments for toiletries

I carry a water bottle with built in filter. As a consultant, I’ve been through too many airports that do not replace the filters in their water bottle refill stations. PHL and BWI airports are infamous for them. Water taste like it came from the bathroom faucet. ORD airport is a gamble. Some stations have their filter replaced late and some are done in a timely manner.

I always set off the alarm with my hip replacement and metal plate in my ankle and it used to be a bit of a hassle .. so now I bring a walking stick that has a cane handle . I still get the pat down of course but with a bit more respect

Before going through the line I put the contents of my pockets in a clear zip lock bag. So I toss the bag in the bin and walk through the detector and quickly pick up the bag and am gone to where I can resort my pocket contents.

Great advice from you and those who have commented. Could I suggest NOT to have things tied to the outside of your backpack e.g small (or large) cuddly toys, water bottles, hats etc. They can potentially get caught in the x Ray machine and I've been on flights where these owner holds everyone up, potentially losing our position in the line for take off, as they try and stuff their beautifully adorned backpack into the overhead storage area.

I wear a vest with all my things in it to speed things up. When approaching TSA, I remove the vest, shoes and belt. I also have gotten my packing down to ONE carry on backpack. Therefor I save time waiting for luggage. I walk off the plane and out the door.

For me, I still like wearing my sneakers with laces going through the airport as they tend to be my most bulky shoe I bring on vacation. So I've gotten in the habit of when I get close to the line, popping my heel on top of the back so it's like I'm wearing high heels, if that makes any sense (provided the structure is there for you to take advantage of this). By the time I get up to the line, I then just slide my foot out and put them on the belt like I was wearing slip -ons without sacrificing the shoe or personal comfort.

I wear a hat most of the time. It comes in handy at security, I take it off and put my wallet, phone, sunglasses, watch and anything else in my pockets in it. Then when I am through the scanner I can pick them all up at once. Saves time instead of grabbing one thing at a time and replacing them in my pockets.

Took a few flights as a solo mom w two toddlers and still made it through TSA easier than some people. My outfit is ballet flats w no show socks, leggings, shirt, and chunky cardigan with pockets. Empty pockets and take off the cardigan as it’s a “jacket.” Load bags onto the belt, then fold up the umbrella stroller last. Send kids through first. Depending on how fast the kids run, grab either the cardigan or stroller first to snap in the child and fill up your pockets. Bag last. And always seek a family bathroom if possible so there’s space for your bag and stroller and the kids.

One thing I was worried about flying with is a cgm...continuous glucos monitor. I did research and the dexcom g6 was suggested by some travelers to avoid the scanners. I didn't have any problem, but aways pointed it out to the tsa agents. About 50% of the time they would just say OK and i would pass through. The other half I would pull my shirt tight so they could see the imprint and they would just pat that area and I'd be on my way.

honestly don't understand the packing cubes, bought a few of those, but i keep going back to gallon and 2 gallon ziploc bags with the zipper seal, see thru and even if you have dirty items, won't dirty the luggage and other items.

I’ve since signed up for TSA Pre Check, but for some reason was pre cleared for it the last time I traveled across the country and overseas! It was bizarre because I’d start removing things and they’d say no. I’d start taking off my shoes, etc, they’d say no. Finally I’d just apologize and ask what they wanted and they said just walk through.

Packing cubes are great until they remove all the perfectly rolled clothing from them and scatter them all over the table, ask me how I know

Excellent video especially the arcade belt just what I’ve been looking for

Bags of food such as nuts and trail mixes can get flagged. I recommend getting TSA Precheck. You don't have to take off your shoes, etc...

Even thought I put my Nintendo DS light separately in the tray going through security several years ago. I was still stopped and they thought it was a Bomb. How do you think a hand held console that goes through the system probably multiple times a day is a bomb? The most annoying thing is it helps me up from my parents. I lost them for about 5 or 10 minutes in the airport. Having autism this was rather scary (the loosing my parents part).

As a non flyer I do enjoy your videos BUT please what is TSA

I just went to Reno wearing my PacSafe jacket. It was awesome. I could carry glasses, phone, earbuds and a bunch of things on me rather than in the underseat bag. If anyone knows where I can get a PacSafe jacket with hoodie, I'd love to know.

I'd suggest checking each and every pocket in your bag - didn't check a "secret" pocket and that's how I lost my pocket knife.

I may look into the collapsible water bottles you show. Ages ago I received one gratis and hated it and have only used it once simply because it had a narrow spout which is good for drinking but took days upon days to air out. And something bugs me about capping it or putting it away when it still had drops of water in it. Regarding the Arcade belts. I like mine and it's a great travel belt that has even doubled for a gear lash once but as a female our belt loops are smaller on our pants and you can't just whip them out of belt loops if asked. So far I haven't had to but it makes me always pack it and the corresponding trousers and wear something like yoga pants on the plane. Defeats the purpose of buying the Arcade belt. Probably something you're doing in the pro community but I would like to see a seasonal or so wrap up of odd TSA requirements and / or requirements to and from other countries. Yes, we can do our research on the web before a trip if we have not been to that region but having heard from a fellow traveler about some obscure or new rule is more informative. Usually these things come out in comments but also consider them if you were to take a poll on Instagram perhaps and then address on your site or in one of these videos. Great information keep up the good work!

I'm a solo female traveler and a sympathetic security at Heathrow told me not to wear big shoes/Doc Martens cause drug mules do that. Apparently, I fit the profile of a drug mule lol. Since then, I just wear slip on shoes like Vans.

They should have an extra payable option where you can either store or mail home your belongings they won't let you take as long as it's not a customs issue. Like, if your dad passed down that bladeless multitool frrom his dad and you don't want to surrender it, they should have a counter with a post office to mail it back home, or you can rent a cubby for x amount of time until you get back. That's something I'd spend money on if they decided to be stubborn about any of my gear. Plus they could probs make a bunch of money, especially if people ended up just abandoning the stuff in storage...

Vessi slippers look a bit better than the Teva shoes and are waterproof. Also Bobby pins can get flagged by the scanners. I had to get my hair patted down once, even though it was up in a high ponytail that couldn't hide anything. 🙃

Having travelled through Indian security recently, I can say they don't like anything in your bag. Power cables, USB sticks, USB cables. Hard drives. Phones... Pretty much anything. The same things three times. They're easy more picky than security at any western airport. Next time I'm putting everything (except batteries) in checked in baggage to to get through security more quickly

Have Global Entry which is a life saver. Includes TSA pre check in the US. 👍🏼😄👍🏼

I hsve been using Eagle Creek products for twenty years, and I just absolutely love the simple design and practicality.

Tsa agent here. Global entry does not guarantee tsa pre check. I know when you get global entry it says that you get tsa pre check but that is not the case. Granted it does increase the chance that you do get tsa pre check if you don't already pay for tsa pre check. This is the only tip that is not totally correct that he lists here.

I use those cheap (really cheap, like $1) no show socks. After getting through TSA, take off the socks and throw them away and put the shoes back on.

TAMPA AIRPORT am also here in area what part are you in?Get video ty..

I recognize that B-Roll of the TSA gate officers. It’s Tampa International Airport, right?

When did we start caring about the tsa’s feelings?

Travelling has become a very unpleasant affair because of airport procedures and the amount of hours you have to be there.

Will never get tired of the Topo Global Travel Bags! 🥺 That was a TNF Jester though, not the Borealis. Can we talk about the hat clips and which beige pants those were though?

I think it's crazy the hoops you have to jump thru

Note to single female passengers i once got absolutely hounded by a TSA officer at Shannon Airport on my way to New York despite following all the rules meticulously and throughly studying TSA regulations online.. He almost made me miss my flight and insisted I bin innocuous permitted items such as tea bags and vitamin c sachets . I even had to argue for return of empty clear stasher bags for the sake of cost. Luckily staff from my airline were there to back me up.When I recounted my experiences to several people during my stay in NYC I was informed that TSA continually pick on lone female travellers citing suspicion of drug smuggling.

I am stressed about the TSA. But the amount of time i spend in order to save 30 seconds in a security line is crazy. Why is it that stress so much about this?

I've been getting flagged for bringing coffee grounds in my carry on. Apparently there's something about it that makes TSA want to check it sometimes. Just fyi

A big mistake I made one time was removing duty free items from the bag to make packing easier. To make it worse it was in a country where I did not speak the language. I almolsst lost a $100 bottle of scotch and nearly missed my flight. Somehow it all worked out, but it was a mess.

I’ve worked for the TSA before and passengers make their trips even more difficult when they don’t comply with the rules . They don’t make the rules , TSA does .

At Bangkok Airport, once you go through Security with an empty water bottle, I saw many people filling them up but just before boarding the Qantas Flight to Australia, the staff were confiscating any liquids over 100mls.

FWIW, Vietnam rescinded the Macbook Pro ban in 2019.

Any specific suggestions for those of us who are disabled?

Actually it is the TSA's fault.

Last time I was flying was before 9/11 (I think). Things really got a pain as it seems. 😂

Excellent video

You describe what is best for TSA, but I want what is comfortable for me. So, staying within what is strictly speaking allowed, I will do things my way. I do not remove shoes or belts unless invited orally by an agent. If I get checked, so be it. But I will take comfortable time to get things repacked and clothing in order. If that holds up a line, there should have been more lines. Some airports have better machines, and a better organised ‘repacking’ table. I count on airports to lvel up to the best organised system. Luckily for people waiting in line behind me, I will travel by train whenever possible to avoid the cattle checking points in airports.

Really nice video. Thanks

i would say in general do not travel with anything that you can't afford to loose or get confiscated or stolen. that will also make you generally calmer because you will not be thinking about your stuff but instead about experiences. the only 2 things you can't loose are your wallet and your phone. i debated bringing a old burner phone just so i can call and text if it is absolutely necessary, but I needed my phone for work so I couldn't do that... and ID is another annoying thing, but we still don't have an alternative for any of those, so those things you can't afford to loose. other than that simply leave your multi tools, expensive merino shirts, laptop or favourite belt at home. you don't need them.

Why is it the 3-1-1 rule and not the 3.4-1-1 rule?

Even before 911 the worst belt buckle to have is made out of Pot iron that will light up any metal detector. These buckles were made in the 1970’s and 1980’s and were used to advertise jeans or hunting scenes. Might want to leave those at home 😊

Great tips. What brand is the black backpack shown loading the packing cubes in the beginning of the video. Please and thank you

What backpack is worn in 1:50.. the green or orange?

Nice tips

You mean "LA-X", not "lacks," right?

I hate TSA with a passion. They always toss my prescription hydrogen peroxide contact solution even though their website states medications are exempt from the liquids rule. At $20/bottle it makes travel unpleasant. I like to travel by car whenever possible to save money, not be racially profiled, and have lots of legroom

I Will Have A Medical Card For My Knees One Day. And, I Won't Have A Knife On Me. Not On Airports. I Will Have A Backpack With Some First Aid Kit, Fire Starter Kit, Stainless Steel Water Bottle With Water Bottle Shoulder Pouch, A Stainless Steel Mess Kit, Stainless Steel Cookware Set, And Some Clothes.

What is the duffel bag in the image at the beginning of the video?

“… specific MacBook Pro model?” Confiscated? Are you sure they’re not just “shopping” for computers they can’t otherwise afford? LOL, wow.

I used to travel with an aluminum cylinder cigar humidor. It was a 100% to be checked as it was a pipe-bomb look alike to them.

do you know a website to check Italy’s rules? like the one for India

Get TSA Pre-check

I haven’t packed my liquids separate in years.

I keep a large zip lock bag to place my bits & pieces inside so that I seal the bag & the contents are visible. I take solid roll on deodorant & use shaving soap stick with the hotel shampoo. I keep my coins in a leather wallet to make things faster & tidy through TSA like checkpoints.

I've had to take my belt off half the time even with TSA pre check. I just take the belt off. Clear is another program that can get you to the front of the TSA line and some credit cards reimburse for it

I use zip lock bags so I can see what's in them. Nobody wants to try walking away with your zip lock bag.

I have been wearing the Arcade belt for a few years, and I've never had to take it off. One thing that caught us up a couple times were little squeeze pioches our when are son was younger. We spent an extra 30 minutes a couple times because of those food items for our then toddler. TSA doesn't mess around with squeezy pouches.

How can 3-1-1 be confusing? Are people not paying any attention?

not the TSA's fault you're running late? LOL. You've never traveled with disabled people with medical equipment. Bring your patience because you'll get that one power tripping TSA agent who insists they have to spoil all the formula for keeping a disabled baby alive (in a national formula shortage) by opening each sealed can. "call ahead next time." We did. We do every time. And 100% its not mattered at all. Yeah I'm not bitter. Most airports or experiences are fine other than their ludicrous rules that protect zero people. But "get there early" is an understatement. We arrive 3 hours early. Most of the time it only takes a little while longer than everyone else. But sometimes you can just add an arbitrary hour because they do not have a good process for disabled with medical equipment. Sometimes they will just throw away things without telling you or asking. Pro tip. Travel in a group. With a disabled baby having medical equipment, they might completely unpack your bag: Every. Single. Item. They will ask who the caretaker is and do the same to their bag. Also they will full body pat you down in public. So plan ahead: Figure out who will be least uncomfortable getting their tender bits touched in public and give your carry-on to another in your group to speed things up. Otherwise you'll be repacking all the gear for two carry-ons. Because patting down and deep searching one person in a group stops terrorists. I actually pity the TSA. It would be like being a salesman for something you KNOW is a joke and trying to keep a positive attitude. Almost an impossible task for any human.

Your more about adds then information

Honestly…some of these comments are ridiculous. It’s seriously not that hard. Now I know why the lines are so long 🙄 PS…just because you have precheck…doesn’t mean you’ll always get precheck.

Don't get on a commercial plane. Problem solved.

promosm

The most common mistake is that people from outside of US decide to travel to the US.

I think my bra was not fully fitting on my right side to and from Vegas causing me to have a side body pat down. Go fig

What's the bag in the thumbnail?