A tip that I follow but have never seen suggested on KZread: If you have a laptop to put in a TSA bin, put it in the last of the bins you're using. It it's in the first bin, it could sit unattended while you're still waiting in line to walk though the "person scanner," making it easy for someone to pick it up and walk away. I have even stepped out of line for a moment if there's a big traffic jam ahead of me, wait a bit for it to clear, then put my laptop in a bin and walk through. The TSA agents are great, but they don't know whose laptop is whose!

@PortableProfessional

2 жыл бұрын

This is GENIUS!!! Thank you, Susan! I hope everyone see's this comment...

@letterbox203

2 жыл бұрын

Laptop goes in last bin, got it!

@arosete3512

2 жыл бұрын

Great tip. I also keep an eye on all my stuff. Nothing is safe.

@susanzvacek8863

2 жыл бұрын

@@arosete3512 Exactly. It's in the flurry of activity around the scanning point that items can be spirited away too easily!

@susantosi695

2 жыл бұрын

Great advice…wow…there are thieves everywhere

as a TSA officer your tips are incredibly accurate and perfect for making the checkpoint experience as easy as possible for you and the security

@liliaasr4916

Жыл бұрын

Hey can we take 1.7oz(50mil)perfume to airplane? From lax and foreign flight

@talpa6969

Жыл бұрын

@@liliaasr4916 it's less than 3 oz, ur good

I use Zip Lock Freezer bags. They are transparent and seal against leaks. They come in 1 Quart, 1 Gallon and 2.5 gallon sizes. I pack my rain jacket in the 2.5 gallon size. It lays flat. I can always put it back in the bag wet and hang it to dry at my destination. I also pack my travel towel in a gallon size bag. Same issue if it is wet or damp No Worries!

Simple things like having a good attitude and not looking for complications can help. Just seeing things more positively can make things go smoother.

@hafsakhatoon3567

Жыл бұрын

YES, if travelers understood that the whole process is actually for their own safety and not just to make you late for your flight. LOL

@kitsiewr

5 ай бұрын

Wish someone would tell TSA that....

My local airport is one of the major international airports..so TSA isn't always in a great mood! I keep my liquids bag in my personal bag at the top, I slip off my shoes when I'm close to the belt and put them on top of my personal bag with the liquids, I grab bins as soon I can put my stuff in them and scoot it to the belt to try and make it go quicker, then grab all my stuff and throw it on top of my personal bag and go the the benches to put things away where I want them and to put my shoes back on. I've noticed a bunch of TSA approved liquid bags are really small, or are more narrow towards the top..I found a set of 2 on Amazon that are a rectangle shape and allows you to put more things in it!

I found some transparent zippered cases used for bedcovers in the garbage. They make great packing cubes and fit perfectly into my suitcase. Smaller transparent zippered cases used for twin sheets are perfect for my shoes. Recycle and reuse!

Gallon-sized zip lock bags are inexpensive and effective packing cubes and can come in handy for sorting or for isolating messy items during your trip. Wear disposable or a throwaway pair of socks for passing through the TSA checkpoint then toss them and put on a fresh, clean pair before putting your shoes back on. It always makes me feel better. Cheers.

@PortableProfessional

2 жыл бұрын

Always chiming in with great tips, Mark! Thank you!

@JCross-dp9fj

2 жыл бұрын

This is a great idea. I always hated walking on that filthy floor in my socks and then putting my shoes back on. Noted!

@lorrainebeightler8265

2 жыл бұрын

OMG !! good idea, thank you for that.

@DrineThePoet

2 жыл бұрын

great idea thank you!

@KiKiQuiQuiKiKi

Жыл бұрын

OR-wear a thin pair of socks over your socks. Once past the scanner, tear off the dirty ones and throw into a little plastic bag.

I always pack a small, handled paper shopping bag that will easily slide into the front pocket of my carry-on (or even folded up and stashed in a pocket, tho uncomfortable). I don't even pack the small items that need to go through the TSA checkpoint (phone, e-reader, liquids baggie, etc.) - I use this bag and empty it into the bin along with shoes and belt. Keeps me from opening up the carry-on or personal item at the checkpoint. Once through security, transfer items into carry-on, slide the bag in and go!

Something I always ask travelers when they ask about TSA Precheck, "Will you be making more than 2-3 international trips per year?" If so, consider Nexus or Global Entry. They cost a little more, but you get Precheck PLUS when coming into Customs, you can usually skip the lines and use a kiosk....major time saver

@Trivi10

Жыл бұрын

Global entry is worth it if you will take 1 international trip over the entire 5 years. It's $20 extra.

TSA Precheck is the best money I ever spent. So much simpler!

@bethrobichaud1464

2 жыл бұрын

I agree 100%.

@jesspeoples3292

2 жыл бұрын

I got tsa precheck.

@ej-g2124

2 жыл бұрын

This is the best TSA advice there is! Game changer for my family's travels over the past several years. Keep everything in my bags, keep my shoes on, and a short line. It's a racket for convenience and ease.

Global Entry, which includes TSA Pre-Check, is absolutely worth the cost. It is only $15 more than TSA Pre-Check and is good for five years.

@richardlynngarst3728

2 жыл бұрын

We finally got Global Entry and one trip made it well worth the cost! Due to several very full planes landing at close the same time we were able to fast forward the long line waiting to go through customs. Our friends, on the same flight, were in line almost 2 1/2 hours versus our 30 minutes. So when it was time to renew we did not hesitate!

@barbarab7049

2 жыл бұрын

If you’re ever planning to fly through Dulles as your point of entry from an international destination on a Saturday, Global Entry would be well worth it. When I came through last time, I counted 24 planes on the arrivals board and we waited for HOURS…

@vh6307

Жыл бұрын

Great 2 know!!! Thank u!!!☑️🥂

Instead a packing cubes I use clear zip lock freezer bags and push the air out of them before I zip them up. It’s amazing how much you can fit in one of those. If I have to open up my suitcase for TSA, everything is clearly seen but not loose all over the place for everyone else to see. I use the 2 gallon ones for shorts and jeans and the 1 gallon ones for the rest of the smaller items. If I flatten out the clothing items and then roll them up, they will be wrinkle free. I categorize them by type of clothing so when I get to the hotel it makes it easier and quicker to organize the dresser drawers.

Used compression packing cubes for my first trip to Europe in 2013. What a game changer! 6 weeks in a carry-on & small backpack. Use packing cubes for every trip no matter the length.

@evadeanu1

2 жыл бұрын

Me too

@songbirdofva

2 жыл бұрын

Do you have a brand you would recommend?

@nadine6518

2 жыл бұрын

I use Eagle Creek or REI’s brand. They have no structure & are easy to squish. They might be a little expensive but are light weight and durable.

@Sdority905

Жыл бұрын

Same here. They are the best!

I use the XL 2-gallon zip lock bags for packing my clothes. If TSA inspects they can see what is inside and hopefully will not put their hands / gloves on my clean clothes. I often keep my clothes in the bags while on my trip so I always know what is clean. Dirty clothes never go in the zip lock bags.

@SuzieNerds

2 жыл бұрын

Pro tip: you can ask them to change their gloves if they have to check your bags.

Last Christmas, I received an TEC vest. It has many deep zippered pockets. I have Global Entry (and TSA-Pre), but this vest makes it easy to deal with everything I have in my pockets (and most of the stuff I want to use in-flight). Wallet, keys, passport, cell phone, iPad, Kindle paperwhite, earbuds, cell phone charger and cables, boarding passes. All of them fit into the pockets, which I can zip up and put through the scanner. I just put the vest on at the other side of security and grab my travel backpack. I've ordered packing cubes for my next trip. After my last trip... well... I can see some of the value in them. When I go on cruises, I fly in the day before, and would like a cube just for that night. Clean underwear, socks, shirt, pants or shorts (depending on if I change ecosystems) and nightclothes. Maybe a separate one with toiletries like toothbrush, razor, a set of contact lenses and sunglasses (I usually fly with prescription glasses, and I use daily disposable contacts when traveling), plus my portable fan (for air flow), power cord, and cables for recharging my devices overnight.

I love packing bags. Yes, it keeps everything organized and tidy. And less wrinkled. I roll my clothes neatly and can keep my cloths in the bags during my stay which just keeps everything easy to find. I gave all the same colors but some companies make different colored sets. That really helps to know what is in what bag. Also, bags with mesh tops are, in my opinion, the best as you can see what is packed in each.

Also take a screen capture of the boarding pass as well, doesn’t hurt to have it with wifi on phone, without wifi on phone, and also printed :3

I suggest packing your liquids in a quart ziploc at home, not at the airport. I have not seen plastic bags available at TSA in the US since 2005 (over 30 small, regional, and international airports) other countries offer them.

@TheGospelizer

2 ай бұрын

Agree.

Yes I have hardcopies of everything when I travel. Hotels, car, any tours and flights.

Since I will be travelling to the USA and Canada later this year, I am busy researching things like this so I’ll know what to expect. So this video is very helpful, and an eye opener, as we don’t have this level of security screening in Australian airports.

Great video!! Wish I would have watched it last week before my business trip!

Great tips as always. One additional suggestion for Americans is to check out the global entry program. It cost $100 for five years versus $85 for the TSA pre-check program, but for only $15 more you’ll get through security when coming in to the United States from foreign countries, and it also does include TSA pre-check. I find many people don’t know about this program.

@ExGearUser

Жыл бұрын

Just checked the website admit it. They show a message saying it might be better to do the TSA version as the international version might take 6 to 18 months! Just an fyi to whoever is reading this in 2022

@wandah9468

Жыл бұрын

I'm all over this! I will be doing this pretty quick. Global Entry is perfect! Seriously I will pay good money to have them check me out and earn my trusted traveler status! I'd pay even more if they had a lounge for us too! I'm already flying business class. All of it is well worth it to have peace of mind, not just for me, but the employees too. I'm just one more thing they dont have to worry about. Worth every dime!

Great video. I didn’t know about the TSA wait time sites, will definitely get that. Packing cubes are a life saver; I was introduced to them by my sister and rarely travel without at least one. I’m addicted to the compression packing cubes now.

Lots of great advice. Thank you!

Excellent information. Thanks so much.

Take a screenshot of the TSA response to online questions

@DrineThePoet

2 жыл бұрын

good one

@bettywinslow6387

Жыл бұрын

But be prepared to discover the agent on the ground has the final word

Very informative thank you.

Pretty interesting one, good job. Thanks for sharing.

I love using packaging cubs. Make it much easier when we get to our destination to unpacked.

@PortableProfessional

Жыл бұрын

So true! Happy travels!

Screenshot your ticket/boarding pass if you don't have a printed copy. I learned that the hard way.

Use your e ticket as the wallpaper on your phone.

I love the Canadian hand gesture theatrics in YT videos. it makes you wonder if everyone in Canada must take a drama class in high school. another great travel video lispy, keep up the good work!

Thank you Megan! 😊👍

Thank You for the helpful tips. I am flying next month and I am planning on having all my TSA items in a small tote so I am not fumbling. I also thought about those low no show natural color socks to wear with my sandals and just throw them away after. There cheap to be disposable.

I also use packing cubes, I love it 💗

Such great info here. Many thx!

@JCross-dp9fj

2 жыл бұрын

I did purchase some zippered clear bag packing cubes based on your recommendation here Megan and I have to say it made a world of difference in the UNpacking experience of my trip. Being organized really reduces the stress level I used to feel traveling.

I love my compression packing cubes! Great info on wearing layers and socks

@PortableProfessional

2 жыл бұрын

Yes they are the best! You are so welcome, safe travels!

I always use packing cubes! They are also great at the hotel or cruise ship to just slide them in a drawer or closet. Also, each person in my family has thier own color packing cube so we know which one is thiers.

I use laundry bags from hotels as substitute for packing cube. They are made of plastic so you can compress your packed items to save on space.

I’m flying to the US this week, thanks so much for this!

I use compression bags and love them

I use the travel zip lock bags which reduces the volume of 9” down to 2”. If you pack the clothes well, they’re not even wrinkled. I once traveled for 2 weeks with just a large carry-on.

Did you know any liquid that is frozen is no longer liquid

I use a combination of regular (non-compression) packing cubes & 1.5 and 2 gallon Ziploc bags. The Ziploc bags will compress as as I squeeze the air out of them.

@PortableProfessional

2 жыл бұрын

Perfect. Creative and gets the job done! Thanks, Donna!

Thanks for posting this. I had know idea you could just message the TSA to find out if your item is allowed or not. TSA Wait times was another unexpected great tip. Thanks.

@bettywinslow6387

Жыл бұрын

However remember the final decision will be made by the agent on the ground that you're dealing with. And no argument.

Excellent job :)

It never fails when we're boarding the plane, someone always has a phone issue when trying to display their boarding ticket. We live in an age where people depend too heavily on electronics. I ALWAYS print out a paper boarding pass just in case. I also save the email on my phone with the necessary documents to board the plane. Great video!

@PortableProfessional

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! I agree! Having that printed boarding pass can be very helpful!

Excellent

Good stuff. Thanks. Yeah items like little batteries are sometimes not obvious whether they are allowed or not. Especially after taking them through many times and not knowing for sure what the rule is.

thanks very good information

Love compression packing cubes

If you have a joint replacement (knee, hip, etc) expect to get the full, extended screening by TSA. Make arrangements to meet your family some place down the line and have them pick up your xrayed items. It’s gonna be a minute.

I use packing "cubes" and it does help. I tend to take a lot of camera gear and am often asked, "Is this all yours?"

Thank you 😊

@PortableProfessional

Жыл бұрын

You're welcome! Hope you found it helpful!

Great tips. If every traveler watch this, getting through tsa works be a breeze. I’m a compression cube girl. Love the rectangle shaped ones that fit in my away perfectly.

@PortableProfessional

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome! Thank you for sharing. Those compression cubes ROCK

@phoebe9738

2 жыл бұрын

What brand of compression cubes do you recommend?

@emilymosley3184

2 жыл бұрын

@@phoebe9738 the rectangular ones where Amazon brand.

@evadeanu1

2 жыл бұрын

Me too

Lovely video

Smaller, regionalmairports don't always provide the bags. Best to come prepared with yournown plastic approved plastic bag.

I love my packing cubes looking buy one for my shoes or I’ll just use trash bags or Walmart bag instead

Great advise I haven’t flown for awhile like so many people.

@PortableProfessional

2 жыл бұрын

Can't wait for you to get back out there, Denis! Exciting!

@denismoreau3646

2 жыл бұрын

@@PortableProfessional yes I’m hoping to fly to Vietnam thanks

Megan, when you traveled overseas some banks and stock brokerages allow online web access to your accounts from certain countries but not others. For example, they may allow web access from Thailand but not Vietnam. Did you run into this issue and did the VPN you used enable you with online access to your accounts 100% of the time regardless of the countries that you were visiting? Thanks

Some airports in the US no long require electronics and liquids to be taken out of the bags. It’s so nice!

@nas965

2 жыл бұрын

That’s because they’re using the newer CT-scan technology X-ray machines where they can rotate and slice the image into segments and see your bag and its contents from every angle possible.

When they allow international spouses use TSA Pre-Check then I will fork over the money for it. I was told if I had it, i would have to wait for my husband to go through the regular line. Now that I have a disability, he can now go through the line with me and the assistant that is assisting me.

Greetings Megan. Your wonderful dog reminds me of a simple request. In one of your future videos, could you please produce a video about traveling with pets on a plane. Your videos are terrific. Thank you.

I am using packing cubes for the first time during my upcoming trip 😊

Every time I have gone thru security I was told by TSA that you cannot take your ticket with you in the scanner.

Thxs for these I'm going to NY on wednesday

One liquids trick you won't here is ice is in any quantities is allowed in carry on. You can even freeze bottles of water or other liquids as long as it's frozen when you go thru security

Thank you for the great tips! I needed this exact question answered: how do I get a printed ticket and when? You nailed it: when you do precheck-in. Excellent video!

@PortableProfessional

Жыл бұрын

You are so welcome! Happy travels!

@ML-pe7ed

Жыл бұрын

@@PortableProfessional thanks again :)

I used to love flying. With all that and luggage size/ weight, lost luggage etc. flying became a burden. One is treated worse than criminals.

LEARNED THE HARD WAY…Make sure you research all country’s TSA requirements before flying. I got my collapsible hiking sticks confiscated when flying home from Calgary Canada 🇨🇦.

Packing cubes are the best. I’ve used them for years.

I really should look into getting Nexus. I had 2 experiences in my most recent travel with my liquids bag. I had bought from Amazon 2 clear plastic "carry-on approved" zippered bags. (I gave one to my mom). The security in Toronto didn't like it and gave me a bag and told me that I had to put all my liquids into that bag before getting to the gate. Then the same thing happened in Dublin. But why?!? And my mom using the exact same type of bag was let go both times. And most of my items were sample size. (Apart from some cosmetics). That said, education is key and more people should watch your videos so that they don't hold up the lines. PS I also use packing cubes - love them!

@oliaslives6986

Жыл бұрын

I would like to look into Nexus as well, as long as doing so does not classify me as a Nexus 6. My deceased friend Roy Batty warned me about this. I am NOT a replicant and I don't want to end up being chased like I'm some kind of miscreant by an over-zealous Blade Runner.

Nice video

10000000% agree get pre check. Life is soooooo much easier!!

Being an older person, I stop and slip off my shoes before getting in the security line and get everything ready so I can quickly get though the line. Then on the other side I put on a clean pair of socks before putting my shoes back on. I don’t want all that stuff on my sock in my shoes.

Can you please tell me, where you bought your packing cubes? Or maybe you can link them? Thank you so much :)

On the Welcome |Stamp application when you declare 50K yearly do you need to show bank account with amount or income tax papers? Thank YOU for your videos! BRILLIANT!

Where are your packing cubes from? Amazon ones have mixed reviews

You can separate your liquids. For example, you can have your carry on with liquids and a purse/briefcase with your other liquids. I've been to several airports in multiple states and I've never been given a TSA liquid bag. I would like one though. I also have never been told to take my food out. Definitely always put my laptop in last. Oh and another thing, one time I put my laptop in my check in luggage. When I unpacked, I had a paper note from TSA that said they opened my luggage and the paper was in the laptop. When I opened the laptop, I saw the not. But these tips are great!

I always use ziplock bags when I travel to compartmentalize stuff in my bag.

Used cubes as drawers under the bed in a too small cruise cabin. Totally addicted to cubes.

I was not required to remove my liquids and that was on 5/24 & 5/27

Thank you 😂😂traveling soon long distance for the first time I would say

@PortableProfessional

2 жыл бұрын

Have fun, it's such a rush!

I’ve been checked at TSA twice the last three times I’ve traveled, only to find that there was no issue after all. I hadn’t heard of packing cubes at those times and I wish I had. I had to totally repack right in the open with all the travelers walking by. Very embarrassing… So, now that I have my new best friends, (my packing cubes), I won’t get stopped anymore, I’m sure. If I do, no biggie. I highly recommend them to everyone I know who are traveling. Instead of waiting to get liquid bags from TSA, I put mine in my personal item right where it’s easily assessable to put it in the bin. Then I pop it back in that or my suitcase. It seems like a lot of work to do this any other way.

My two sons graduated from ITB. They gave me three MRE’s to bring home to try. They were in my carry on bag. Never thought about. They ended up pulling my bag to check. They let me go with them. Smaller airport and I was the only passenger at the time, may have helped 🤔.

Do they always open and go through your personal item? If I'm bringing a small backpack that I have packed precisely are they going to open it and rummage through it even if I've taken everything out that needs to be scanned separately?

Great and helpful. Although compression cubes are a nice idea for organization, space is very limited in a carryon. So, adding several of these to an already packed bag may not be feasible as they themselves take up a fair bit of room and may be a bit too much to include just for organization purposes. Thanks.

@happycook6737

2 жыл бұрын

Ziplocks don't take up space and weigh very little.

@Sdority905

Жыл бұрын

If you roll your clothes and put ina packing cube, it will take up less space.

I don't use packing cubes but I'm going to invest in a set.

TSA has officers not agents. Agents are in pursuit of ....Jewelry may alarm and a visual or a "pat down" of the area is done. Nexus global entry etc sure preck comes along for the ride BUT do not assume it to be automatically. Meaning do not show up to ckpt and preset the above cards and bam get preCk. If you do not see the words TSA preCk on mobile, print at home, or kiosk boarding pass then you are not preCk.. Hope this helps. Expect from time to time not be preCk it happens

What about necessaries? Can i keep my liquids/creams in it while going through security instead of putting them in a regular bag like you say?

Ahh..TSA-Pre✔️…..such possibility but often such agony. If you travel early in the AM…often TSA-P is not manned….or you are treated as tho it is just an adjunct regular line. Take off shoes, belt, sweater etc…stuff out of your luggage, no jewelry…..this is the product I paid money for?? Small airports are mostly the culprits in this, from my experience….and I understand the difficulties of staffing and such. It’s still a stinky way to start a trip, when you are expecting an easy screening experience and get the opposite. And you people traveling with pets? Keep them under control and know the rules you have to follow…not everyone is entranced with the concept of Browser, Muffin or Pentunia sharing the flight…I’m talking to you, Ms. Whiskers!!💕

On my last trip, I gathered a variety of USB cords for my devices into a Ziploc bag and put it into my check in suitcase. The suitcase was opened (and a latch damaged) by the TSA. I can only assume the the x-ray profile seemed suspicious to them. You do not want to give these brutes any reason to open (and damage) your luggage.

Cool dog!

TSApre, the only way to go

Pro Tip: TSA's rules apply for liquids, no solids. So freeze your liquids. The item will often get flagged. AFTER being pulled aside with your bag and agreeing to allow TSA to do a visual search, simply state that the item is frozen, not a liquid. Upon confirming this, they'll allow you to move forward with the item. This is a trick I've done quite often as I like to buy various sauces when I travel and sauce containers are typically far larger than 4oz. Eventhough my bag is always taken to the side, my success rate has been 100%, assuming the item is still frozen solid upon getting to TSA.

@mommycat2134

2 жыл бұрын

The time that one has to spend at the airport to check-in and all that stuff, this method would not work because the frozen stuff would definitely start melting. Plus sometimes flights are delayed and you have to wait sometimes hours.

@blakew5672

Жыл бұрын

@@mommycat2134 Wait time shouldn’t matter. You pass through security before the gate for your flight. Either way, I’m skeptical of the “freeze it” method as it’s ultimately up to the agent. Not to mention that’s wayyyyyy too much effort just to beat a size limit

@mommycat2134

Жыл бұрын

@@blakew5672 YES the wait time does matter.

@MsLouisVee

Жыл бұрын

This is a very stupid idea it’s going to melt by the time you get to the TSA line or any line and it gets worse creating a wet mess it’s not very clever

Packing cubes Yea!

It took me a while to try them, but now I would not travel without my packing cubes!

I started using the compressed bags. And electric organizer pouches, and zip ties. Hehehe

Packing cubes are all I use, from ebags.

Nice video! One minor correction, thgouh. TSA Pre-Check is available to non-U.S. citizens if they are permanent Resident Aliens of the United States ("green card" holders). I got my TSA Pre-Check a year before I became a U.S. citizen.