I'M A TRAVEL WRITER, AND THIS IS THE 1 MISTAKE I SEE PEOPLE MAKE AT TSA SECURITY — HERE'S HOW I AVOID IT
It's the ultimate hack to get through hassle-free.
According to the TSA, more than 2 million passengers flow through a security checkpoint on any given day, and the process can sometimes be tedious and busy. After making your way through TSA security, it’s very common to hear an attendant make an announcement on the loudspeaker: “Did anyone leave a phone? Did anyone leave a wallet?" and so on to signal to a passenger who forgot an important possession.
As a travel writer who has written over 400 stories and traveled to 20 different countries, I’ve seen this play out many times, as travelers leave important items behind at security, only to realize it when it is too late. The biggest culprit for leaving items behind? The "dog bowl" bin at the checkpoint — you know, the plastic bowls that are meant for small items such as keys, a wallet, or a badge. However, with some security conveyor belts, there is a tendency for the bowls to tip over and fall out. There is also a chance that a passenger forgets they put the items in the bowl altogether and unwittingly walks off.
Amazon Basics 4-piece Packing Cube Set
$18
Fortunately, there is an easy travel hack that can prevent lost items in the first place: packing cubes. These popular accessories are a simple way to store items, by zipping them up and stuffing them in a carry-on bag. Safely tucked away, all of a traveler's small items, such as keys and phone, are zippered and tamper-free.
In my experience, I've found the Amazon Basics Packing Cube Set to be a great option to store all of your belongings in a safe manner. Best of all, the set of four come in a variety of sizes and colors, such as sky blue, red, green, and gray, to ensure high visibility when in a bag. Their mesh panels also help you see what's inside. Plus, I appreciate how they are sturdy but still lightweight as to not weigh down my carry-on or personal item bag.
Amazon Basics 4-piece Packing Cube Set
$18
During the security process, I’ll scan my boarding pass (on my phone), and then place my phone back inside of a packing cube and zip it up so the phone doesn’t accidentally fall out. If I am traveling with keys or coins, I’ll put them in the packing cube as well. In addition to being more hygienic than the dog bowl, it also keeps things safe with the rest of my belongings. This method also guarantees swift passage through TSA security checkpoints as I'm never stuck at the end of the conveyor belt reorganizing my stuff; I just put the packing cube back in my bag and go.
Generally, I travel with two sets of these packing cubes: one for my Bagsmart carry-on suitcase, and one for my Patagonia backpack. Within my backpack, I keep a special packing cube for all of my cables, chargers, and technology. I also recommend adding an Apple AirTag in the unfortunate event that the cube is separated, you will know where to find it.
Amazon Basics 4-piece Packing Cube Set
$18
Beyond being an unlikely hack for safeguarding valuables at TSA security, the Amazon Basics Packing Cubes have won over travelers with their ability to save space and encourage suitcase organization. One shopper said the set "helps one find things in a suitcase," while another reviewer added that it helped them "never [feel] frustrated with the typical disorganization" of traveling when visiting Spain for two weeks with just a carry-on. Vouching for their spaciousness, a final customer shared, "All four of them fit perfectly in my Fjallraven Kanken backpack. I fit enough for a five-day trip in my personal item — no need for a check-in or carry-on."
Trust me, having the Amazon Basics Packing Cubes in tow, whether to avoid the dreaded TSA security "dog bowl" or free up suitcase space, will level up your next travel experience. Keep scrolling to explore other shopper-loved essentials for a smooth trip.
More Travel Accessories at Amazon:
Amazon Basics RFID-blocking Travel Passport Wallet Organizer
$19
Daitet RFID-blocking Money Belt
$10
TessanEuropean USB C Travel Adapter
$16
Level8 Packing Cube Set
$50
Ziploc Charm Organizer Bag
$5
Yoillione Backpack Organizer Insert
$23
At the time of publishing, the price started at $18.
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2024-07-26T09:10:19Z dg43tfdfdgfd