TSA just shared the simplest packing advice ever — and it's weirdly brilliant

Yahoo

4 hours ago

If you've ever found yourself sitting on your suitcase to zip it shut — or pulling everything out to reorganize at the airport — the Transportation Security Administration just dropped a tip that might save you the headache.
In a recent post on X, the agency shared this simple gem:
'Flying somewhere soon? Here's a tip: Start with an empty bag.'
That's it. No product recommendation, no folding technique, no complex algorithm — just start fresh. But it turns out, the advice is surprisingly effective.
Too often, travelers reuse half-packed bags from previous trips. Maybe you left in a pair of sandals, a charger, a toiletry pouch, or even some crumpled receipts. But starting with a completely empty suitcase forces you to be intentional. You know exactly what's going in, and more importantly, what isn't.
The benefits add up quickly. You'll be less likely to overpack when you see everything laid out from scratch. You can build your outfits and essentials strategically — heavy items at the bottom, delicate items tucked away properly, liquids bagged and accessible. And if your bag gets flagged at security, you'll be able to repack it in seconds because you know where everything belongs.
It's the kind of common-sense advice that feels almost too obvious — until you realize you haven't been doing it, and how much it matters. It could even be the difference between smooth sailing through security and major checkpoint drama.
So next time you're getting ready to fly, take a minute to dump your suitcase completely before you start filling it up for that specific trip. Starting with an empty bag might be the easiest, most logical way to pack like a pro.