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Travel + Leisure
17-05-2025
- Travel + Leisure
These 10 Mistakes Will Hold You Up in the TSA Line—Plus, How to Avoid Them
If you've ever been stopped at an airport for forgetting to take your laptop out or having a half-full bottle of Sprite in your carry-on bag, you're not alone. The stress of getting to your airport gate on time, coupled with the excitement of getting to your destination, can cause even the most seasoned of travelers to fumble at security checkpoints. 'People seem to forget some of the more common and routine steps that they need to take when packing for a flight, or when they are going through a checkpoint,' John F. Kennedy International Airport officer Christopher Kirchein previously said in a press release published by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). While these mistakes aren't rare, they can be a real pain for you, the TSA employees at your checkpoint, and the growing line of anxious passengers forming behind you. Curious to know what the most common mistakes TSA employees see at security checkpoints might be, I tapped Lisa Farbstein and Daniel Velez, two TSA spokespeople for the administration's North East and New England regions, respectively. Both Velez and Farbstein gave me the 411 on what traveler mistakes can back up the security line. Keep scrolling to find out what those 10 mistakes are, plus ways on how to avoid them, like using TSA-approved luggage locks and using a carry-on bag with plenty of pockets, starting at $8 on Amazon. Most TSA checkpoints require you to empty your pockets before walking through their body scanners. Rushed passengers tend to dump out their keys, wallets, and travel documents into an empty bin, but both Farbstein and Velez warn against this. 'Unfortunately,' Farbstein began, 'it is common for individuals to leave their ID and/or boarding pass in the bin when they head to their gates.' These small items can also fall between the conveyor belt's rollers, she added, making it difficult, if not impossible, to retrieve them. To prevent your valuables from being left behind, Velez suggested: 'Anytime you have a loose item—keys, wallets, rings, your watch—put them in your carry-on bag." Opting for a carry-on bag with plenty of separate compartments and pockets can help you quickly stow your items away in the security line. This top-rated Etronik duffel bag is flush with internal and external compartments, including a zippered front compartment large enough to hold your wallet, keys, and phone. Plus, it can be worn as a backpack, and comes with dedicated areas for your laptop and shoes. The hustle and bustle of security checkpoints might leave you in a daze, but TSA employees emphasize the importance of always keeping an eye on your belongings as they go into and exit their scanners. 'Never leave a suitcase, roller bag, laptop bag, shopping bag, backpack, or any other item unattended,' Farbstein urged. 'And if you come across an unattended item, please alert an airport official.' One way you can keep tabs on your personal item, carry-on, and checked baggage on every leg of your trip is by stowing GPS luggage trackers into your belongings. Too, vibrant luggage tags can help identify which bags are yours at TSA. As a frequent traveler myself, I use Apple AirTags on every flight. I like to keep one in my wallet, with the help of an Apple AirTag card holder, and stash one in my carry-on suitcase, one in my underseat personal item bag, and finally, attach one to my keys using an AirTag keychain holder. As for luggage tags, I love this leather option from Lily Pulitzer; each of the 10 design options is so unique and colorful and bound to make your carry-on stand out in a sea of grey and black luggage items. Courtesy of Amazon Another mistake TSA employees see frequently? Taking too much time to remove all of your jewelry. It's a common misconception that you must remove your jewelry before you can step into a TSA body scanner, but actually, employees would prefer that you keep it on, so as not to cause a backed-up security line—or worse, forget it after you've retrieved your carry-on. 'Never remove your rings,' Farbstein said. 'Too many people leave their rings behind in a bin.' Most small jewelry items are a non-issue for body scanners, but larger, bulkier pieces may need to go into a bin. If you're unsure whether your jewelry would make the cut, consider keeping all of your jewelry stowed away and organized in your carry-on. This Bagsmart travel jewelry organizer, $14, has separate, dedicated pockets and compartments for your rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, and folds up into a compact pouch for easy packing. Philadelphia International Airport TSA officer Aisha Hicks previously told the TSA that travelers often forget that knives and other small weapons are not allowed through TSA checkpoints. 'It's shocking to see so many people with knives,' she said. 'Weapons of any kind are prohibited through a TSA checkpoint.' While you can pack firearms, swords, and even portable power saws into your checked luggage, the same rules don't apply to carry-on bags. On top of pocket knives, other sharp items that could be used as weapons, like corkscrews, Swiss Army knives, and box cutters, are not allowed through TSA. Instead of packing a pocket knife, opt for a TSA-compliant tool, like this Geekey Multitool, which includes a bottle opener, a closed wrench, a can opener, and a serrated edge for cutting small items. If you're unsure of whether or not your item counts as a potential weapon, Velez recommends using the MyTSA App on your mobile device. There, you can search the TSA's A to Z list of banned and permitted items, plus check your airport for delays, and request live assistance from TSA. 'Oddly enough, the most popular prohibited item is actually water,' Velez remarked, adding that travelers often forget that they have drinks in their carry-ons and personal item bags. When this happens, passengers are asked to dump their drinks out in a dedicated dumping facility or throw the whole thing away into a trash can. 'It's not the end of the world, but when we have multiple people that do that, it can slow down the line.' One easy way to prevent this, according to Velez, is to start with a totally empty bag before you start packing—that way, you know exactly what's going into your bag: 'You never know what you had in there from a previous trip, and you could have had something in there that isn't allowed into the cabin of an aircraft." If you're trying to avoid paying extra for airport water bottles, I recommend bringing along a foldable, refillable water bottle and filling it up at a water fountain instead. This $24 TakeToday water bottle is leakproof, lightweight, and rolls up, taking up less space in your carry-on. Another common mistake TSA employees see at security checkpoints is toiletries that exceed the TSA's 3-1-1 rule regarding liquids. Toiletries and cosmetic products that exceed 3.4 ounces are subject to removal, meaning you may be asked to toss out your luxe night cream or pricey hair serum if the container is too large. 'If you're going to put [toiletries] in your carry-on bag," Velez explained, "make sure it's travel-sized." Can't find a travel-sized version of your favorite shampoo or body wash? Pick up a refillable toiletry set: This $8 Morphine bottle set includes four TSA-sized silicone bottles, product labels, and a clear zippered carrying case for easy packing. While there's no specific rule regarding what kind of shoes you can wear to the airport, some styles—like laced sneakers or hiking boots—can be a pain to take off and put back on, extending your time at security. And while some airports no longer require you to remove them, others still abide by the shoes rule, and will not let you through until you take them off. 'If you want to make it easier for yourself, easy slip-on shoes are good,' Velez suggested. These lightweight Skechers Go Walk Joy slip-on sneakers have a stretchy, breathable mesh upper and are completely laceless, allowing you to take them on and off in a flash. Nobody wants their backpack or carry-on suitcase to be stolen or rifled through by thieves. But if you're looking for a way to keep your belongings protected, according to the TSA website, you should only use TSA-approved locks on your luggage. These locks, unlike other locks and padlocks, can be opened with 'master keys' that TSA employees have access to. This prevents TSA employees from having to cut or saw your lock off, should your bag be selected for in-depth screening, and this process could delay you from getting to your gate more quickly. This two-pack of Sure Lock luggage locks will keep your valuables safe and secure while still being TSA-friendly. Over 12,000 Amazon shoppers have given these locks a perfect five-star rating, with one reviewer noting that they're 'easy to operate' and have a pop-up indicator that shows you if a TSA official opened your lock to look through your checked luggage. According to Velez, it all depends on the airport you're traveling in. He explains that some TSA checkpoints at larger airports are currently being equipped with new Computed Tomography X-ray scanners; at these checkpoints, you soon will be able to leave everything in your bag, including laptops. But with older scanners, you will have to remove them and place them in a separate bin. 'We have more than 430 federalized airports across the country," Velex explained, "and not all of them are equipped with the same technology." In the event your airport does require you to take out your laptop, keeping it in a separate padded laptop sleeve will help prevent damage and make it easier to remove from your carry-on. This Mosis padded laptop sleeve, $22, comes with a separate zippered carrying case that can hold your charging cables and accessories, like USB flash drives or external hard drives. Just like footwear, TSA doesn't have specific rules regarding what you can or cannot wear to the airport. 'Clothing really isn't a big deal,' Velez said—with a caveat. 'If you don't have TSA Pre-check, and you're going through with a light jacket, you'll have to remove that.' If you want to get through TSA as quickly as possible, but are usually cold on flights, try keeping your jacket packed in your carry-on and wearing an outfit that's warm and comfortable on its own. This two-piece, long-sleeved matching set from Anrabess is made with a cozy fabric that's 'lightweight but warm,' making it 'absolutely perfect for travel.' Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Axios
07-05-2025
- Axios
Virginians might face TSA delays without Real ID or passport
Roughly 40% of Virginians didn't have a valid passport as of fiscal year 2024, per estimates from the Center for American Progress, a think tank. Why it matters: Starting Wednesday, a passport will be the only alternative for a Real ID when flying domestically — though people without either will still be allowed to fly. Catch up quick: Congress passed the Real ID Act back in 2005, but the federal deadline for actually requiring compliant ID cards has been repeatedly delayed until now. And more than 40% of Virginians with an active license or ID haven't gotten one yet. Threat level: If you're planning to fly soon without a Real ID or U.S. passport, Richmond airport spokesperson Troy Bell tells us you should "allow extra time for TSA security screening." TSA spokesperson Daniel Velez told Axios passengers without an acceptable form of ID should arrive "up to an hour earlier than their normal time." Velez said TSA might "direct them into another area." The agency might also ask for additional information to confirm your identity, like name and current address. Fun fact: While our Real ID compliant rate is lower than D.C. and Maryland, Virginia has the highest percentage of citizens with passports in the South and most of the U.S.
Axios
06-05-2025
- Axios
What happens if you travel without a Real ID
Wednesday, May 7 is the first day a Real ID compliant license — or another acceptable document — is needed to board a commercial aircraft in the U.S. Why it matters: If you aren't Real ID compliant, you may experience longer wait times at the airport, Transportation Security Administration spokesperson Daniel Velez tells Axios. What to expect: If you show up at a TSA checkpoint without a Real ID, you may have to undergo additional screening. This can range from answering questions to confirm your identity to a personal search, Velez says. "The good news is that 81% of passengers already use their Real ID or another acceptable form, so we do not expect there to be any inconveniences or wait times at all," Velez says. Context: You don't need a Real ID to drive, vote, or for federal benefits, like Social Security, participate in a federal jury, testify in federal court, or access a hospital. Rather, a Real ID is helpful if you frequently fly commercial, visit nuclear sites, military bases and certain federal facilities, North Carolina DMV spokesperson Marty Homan tells Axios. Between the lines: Real IDs are typically marked with a star in the upper right corner, though the specific design may vary by state. By the numbers: Roughly 300,000 Real IDs were issued to North Carolinians between January and April of this year by the NCDMV, per Homan. 4.5 million people, or about 52% of residents, have Real IDs in North Carolina and 4.1 million don't. The big picture: North Carolina DMVs are slammed as people scramble to renew their licenses ahead of the deadline. If you aren't flying domestically any time soon, you don't need to rush to the DMV, Hamon says. NCDMV is encouraging people with a passport or military ID to wait to get their Real ID, so people without those forms of ID can get a Real ID.
Fox News
06-05-2025
- Fox News
REAL ID documents held up in mail according to Americans who enrolled before deadline
The countdown is on. In just one day, Americans will no longer be able to travel with a standard driver's license as their ID. Instead, they will need a REAL ID, with a gold star showing in the upper right-hand corner. Travelers will need to show their REAL ID or other forms of acceptable identification on domestic flights starting Wednesday, May 7. The deadline has sparked panic among many Americans who have been rushing to obtain the new identification before their travels, with some still waiting to receive their REAL IDs in the mail. Flyers who enrolled for a REAL ID will receive the identification via mail with the times varying by state. The New York DMV said after passengers apply, they will receive a temporary document and "it takes about 2 weeks for your new Enhanced and REAL ID document to arrive in the mail." In California, meanwhile, according to their DMV, "it typically takes 2 to 4 weeks to receive a physical REAL ID card in the mail after applying." In the state of Michigan, the identification should arrive in the mail within two to three weeks, according to its DMV site. Pennsylvania, for its part, said it will mail out a REAL ID within 15 business days if a person enrolls at a DMV; but if a traveler visits a PennDOT REAL ID Center, the person can "be verified in real time, and your REAL ID will be issued [the] same day." Daniel Velez, a spokesperson for TSA New England, shared advice with Fox News Digital about what passengers should do if they're still waiting for their REAL IDs. "Passengers who present a non-compliant state ID along with a state letter or receipt will still be subject to additional screening but should be able to proceed faster than those who only present a state letter or receipt," said Velez. He added, "We strongly suggest (even if you have a receipt/letter from the DMV) that passengers bring another form of an acceptable ID such as a U.S. passport in order to proceed through security faster." Velez said that if passengers do not have any acceptable ID, TSA "strongly suggest[s] they arrive to the airport 3 hours prior to their departure time." "I tried calling, can't reach a person." Other forms of identification that will be accepted in lieu of a REAL ID include a valid U.S. passport or passport card; DHS trusted traveler cards such as Global Entry; Department of Defense IDs; permanent resident cards; and border crossing cards. In the "r/AskChicago" forum on Reddit, one person posted a note with the headline, "What to do if REAL ID is lost in mail." The person wrote, "I went in to get my REAL ID driver's license on April 7, and the tracker on the secretary of state's website says it was mailed out on the 15th, but I still haven't received it. I tried calling, can't reach a person. I tried filling out their online form a few days ago and haven't gotten any sort of response." The user asked, "I'm wondering if it's taken anyone else this long to get their ID." Redditors took to the comments section to share their thoughts on the matter. "It happened to me once. Waited for over a month and nothing showed up in my mail. Went to secretary of state and applied for another replacement, paid the fee," commented a Redditor. One user said, "Went in for a corrected license on the 16th and just got it today. I noticed mail is running really slow lately." Another person posted in the "r/Charlotte" forum, asking, "Should I be concerned I have yet to receive my REAL ID in the mail? It's been a month." "I went on April 2nd. I have the temporary one they printed at the DMV, but I was just wondering how long it's taken others to get theirs in the mail before I spend a lot of time making calls trying to track it down," the person wrote. Another user commented, "I still can't believe the deadline is really here after what feels like a decade of talks, lol." "I would be concerned." Said still another person, "You have a lot more faith in the DMV and USPS to be fast than I do." One Redditor said, "Thousands of people are going each day. I'm guessing they're just overloaded, tbh. I decided to just use my passport until it dies down. Chaos out there." "I mean, I expected it to take longer because they are getting slammed now, but I'm a little concerned," commented one person. Another user added, "I went late last month and got my REAL ID in less than 2 weeks in the mail. My wife went earlier this month and got hers quickly also. So I would be concerned."
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Yahoo
Airport security problems persist with New Hampshire's new licenses, officials say
Just days before airport security checkpoints will require Real IDs or passports for anyone 18 or older flying in the U.S., New Hampshire's new driver's licenses are giving Transportation Security Administration scanners fits, safety officials said Friday. Although the problems with the TSA's ability to process the IDs were known soon after the state rolled out the new licenses in January, the Division of Motor Vehicles continued with a big push this year to get federally compliant Real IDs in the hands of as many residents as possible. Approximately 65% of all state ID holders have Real IDs, and the DMV expected that number to rise before the May 7 deadline. Recently, residents have jammed DMV offices, three of which will be open an extra day this Saturday just for folks to get a Real ID. Although it takes up to 60 days for the cards to get to residents through the mail, officials said. If you have the older New Hampshire license or non-driver card that is already Real ID-compliant, you're fine. If the hiccups with scanning the new IDs continue, travelers should consider carrying extra identification, such as a passport or birth certificate, to avoid lengthy delays. Still, the manual verification process can take up to 40 minutes and travelers could miss their flights if they don't show up early enough, officials said. 'TSA has alternate measures in place for situations where the credential authentication technology system is unable to validate an ID as well as the ability to verify the identity of those passengers who do not have their ID,' TSA New England Region spokesperson Daniel Velez said. DMV Director John Marasco said the state has been working with its vendor and the TSA to resolve the problems. Last month, Marasco said the kinks were all but worked out, but residents and security officials have seen lingering difficulties. 'Everyone who has received the new design should rest assured that their identification is valid, REAL ID-compliant, and was thoroughly reviewed and approved by a variety of stakeholders, including the Department of Homeland Security, before it was finalized and went into production,' he said. In a written statement, DMV officials said they contacted the company that produced the new ID cards and they confirmed the issue was the TSA's system, not the licenses. TSA officials told the DMV that the new design will soon be fully integrated into its system nationwide. For more information about Real IDs and how to verify your identity at a TSA security checkpoint, visit dpierce@
