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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.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
REAL IDs now being implemented in airports
SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Airports across the country began enforcing the use of REAL IDs on Wednesday. Travelers coming into Tri-Cities Airport said everything with their REAL ID has gone smoothly. 'I had to go through with my husband. He just recently got his, and it was just smooth sailing,' said a traveler. 'You just stick it in the machine, and it scans it, that's it,' said another traveler. According to TSA, the same can be said across the country. News Channel 11 spoke on the phone with TSA spokesperson Mark Howell. He said there has been a low number of noncompliant IDs nationwide. Another TSA spokesperson, Lisa Farbstein, said in a statement that wait times have not been affected by the REAL ID implementation. Those who do not have a REAL ID or another form of acceptable identification were given a warning and went through additional screening. County clerks issuing Tennessee REAL ID's Those who did have a REAL ID alternative say they had no trouble as well. 'I just applied for my REAL ID on Monday, it's in the mail now,' said a traveler without a REAL ID. 'I had to use my TWIC card for ID. It was pretty smooth. It wasn't hard or long at all.' Those who do not have a REAL ID still need an alternative form of identification and may have to go through additional screening at the airport. According to the TSA website, other acceptable IDs include a passport, permanent resident card, or a DHS Trusted Traveler Card. Some travelers also said they saw workers helping those who were not sure about their ID in the TSA line. 'There were a lot of new people that I saw at the airport that I don't normally see, and they were helping people kind of get through that whole line and everything.' 'I did see some people who might have had some difficulties and, you know, they were taking them aside and helping them through the process. Whatever additional steps they said might be happening, they put that all together and everything really went smoothly.' TSA is still encouraging those without a REAL ID to get one, especially if they plan to travel during the summer. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Real-ID enforcement begins: What travelers need to know
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — As of May 7, travelers flying domestically in the U.S. must present a REAL ID-compliant form of identification at airport security checkpoints or expect to go through additional security measures. If you've renewed your driver's license in recent years, you may have noticed a small star in the upper corner. That star indicates that your license is REAL ID compliant, meeting the federal requirements established by the REAL ID Act. 'I've not had the chance or the time to go get it,' said Osa Okoh, a traveler at Reagan National Airport (DCA) on Wednesday morning. 'But it's something that's required, so I'm eventually going to get it.' REAL ID: What is it, how to get one in DC, Maryland, Virginia Okoh, like many others, did not have a star on his ID as of May 7, but he was able to use an alternative form of identification to get through security. 'I always travel with my passport. I just put it in and I hop on the plane and I go,' he said. The REAL ID Act was passed in 2005 after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, requiring states to enhance the security of state-issued IDs and licenses. It was expected to go into effect in 2008 but faced multiple delays due to state implementation challenges. Now, as of Wednesday, it is being fully enforced for domestic flights nationwide. 'The critical point is we want to know who's boarding the flights, we want to know that you are who you say you are,' said Lisa Farbstein, spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). TSA officers will inform travelers without a valid ID that they are non-compliant. Those individuals may be pulled aside for additional screening, including physical screening. Frontier announces new route at Baltimore-Washington International Airport to Chicago If you don't have a REAL-ID, according to the TSA website, travelers are able to use the following acceptable forms of ID: A valid passport or passport card A Department of Defense military ID A Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) A foreign government-issued passport Permanent resident card Border crossing card An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETCs) HSPD-12 PIV card Foreign government-issued passport Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766) U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) Travelers from Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont and Washington may have enhanced driver's licenses marked with a U.S. flag. These are primarily for car or foot travel between the U.S. and neighboring countries, like Canada and Mexico, but they are not valid for air travel unless they also include the REAL ID star. You can check your local DMV website to learn what documents are required to obtain a REAL-ID and make an appointment. 'There's still plenty of time for you to get that REAL ID or search your house for a possible acceptable alternative. We do not expect this to impact wait times at checkpoints nationwide,' said Farbstein. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live.
CBS News
07-05-2025
- CBS News
Here's what Pennsylvania residents need to know ahead of Wednesday's Real ID deadline
Real ID enforcement starts Wednesday. Here's what you need to know. Real ID enforcement starts Wednesday. Here's what you need to know. Real ID enforcement starts Wednesday. Here's what you need to know. Wednesday, May 7, will be the first day the Transportation Security Administration will require the use of Real IDs or other acceptable forms to get on planes. What's being told to travelers right now is they won't be turned away from a TSA checkpoint if they don't have a Real ID, but travelers should plan for a little bit of extra time during this transitional period. Why do I need a Real ID? Travelers will need a Real ID or another acceptable alternative approved by the Transportation Security Administration to board domestic flights and enter military installations and certain federal facilities. Real ID in Pennsylvania Pittsburgh International Airport says its crews are prepared for Wednesday "We want to make sure people are in the correct lines. We want to make sure people are aware of what they need to have, what IDs they need to have," said Bob Kerlik, the director of public affairs for the Allegheny County Airport Authority. According to the TSA, 81% of people in recent weeks have had their Real ID or an acceptable form of ID at checkpoints. They are hoping not to have many delays for travelers with the law going into effect. "We really don't expect there to be too many inconveniences at the checkpoint for the most part," TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein said. What if I don't have a Real ID in Pennsylvania? If you don't have any accepted ID, you will still get through for the time being, but you may be subject to more screening and will be told your ID is not compliant. It is recommended that travelers give themselves an extra 15 to 30 minutes more than they normally budget for getting to their gate. Pittsburgh International Airport plans to have people out to remind people about the change. "There will be a lot of folks who are maybe unsure as to what they need to do when they go through that, so we want to make sure everybody's aware and people are arriving at the airport with plenty of time," Kerlick said. There's no timeline yet on when this grace period will end.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Yahoo
Considering Enhanced ID over REAL ID? It may give more travel options
NEW YORK (PIX11) – With less than 24 hours until REAL ID enforcement begins for domestic air travel, some may wonder if it's worth getting the Enhanced ID instead. Similar to REAL ID, Enhanced ID can be used for domestic travel however, it can also be used if travelers are returning from places like Canada, Mexico and some Caribbean countries. More Local News With more travel flexibility, comes a slightly higher cost for the Enhanced ID. To upgrade, residents will have to pay $30 on top of regular transaction fees. REAL ID on the other hand has no additional cost aside from regular transaction fees. Whether travelers decide to get a REAL ID or an Enhanced ID, they can rest assured that both are compliant with the new federal guidelines. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State Starting Wednesday travelers heading to any airport in the United States will need either a REAL ID, Enhanced ID, or a passport or risk 'delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint,' warns TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein. Dominique Jack is a digital content producer from Brooklyn with more than five years of experience covering news. She joined PIX11 in 2024. More of her work can be found here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
