12 TSA Agent Tips for Making Connecting Flights

When you’re trying to catch a connecting flight, every second counts. Some connecting flights are easier than others, but making a domestic connection after flying from an international destination is not one of them. That’s because when you’re flying from an international airport to a major US airport hub, you’ll need to clear customs and then the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) line.One more time. Add in the variables beyond your control of flight delays and baggage retrieval, and suddenly, being on time for your connecting flights becomes an Olympic sport.

In this case, travelers need to master the variables Things they have control over, like saving as much time as possible when going through security rechecks, and cutting holes for snacks. Below, TSA experts who have caused countless panicked passengers to miss their flights due to time-wasting mistakes share the most common connection blunders they’ve seen on the job—plus, how to avoid those slips like a pro.

The best time-saving travel accessories

Mistake: Not paying attention to gate changes

Solution: Keep your phone charged

Anker 621 Magnetic Portable Charger

Caleb Harmon Marshall, a former TSA agent and current Travel Newsletter founder, noticed during his tenure that the most common mistakes passengers made were not paying attention to gate change warnings. For example, Harmon-Marshall says, Orlando International Airport (MCO) has multiple terminals that are only accessible one way. “Many passengers first get a boarding pass attached to them when they check in their luggage at the airport of departure, and rely entirely on the pass saying it’s their connecting departure gate. But that can change,” he explains.

For this reason, he always recommends using digital boarding passes, which are frequently updated by the airline. To use them, you’ll need to make sure your phone is charged. Keep a wireless, portable charger in your carry-on to ensure you always have access to a digital pass and to ensure you arrive at the latest gate.

Error: Accidentally exiting security

Solution: Pack essentials like snacks

Sallyware stackable food storage containers

Another easy mistake travelers make when trying to catch a connecting flight is inadvertently exiting the secure terminal area. This mustop will require you to go through security once again, And depending on the airport, you may have to travel a decent distance before returning to the departure area.

“People who have had long-term allergies tend to make this mistake when looking for food options,” Harmon-Marshall says. For this reason, it’s best to pack your non-perishable snacks, such as beef jerky, nuts, trail mix, and dried fruit, in organized snack containers. This way, you’ll be on the move and able to get to your gate more quickly.

Mistake: Packing large toilets

Solution: Buy a set of travel-sized bottles

Chiodin Travel Toiletry Bottle Set

Despite being a rule for nearly two decades, “mass toilets are still commonly found at checkpoints,” says a TSA spokesperson. Liquids, gels and aerosols are limited to 3.4 ounces or less in carry-on bags. Instead of playing the guessing game with what toilet you have, they recommend traveling with refillable, 3-ounce containers. This will ensure that your toilet is properly proportioned every time, so you won’t be involved in security.

Mistake: Bringing drinks through security

Solution: Pack a clean, reusable water bottle

Bottle of clean water to the Yeti

The TSA recommends packing a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated during travel, especially to hot-weather destinations. But their spokesmen stress the importance of clearing the security checkpoint completely before entering it. Even a little left-wing fluid can cause you to move to the back of the line.

To be 100 percent certain your bottle is completely empty (and won’t cause you to be late), buy a transparent water bottle, like one from Yeti.

Error: Confusion around checked bags

Solution: Travel just travel

Simsnite Freeform Hardside Carry On

We understand that the lifestyle alone isn’t for everyone, but when you consider how much time it can save you on a connecting flight, you might be tempted to try it for yourself. Whether domestically or after an international flight, “many travelers are confused about when they have to collect their luggage and when they don’t,” says Harmon-Marshall. This often results in them leaving the competition at baggage claim, only to find that their baggage was delivered to their next destination.

Instead of worrying about whether your bag will be moved, or accidentally exit the secure side of the airport and then have to check in again, try traveling with only carry-on luggage on your next trip. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much time this will save you.

Error: Incorrectly loaded goods

The solution: duty-free travel sleeves

Quidia reusable wine bag for travel

“Coming back from an international destination with improperly packed duty-free luggage is a big thing that really annoys travelers,” says Harmon Marshall, because that mistake can cost you a lot of time—and, potentially, your new purchases. If you’re traveling from another country and need to board a connecting flight to your final destination, you’ll need to go through TSA again before taking off.

If you have purchased duty-free spirits or liquids (such as perfume) that are more than 3.4 ounces, you will not be able to pack them in your carry-on. If you’re a notorious duty-free shopper, planning to pack them in your checked luggage, pack some bubble wrap sleeves designed for glass bottles ahead of time. When you pick up your luggage, pop the bottles into these sleeves and put them back in your checked luggage before going through TSA again. This hack will make it easier for the TSA to screen your bag, saving you valuable time at security.

Mistake: Carrying bare travel documents

Solution: Using an actionable, organized holder

Alive Air Tag Passport Holder

The TSA recommends using a travel case to keep important documents in one place and ready when needed. “Once the IDs have been inspected, put them back in (their) holder for safekeeping,” says a spokesperson. That way, you’ll always know where they are, saving you from rummaging through your bag at security or on the plane.

Pro tip: Use one with a built-in air tag holder like this option from Alevi. This will ensure that you can track it down, should you lose it during your trip.

Mistake: Forgetting items in your pocket

Solution: Use a personal item bag with pockets

Bagsmart Weekender Duffel Bag

It’s easy to forget that your phone, boarding pass, keys, or wallet are in your pocket when you go through security. But this honest slip can set you back a few minutes, as you’ll have to walk around to the bin area and place your stuff on the scanner belt.

When that happens, travelers often make it Another one A common mistake is to store these items in a separate container from the one they used for their belongings. Cut your losses and get a carry-on bag with an easily accessible front pocket, like this $30 option from BagSmart. TSA advises that you can slide your luggage into it immediately after showing your boarding pass.

Mistake: Using unlabeled pill holders for prescriptions

Solution: Making it easier to check your medications

BagSmart TSA Approved Clear Organizer 2 Pack

“Medicines in pill, liquid or other solid form are permitted, but must undergo security screening,” says an official TSA spokesperson. When you’re running to catch a connecting flight, you won’t have to worry about security pulling you aside for off-label prescriptions. Instead, keep your prescriptions in their original bottle, if possible, and keep them in a clear, easy-to-open container. Alternatively, you can use a compact pill organizer with labels – just make sure you can quickly pull out your prescription if needed.

Mistake: Wearing laced shoes

Solution: Play some slip-ons

Conhill Women’s Slip-On Shoes

It is true that the TSA has largely phased out the ‘shoes off’ rule for security checkpoints. But this rule isn’t enforced at every airport, and even if you have TSA Pre-Check, you may still be asked to disembark from them, depending on how big they are.

“Shoes or those that lace your calf will slow you down,” says a TSA spokesperson. So, wear “shoes that are easy to take off and put back on” like loafers, clogs or slip-on shoes, like these comfortable, breathable shoes from Conhill, above, above. “And do yourself a favor,” he added: “Wear socks!”

Mistake: Using metal pet leashes

Solution: Buying a metal-free option

TSA Fastpass Metal Free Leash Control

The TSA advises that when bringing pets through a metal detector, leashes with any metal on them need to be removed. If you forget to take it off, you’ll have to go back to the start of the line or go through additional screening. Purchasing a metal-free travel leash will help you maintain control of your pet while running through a metal detector without worrying about setting it off or misleading Fido, causing even more. big delay.

Error: Using unapproved equipment locks

Solution: Shop for TSA-friendly options

Securely lock TSA luggage locks

While scanners typically enable officers to electronically screen a bag without opening it, he advises that there are some instances that require them to physically inspect a piece of luggage. So, if you’re the type of traveler who likes to invest in security precautions for your luggage, you’ll want to make sure the luggage you use is TSA-approved. If not, the officers will be unable to open it with their universal master keys, and therefore, they will have to cut your lock to get inside.

This can ruin your zippers (PSST: TSA cannot be held responsible for such damage) and eat up a lot of time, causing you to miss your connecting flight. Another reason to use a TSA-approved lock? They have the right size dimensions to ensure they won’t get snagged in an airport conveyor belt. A lock that’s too big can jam the belt, causing major delays, or worse, a damaged suitcase.

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