Do NOT Wear This in Airport Security (TSA Line Tips) 

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Until COVID, I was flying a lot. Most embarassing TSA was when, as an older female with medications, I was using thick adult "diapers". A male TSA worker yelled out "what's in your crotch?" I nearly fainted; he yells to another guy "Come look at this" and there I stood, crying. Finally I said "Tell the world! Yes- it's a diaper". Get a female worker over here, now". A family with gawking teen boys was behind me, laughing. I turned around and said "Everybody come and have a look. Make fun of me. I don't give a damn any more." Yes, I was crying. Sorry. Little did I know that the captain for my flight witnessed this event. Later, at the gate, the agent said I had been re-assigned a seat; she handed me a first-class pass. She had also seen me sitting miserably prior to boarding. (I might add that I travel well-dressed, nicely put-together, and am always pleasant.) She told me the captain said if they had laughed and humiliated his mother, he would have been upset too.

I can attest to the need for a zippered personal item bag as my open bag got knocked over under the seat and when we landed in Germany and I got to the customs window, my passport was missing! It had fallen out under the seat in front of me and fortunately my tears and insistence that I knew exactly where it could be found, was enough to convince the customs officer to escort me back to the plane and he convinced the flight attendant to go to my row and yes, she found my passport there...whew!

I remember the days when flying was really a nice experience! People actually dressed up, it was actually a pleasant experience. It was something special!! now it’s a stressful nightmare!!! Some people surly have just rolled out of bed to show up!! It’s nothing like it used to be!! Herd them in, herd them out!! 😂😂

I have told my husband that as long as we remain flexible, we can travel….because something (anything) can go wrong. Be kind, be flexible and get to the airport early is the best advice ever!

I fly a lot. My biggest recommendation is be polite. I've had TSA snap at me and my polite, compliant response has always resulted in them calming down and working with me.

I wear old or mismatched socks to the airport. After I go through security I change my socks and throw the old ones out. I hate the idea of picking up all of that airport dirt with me. I pack an odd pair for the return trip.

I am a retired TSA Supervisor here in Las Vegas. You posted many helpful tips for getting through security. As for rude screeners, I have counseled more than one screener for not being as customer friendly as they could have been. Remember, for some of these people this is the first time they have ever been in a position of authority. And yes, it sometimes goes to their head.

When my husband and I travel together, we each have a carryon, personal item, shoes, jackets for the grey bins, etc. We have found it helpful to count our bags and gray bins as we put them on the conveyer belt. Then we count when we get through to make sure we didn't forget anything.

Love this video! You really covered it all. My boyfriend works as an airport security screener in Canada and he agrees. Especially important is, arrive a lot earlier than you need to. As he says, "Be one of the first ones through. Then you're laughing: you can go have a meal, walk around, there's no lineup and no stress that you might not make your flight."

My tip is to not wear a bodysuit through security. I wore one recently that was a tank top with two small snaps at the bottom. It set off the alarm and the TSA agent needed to wand me between my legs. Definitely won’t make that mistake again. So embarrassing. Love your content! ❤

My husband is a cranky flyer and he hates all the rules that must be followed just to be screened. We do have TSA PreCheck but sometimes things happen. So now we have a new 'procedure" to get through quicker with less hassles. He has to give me all of his 'stuff': watch, wallet, belt, coins, pens, etc and shove them in my purse right after they check our id. He's less grumpy and I'm less frazzled by his complaining!

My go-to travel outfit is leggings, a tshirt, zip up hoodie and tennis shoes. I throw that hoodie in the bin on top of my shoes. My sleeves don't get wet and my pants don't cause any alarms. I agree with your point: listen to the TSA person who is screaming out directions in line. And yes, they are often screaming! But, the info is pertinent to that airport and your security line. It doesnt matter what they did in XYZ airport.

A couple things to add are: 1. When you mentioned about the zippers on the tote bags, another reason for that is that while others can take things from your bag, they can also drop something in the bag like small plastic bags of bc drugs, 2. The bottle rule DOES NOT apply to empty bottles. I was flying through the PNW part of the US and had a glass bottle I had made while on vacation. I had it confiscated by TSA under that rule even though it was empty. When I contacted the TSA after getting home, I was told that since the bottle was empty the officer had no right to confiscate it for any reason. I suspect the officer just liked the bottle and wanted it for themselves

This was a great video, but you left out a major DO NOT WEAR THROUGH SECURITY clothing item: Underwire bras! I haven’t flown in an underwire bra for at least 15 years because I’d get pulled out to be wanded every single time. EVERY SINGLE TIME! Now I fly in a leisure bra.

As always, thanks for the awesome tips, Laurie! Stayed in hotel this weekend for a football trip. My husband walked in & asked how in world I thought to use hotel hanger to clip curtains to keep light out. I simply replied, “My friend, Laurie”!

My favorite packing tips: Do not fold. Roll all clothes and blankets into tight tubes. This helps avoid wrinkles and lines, and takes up less space. Think of packing like a game of Tetris, try to fit things together in a way that saves space. This can leave room for snacks and drinks purchased at the airport, and for souvenir shopping. 😊

Thanks, Laurie. I am morbidly obese. When I travel, I always make certain I have shoes that easily slide on and off. Mules are perfect for this. Additionally, I wear pants with elastic waists to avoid zippers and anything metallic. Same with my shirts. No buttons, snaps, metallic designs, etc. just a nice pull-on shirt. But 99% of the time, I get flagged by TSA. A retired TSA agent friend told me I get flagged because of my weight because, and I’m sorry to be so blunt, my fat rolls. The whole fear that someone might be hiding something in a fat roll. I want to be fair, and I want to be safe, and I want others to be safe. But this is so discriminatory. And it’s always so embarrassing. But I am writing this comment because it is a harsh reality. I’ve sat at my home airport and watched TSA flag every obese person like me coming through in a 45 minute period. Every single one. And I live in a state where there is an obesity crisis, so that was a lot of people. Interestingly enough, in May 2022 my sister and I flew together. She is normal size. She had forgotten she had a 4.5 inch blade pocket knife that belonged to her grandson in her purse. She made it through TSA with no problem. I got patted down. She didn’t realize she even had the pocket knife until we got to the hotel at our destination and she was looking for something in her purse and saw it. And we both marveled how she cleared TSA at our home airport and yet I got patted down again. I learned a hard TSA lesson years prior when I made a warning comment in line to my sister that I always get flagged. This was before I walked through the scanner. The TSA agent heard it, and even though my comment was not mean-spirited or snarky, I got the full wipe down, swipe my hands, etc treatment. I was held an extra 15 minutes. More frustrating was that I wasn’t even traveling. I was accompanying my nephew to the gate to sit with him before he flew back to Afghanistan. He had been home on his mid-tour leave. You better believe I now keep my mouth shut even if it’s just casual conversation. I feel I’m already a huge target solely because of my weight. And the worst airport is my home airport. I have only experienced this at one other airport (New Orleans). Out of years of flying, that’s the only other airport I’ve experienced it at except for my home airport. So heads up to any new flyers who might be morbidly obese. If you’ve done everything right, and you’re still getting flagged down, just do as Laurie says. Be respectful. No matter how rough they’re handling you or how gruff they are. I always tell them thank you for doing their job and keeping us safe. Sometimes I get a positive response to that. Sometimes not. But I say that sincerely because it is TSA’s job to keep us safe, and I appreciate it. But seriously, they could lighten up on us obese people (no pun intended).

my travel tip is after going through security, I pick up my gray bin(and bag) and walk to a bench. i can then take my time placing items back into pockets, tie my shoes, and breath before walking to my gate. it just takes a few steps to return the gray bin back to the stack. thank you. i have enjoyed AND used many of your tips for a few years now.

Also remember that when the TSA agents are rude or degrading you need to send a complaint email to both TSA and your representative. Only when e eryone voices their anger will things change.

I have found your travel tips Laurie to be so valuable!!! Many have saved me at various airports over the years!! Thank You!! One thing I do is put all my jewelry that I want to wear on travel day in a small bag and put into my personal bag before I leave home. After going through TSA security, I can then put them all on. So easy to do!!!

As a caregiver for an older parent, I-can share Another thing people may have an issue with . Incontinence products. They are bulky and triggers tsa to take a closer check. If possible wear a lighter product through TSA and then go to the closest restroom to use -put on -the heavier product before boarding.

When flying to Israel a few years ago, I did not set off an alarm but had to be interviewed at Heathrow after coming from US. They ask all kinds of stuff “How did I get to the airport?” “Where was I staying?” “How was I getting to the hotel from the airport?” They asked pretty rapidly, repeated some things, misstated my previous answers. I just stayed calm, even though it was rather daunting.

I don’t know if this has happened to others, but I’ve had TSA pull me aside to check the bottom of my jeans because I had cuffs. This happened at least twice- so now I wear straight legged pants or capris. Thanks for all your tips, Laurie.

Be patient with other travelers, you don't know why they're traveling. They may have losted a loved one. Also, if you see someone struggling with what to do, ask them if they need help.

Another pilot wife here and still get extremely nervous when traveling. We’re from South Africa, but my husband now flies for Fiji Airlines (after a 20 year career with South African Airlines). My son (10) and I will be flying to Fiji for a visit for the first time next week. Flying from Cape Town to Doha (10 hours) then to Auckland NZ (16 hours) and finally on to Fiji (3 hours). I’m not even mentioning the layovers… I need your prayers! 😅 Your videos have been tremendously helpful in calming my nerves and helping me to get organized - THANK YOU! Any extra tips (from anyone) on how to survive such a long travel time or info on the TSA’s in above mentioned airports + Melbourne (on the way back) will be greatly appreciated!!

Great tips. People probably know this, but in the TSA may ask people to remove multiple layers of clothing, so people should be ready to remove any sweater or overshirt. Ladies might want to ensure the t-shirt or camisole baselayer is not too embarrassing. Last time I flew, there was a lady in front of me in the TSA line got flagged and the TSA agent made her take off her cardigan sweater and a bulky flannel shirt. She had a very ill-fitting tank top underneath and was traveling with her teenage son. I could tell she was super embarrassed.

I used Laurie’s tip about TSA Cares for our trip last summer for my husband who has mobility issues. It made our TSA experience much easier. Laurie also instructed me to wear close fitting, comfortable clothing on the plane. I liked not having to worry about my clothes touching everything inch of the airplane restroom. Her tips are the best!

I am grateful for all your tips. I just got back from New Orleans and I did need mobility assistance coming back and so glad I got tsa pre-check! Game changer!!! Like my mama says, more bees with honey…respect and extra time to be at airport definitely reduces stress. My mantra for the year is “Be Kind, Do Better.” Thankful for all the workers in the airport…they really do want to help in getting me to my destination. 🙏🏽🙋🏻‍♀️👍🏽Mia

In October I’ll be traveling with my elderly MIL who has not traveled by air since well before the pandemic. Thankfully her mobility is good, but your tip to practice the TSA check at home is a winner! I think I’ll make arrangements to visit her and run thru a trial TSA line, thereby reducing her travel anxiety. So helpful, thanks much! 💕

Thank you for these great tips. I was always stopped by TSA/Customs every flight but since changing from using a black backpack and not wearing black, I have not been stopped once!

I have two knee replacements and my husband has a hip replacement. We always get winded. That’s understood. However, it is stressful to think someone could steal our anything, cash, etc. while that is happening. It is a very vulnerable situation for us.

I traveled in April with a young toddler and they allowed us to bypass the screening machine and pass through a roped area together. We did get briefly wanded. Also, American Airlines doesn't allow backless booster seats, so we stored it overhead.

Thank you for this helpful video. I love your positivity! Getting through those airport lines are stressful so why make it worse, right? Let’s be respectful and be kind no matter what. Thanks for reminding us !

The key to airplane travel is to dress simply. Take the hoodies off, the belts, avoid designer jeans, big metal bracelets and big hoop earrings. Make sure that your pockets are completely empty, not just metal but completely empty. Make sure that you don’t have oversized liquids. The limit is 3.4 ounces per bottle in 1 quart sized bag (basically a sandwich bag). TSA can make you check your toiletries or force you to abandon them if you have more than that. This is NOT just water. It’s any liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, pastes, etc…. Peanut butter, yogurt, guacamole, lotions, toothpaste, hummus, etc… over 3.4 ounces can NOT go. It doesn’t matter what you read that is allowed on some internet website. Make sure that your water bottle is empty. You can refill it at most airports with free filtered water after security. Also, TSA can not make you strip. If you don’t have clothes under your hoodie or just a bra, let them know. They should never force you to expose yourself. You might be required to do extra screening, but at least you won’t be naked in front of everyone.

Mobility assistance is essential when traveling with an elder. Even if they are fit and mobile, distance walking can be challenging. I am recovering from a fractured hip and travelled recently with my mom, 82. Mobility assistance made our trip very smooth. Thank you for the great travel tips! We used many of them preparing for our trip.

Great tips as always Laurie! Nothing worse then starting your vacation all stressed out from just trying to get to your flight.

I have been watching your channel for over a year. Thank you for all of your great tips, today's video about going through security was the best for me. We travel frequently and I feel the same way you do, pressured in the line and "what the heck have I forgotten and will set off the alarm". Love your advice about the TSA personnel, some have been so helpful and kind and then I have seen one that had a senior lady in absolute tears as she was being patted down by a male. I was so tempted to intervene but did not want to make her situation worse and also mine. Thanks Laurie for doing these most helpful tips.

You are so sweet! Thanks for all your tips. When clearing US Customs last December at Vancouver Airport (flying to Kauai) we had a snarky agent comment that we were just "shark bait". Kind of weird, but I immediately suspected he wanted to get a reaction. I just smiled and said I hoped it wouldn't happen cause it would ruin our trip. Passports handed back and nothing more was said 😋. My TSA tip is to not wear an underwire bra.

Love your channel Laurie! This happened to me by a TSA agent in Greece. When I went to pull my personal item with a trolley strap off my suitcase, he said, “NO!” He picked up my suitcase with the personal item still over the luggage handle and laid it down on the security screening belt. I was like ok. It went though without a problem. I decided to try to same thing when I went I arrived in ATL. I picked up the suitcase with the personal item still attached and out it on the TSA belt and it went through without an issue. I was amazed and talk about a time saver! If your personal item has a trolley sleeve, leave it attached to your suitcase and put it on the security belt. Once through the screening, you pick up both pieces at once. I’ve been doing it ever since without a problem.

Recently saw a news report of TSA agents allegedly stealing money and items from the TSA line in the Miami airport. Take care to make all of your items very secure. A purse probably needs to be put in your carry on before putting through to be scanned. The temptation is probably fierce in this field.

My Travel outfit is always slip on shoes with no metal on them, elastic waist pants (leggings or sports pants) and a tunic knit top. I wear a sports bra because I once saw someone’s bra set off the whistles. Elastic and knits! Any jewelry I want to wear is in the pocket of my personal item. I can dress up after security. I also keep the hair simple. No metal items holding my hair in place. It is such a fun feeling to hop right through the line with confidence. The only time I had a problem was when I had a Kleenex stuffed in a pocket. Of all things, a Kleenex. There are enough knit outfits that look classy without looking like pajamas. I always tuck my coat into my carry-on or even checked luggage since I won’t need it until my destination. If it is colder weather I wear a knit jacket or cardigan over my tunic. Just make sure it has no zippers or metal buttons. I really keep the outfit simple as I will change at my destination anyway.

A little tip about laces, you can use bungee laces that turn your shoes into slip ons and are very easy as the laces stretch😊

I Always find your videos helpful. Regarding order of carryon and personal item - I put carryon on the conveyor first as I want to watch my personal item as much as possible. In the past sometimes the personal item would go through before I could get screened myself. I want to be there when it comes through. Maybe this is a little paranoid but that’s me. Also at 75 years of age you are not required to remove your shoes (at least not in the USA). We will not say how I know this 😊

I went to an Alaskan Airlines left on board sale. You absolutely would not believe how much stuff falls out of purses and pockets. I still haven’t figured out how anybody could forget a huge truck bumper!

Thanks for all of your tips! Like you suggest, I try to get to the airport in plenty of time for going through security and making my way to the gate. I'd rather wait for an hour than try to run to catch the flight. When going through security, I take off my shoes when about the fifth or so person in front of me is going through the magnetometer; I take off my sweater before getting to the bin; I try to make eye contact and have a friendly attitude toward the TSA; I don't chit-chat or distract them--let them do their job. Having all of your belongings organized and secure is key, so if you're asked to remove anything, you can do it quickly and efficiently.

Excellent! I believe it is good to have a plan when you know you’re going to be dealing with a stressful situation, and for whatever the reason, we all seem to be stressed going through TSA. I’ve had both knees replaced and have to go through the “pat down” and worry about missing/leaving something so I like the idea of placing the personal item bag first.

I got stopped by security in Albuquerque, because of my backpack. I visited a zoo while on vacay. The grounds keepers had fertilized the grass recently and I placed my backpack on the grass, and it got fertilizer residue on it. The really bad part was I was trying to keep track of my 4yr old daughter.

Not just for travel, but in general - I like using elastic shoelaces instead of regular laces, turning all my shoes into slip-ons. The elastic makes them fit snugly so they won't ever accidentally come off, but they also slip on and off very easily.

Nice to see you give tips! Love it that someone is helping the passengers instead of the mostly rude security lanes. I mean, I couldn't do that job. The first meet and greet are security. When they are rude and not helpful, it sets a passenger's mood and stress level. Duck feathers don't work for many people.

Thank you for sharing this with us. I have replacement joints, so I often get stopped, but I do my best to be respectful, it helps. I got held up for a long time, and the TSA People lost my Drivers license for a time. I had hand lotion on my hands, and their screen picked it up. They questioned me re: illegal substances. SO, NO LOTIONS.❤❤

Two weeks ago we went to Amsterdam from Houston on KLM we were told our carryon bags could not exceed a certain weight. I can’t remember what it was. We had to weigh our carry on and personal item. We were way over. I had thought I I’d all my research but somehow I missed this. It cost us $100 to check and extra bag. Coming home the weight was fine and we were on delta. Checked 2 bags that were both under weight. So I was already flustered before we even got to the tsa lines which by the way went so quickly. Thank goodness I gave ourselves over 3 hours to get through security.

I always enjoy your tips! Even if I know them it’s a great reminder! The one thing I do differently is I send my shoes or carry on bag first, personal bag in the middle then followed by my shoes or carry on. I keep my personal item in the middle so it’s usually in the X-ray when I go through and there is less of a chance it’s waiting for me unattended.

We arrived at an International Airport over three hours prior to our departure due to having to have a bag checked due to a firearm in it. When the agent gave us the our boarding pass with the gate letter and number, we went straight there, and hung out doing our thing and waiting. I looked at my watch and thought I wonder why there are no agents at this gate yet we will be boarding in a few. So we gathered up our stuff so that we would be ready to pre board. My cell phone rang it was the airline agent asking if we were still traveling to Nashville, I said yes, we are at the gate and she said what gate? I told her and she said no it's gate A something which I knew was a train ride away from us. So here is what I learned, It's nice they tell you but there was a gate change and so from now on I will every 15 min go check the board, download the airline app for any updates or changes. So please tell your audience just in case it's their first time flying and don't know that things could change if you get there too early. God bless and safe travels

I live outside of Denver and go through DIA often. My tip is apply for TSA Pre, worth every penny. Took less than 10 minutes to apply at the airport and I was approved in less than 24 hours. Next flight out I went through Pre and only 2 people in front of me with 4 open agents. No taking out liquids as long as they are not larger than a water bottle.

Thank you for this. I had this same discussion with my therapist about being afraid of doing something « wrong » in the TSA line. I always am afraid of being THE person who holds up the line. 😂

Hi Laurie, I can't thank you enough for the videos you make. I live in South East Asia and the airport security where I live is not as tight as in the US or even other parts of Asia such as Japan, Singapore, Taiwan...so your videos had helped me smoothen my travel experience. Please make more videos about tips on travelling with kids, their outfit, etc. Thank you so much!

I do a lot of humanitarian work with Charities like Doctors Without Borders and I found that ZOTE laundry detergent bar soap and a hard plastic clipboard with hot glue dots on the back make a great washboard, so I don't have to bring as many clothes. I can just wash hang out to dry over a chair or something.

☺️ Kalimera Laurie. My USA-Montreal-Greece TSA process was stress-free to & from, thanks to your videos!! Customs wasn’t an issue at all (Yay Air Canada). I can’t recall needing to take out my quartz bag of liquids. We have Pre-check but I assumed it wasn’t a special privilege outside of USA, so prepared for whatever. Tips: Place your passport in the same bag pocket at all times bcuz at the airport, it’s needed at many & different checkpoints. Less stess searching for it. Think ahead, stay calm & choose happy. Cheers!!

Thank you for sharing! I have never had an issue via TSA pre check wearing my belt and it is a heavy concealed carry belt. I usually wear tennis shoes or my slip on “hey dude” style slip ons. Best point you made was don’t over stress and work with the TSA. Minimizing “extras” is always best! It is always stressful to fly, specifically for those that do not fly often…be patient with them (especially those with very young children!). Personally, traveling as much as I do, I enjoy helping others. A simple “hello” to those in your row, a kind “nod” to fellow travelers, and thanking all staff during the process will help provide for a less stressful trip! Side note…a simple chat with your seat mate(s) goes a long way! Whether it be regarding arm rest expectations, will you likely need to get up to use the lavatory, or confirming it is ok to watch a certain genre of movie (if there are young children around you). Breaking the ice and being honest makes others more comfortable!

Thank you so much for your packing list. It’s wonderful.

I love these tips from you. I have so much anxiety when in the airport because the people working the check points have been mostly gruff. Couple that with a loud and busy environment and it’s just 👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻. I like your tip on being kind in line no matter how the tsa is speaking. I try to kill them with kindness and it never works, they never smile or lighten up, but then I laugh about it later.

Last month I flew for the first time by myself in 16 years and I was nervous. I kept it simple and had a good experience. I am flying again next month so I appreciate your tips, thank you!

Great tips Laurie. I will be on an international flight for the first time next month. I have been on several domestic flights over the years…but it’s always nice to refresh my memory for the TSA pointers.

I’ve had 2 embarrassing instances at the TSA check. One involved me removing my shirt. I was wearing a hoodie, they said it must come off even though I wasn’t wearing anything underneath. I’m a guy so it is less of a deal, but still not fun for anyone to go through. The 2nd time also involved me removing articles of clothing and remove a medical device from my arm (Continuous Glucose Monitor). I’m diabetic, this is one the ways I monitor my glucose levels. I couldn’t check my glucose levels until I got my backup manual glucomitor in my checked bag. I’m just glad they didn’t take my insulin as it was in my carryon as well.

When it comes to airports, I highly recommend arriving at larger airports, airports with many concourses and terminals, at least three hours before the BOARDING TIME. At smaller airports, I highly recommend at least two hours before boarding time of the flight. I usually remove my jewelry when I arrive at the airport and keep it in carry-on bag until I get the departure gate.

I am very careful to not wear anything that will set off the buzzer, even down to no underwires. However, the last couple of years it goes off. The reason, joint replacements. I have two and make lots of noise. It is not always what you have on but sometimes what you have built in.

My DH doesn't have precheck and I do. We went through regular security at both IAD and Heathrow - shoes stayed on, everything stayed in our carry-on bags. Only belts, hats, and jackets needed to be removed. It was magnificent!!!

So, so helpful, Laurie. Thanks!

We completed the TSA pre-check requirements and the first time my husband flew, he was "randomly" selected for a pat down. Two tsa security checks later, we discovered a box cutter that was in our son's backpack we borrowed when we unpacked at our destination. It wasn't detected either time. TSA is a joke.

I just take my time in that TSA line! What also helps me be calmer is , if possible, I have my hubby behind me so I won't be rushed because he is not a stranger. But if not, I still try to stay calm because as you said Laurie, I am never going to see those people again! Blessings!

Love your tips. Happy, safe travels to everyone

Your channel is a Godsend because I will be traveling soon for the first time in five years! Thanks so much and lots of love to you and yours!💖🙏

In my case, I was pulled out during my last travel to be searched in my private area which shocked the hell out of me. Since there was nothing changed in my private area when I flew in a week earlier, I think it was the adult diaper I was wearing

Thank you so much for all your videos. I enjoy watching them and get so much useful information! ❤

I love your videos!! They have saved and helped me so much. Thank you!!!!

Thank You again for all of your great tips! A few years ago, we took a three week trip to New Zealand. I had a couple of items that would not fit in my liquids bag. My husband, like most men, hardly had anything in his, he said to put what I needed in his bag. Worked for me! BTW, we bought a few toiletries after we arrived.

Love your tips Lauri! For me when I go through the TSA check in I put my Carry on first then my personal item and then my bin with my phone, tablet, purse etc because I have had someone take my sunglasses one time when I was stopped because they do it almost every time because of knee and back surgeries. So that way I’m able to keep my eyes on them while I’m being checked. Just a safety thing.

Great tips. Thank you so much for the enlightening viewers about these.

My husband frequently gets stopped while going through airport security because of his carry on bag made specifically for his bc vest and regulator for scuba diving. It was made size specific to meet regulations as a carry on. I’m sure it looks suspicious under x-ray because of all the tubings and gauges. We expect the delays and plan for them because this equipment is too expensive and important to be checked with regular luggage that gets tossed around and abused.

Laurie, you talk about TSA agents being rude quite often but I've never heard you talk about people being rude to the agents -- which I think can be why they are rude to people. It can put them in a bad mood -- they are only human after all. One example is, well, I should tell you I/we fly out of DCA most of the time, IAD some of the time so security is pretty serious business, has been for quite awhile and I used to travel quite often for business. In fact, I commuted from DC to NYC as my office was in the World Financial Center before 9/11. (So I'm also sensitive to people not respecting security rules.) Anyway, the couple in front of us were asked to take off their shoes -- which were flip flops. They refused. They were asked politely several times, then directed, then ordered, finally taken aside. All this time they were holding up the line. They refused because they said flip flops couldn't hide anything. Two things -- yes they can and by disrespecting the TSA officers they are undermining their authority in front of everyone else. As I stood there, literally next in line and held up by these yahoos, I politely (and trepidatiously) asked the TSA agent what would happen if they missed their flight (which they had started yelling about). He told me the airline would ask TSA whose fault it was -- had they come late or were they held up. Guess what TSA would answer in that instance? Now, my point is, what kind of mood do you think ANY of those TSA officers were going to be in after that? What would their tolerance level be for any nonsense after that? How hard is it to just take your damn flip flops off and walk through the metal detector? I always thank them for their service. They are underpaid and their job is to keep us safe. So yeah, even if they are rude to me I just figure they're having a bad day and still thank them. I think it's good that you encourage people to be patient and not react when TSA officers are rude to them, but noting that they have a difficult job with often difficult people is also true. And I have also benefited from your videos and suggestions and packing lists and travel hints!

I suffer from anxiety when traveling so I am always 3 hours early to my flight, so I don’t feel rushed. I still get anxious going through TSA but better with lots of time

Great tips, thanks Laurie. I’ve been watching your blogs since last year. Looking forward for your next video. Take care😊

I love your videos. So down to earth and honest.

Thanks to your tips, when we go thru TSA, I have my husband empty all his pockets, put it into a zippered large pouch like a pencil case and put it in the carryon before we get to the line. Passports go in there too. Saves time for us and people behind and don’t have to worry about someone randomly grabbing a wallet, phone, keys, etc. Once we clear the line and out of the way, we pull it out and he can feel “complete” again. We both have knee replacements so we know we are going to have to wait for someone to put us thru the body scanner, and be away from our belongings a little longer than others. Still goes very smoothly

Good info. Also, it’s funny you brought up the coffee thing. My partner once got pulled to the side, had his bag swabbed, himself swabbed, and had to wait for some “specialists” to show up for a more thorough investigation. The issue was that he had ground coffee in his bag. The agent said that ground coffee can look like C-4 on the scanner, so they took the necessary precautions. After that experience, we’ll just order it online and have it shipped. I love coffee, but I’m not missing my flight over it 🤣

Awesome video and tips thank you Laurie! I fly infrequently and will use some of these tips for a domestic trip in a few weeks.. TY TY TY

Thank you Lori for all your good tips and information. I'm leaving this Thursday to take the cruise to Barcelona then then flying to Italy 55 days total. I am so excited.

Always be cooperative and always say please and thank you. Courtesy goes a long way in any situation.

I flew through the Atlanta and Long Island airports this weekend. I didn’t have to take my liquids out at either airport. We didn’t have to take our shoes off at Atlanta (not sure why) but we did at Mcarthur. I don’t have pre check.

Thanks for all your tips! 👍

Fantastic tips, Laurie! And, great call on the personal item bag that fully closes! I'm flabbergasted by people who have those big open totes.

This is another great video, chock full of great advice! I do disagree on one point, though. I send my suitcase first and then my other tubs. I then get to the removal line before or when the suitcase comes through, I set the suitcase on its wheels and am ready to gather my other stuff. This works best for me.

Watched your videos a million times, I pack diligently, have everything in the right pockets and bags,I make sure my family abides by all the rules ... and still last time I went through security, I didn't take off my necklace and smart watch. Needless to say, the machine started wailing and I was pulled out of the line, made go through the machine twice more and also patted down . I was mortified while my husband and daughter watched on in amusement 🤦😳

Thank you for all these great tips!

Great tips regarding metallic thread!!

Thank you so much! I appreciate all your tips, even though i dont travel that often. I always take off my shoes going through TSA anyway. I also put my liquid bag into the grey bin without thinking. Lol I am one of the people that have to be careful about my hair. I have thick and curly hair...and having someone check it just because I had a bad hair day and put it in a bun. FYI, they also pulled out my protein powder and swabbed it to test for drugs when I went through. I was told that people often hide drugs in coffee because dogs can't smell it. 😂 Also, I'm glad you mentioned being polite no matter what the TSA agent is saying/acting. I always tell myself that I do not know which they are or what they are going through. What I do know, is whatever might come out if my mouth is not worth the time it will waste if I tick them off! 😂

Much needed video 👍🏾 I learned the hard way about metallic lol

Laurie, your tips are so helpful & full of common sense! For a while I was wearing my super-supportive clogs everywhere (like I used to wear @ work) & couldn’t understand why they were setting off the alarms in Pre✅; as it turns out, it was the staples used in manufacturing, so they stay home now. Also I always tell the agents that I (now) have titanium dental implants as well as the hardware in my wrist. It helps us both “stress less!” Thanks as always for all of your wonderful tips!

I still wear a belt, but they are ballistic nylon, stretchy, with all-plastic hardware. They’re all over Amazon and REI, Eddie Bauer, and other outdoors/hiking retailers have them too. They have never caused a problem in TSA.