Ultimate packing list: bit.ly/FreeUltimatePackingList ***JUST FOUND THIS: bit.ly/TSAUnitedKingdom My Travel Tip Links: My black shirt: bit.ly/46KLnax Joggers slick fabric: bit.ly/3pa27H9 Joggers on escalator: bit.ly/3skV6ED Purple tank top: old Loft Pink 20" carry-on: bit.ly/3Zfigc4 Light gray 15.6 backpack: Shirt with sequins: bit.ly/3sKDguY Loft gold bracelets: bit.ly/3PKOZ6i Black waterproof boots: bit.ly/3PnGHRw Tan waterproof boots: bit.ly/44eHNnr Ugly money belt: bit.ly/3zOMXqs Stretch money belt: bit.ly/2WoDMhZ Bra hidden pouch: bit.ly/3rpZTBQ Liquids bag set: bit.ly/3WBMdkQ by @trippedtravelgear Blue 20" carry-on: bit.ly/3yuNqz4 Black and white striped backpack 15.6 version: bit.ly/38dZ2KH Flying to a cold location? Here are 24 items in one carry-on: bit.ly/EssentialsPackForWinter READ what to pack for a Christmas Market here: traveltipsbylaurie.com/what-to-pack-for-a-christmas-market/
Always ❤️ & value & appreciate all of your travel tips💖 I would have never thought about the “bling” on my clothes- specially if you have to pack & travel quickly for an emergency. All of your hard work and all that you share is truly & greatly appreciated 🥰💯♥️ & please eliminate everyone who is not nice💯
Another travel tip for shoes that I learned the hard way... if you wear nice orthotic shoes(boots, dress shoes), they often have a metal shaft in the sole for stability. You will need to take them off, as they will set off the machines.
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 wear one too and this is one reason I have avoided flying. I don’t want to deal with it! It’s necessary, and it’s no different than having any other assistive device. I’m so sorry you went through this.
They are little Nazis, getting off on their power to abuse and humiliate people. I sometimes cant believe how much we’ve allowed to happen in the name of “being safe”. I would take the risks to not have TSA anymore.
I'm so sorry you had to go through this. I wish I had been there to give them all a piece of my mind. There's nothing I can stand less than disrespect towards elders.
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. 😊
I agree. Compression cubes are great for large items like coats, but rolling does seem to be the better way to go, even with saving space. It also helps you avoid inadvertently packing too much weight.
My granddaughter told me about rolling my clothes when I was moving! I ended up having to re wash and dry all my clothes. I grew up with a mom who ironed everything. Consequently I can’t stand wrinkles!
I must comment your boots probably have a metal bar g through bottom the mag goes off because of a total amount !!etal I worked as a tda screener after 9/11 at SFO
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.
@@j.m.7056 clearly my Wacoal bra underwires are metal! My bras are for full figures so maybe those are metal while others for smaller chests are plastics. All I know is I got tired of being pulled aside and wanded and even physically had hands on me there checking . I’m not complaining. I appreciate TSA keeping us safe. I just don’t wear my regular bras when flying.
Yep. Some airports are more strict. Seattle flags my underwire every time and wands me. Other airports I go to don’t. Now I dress according to where I am flying into.
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.
Hi it’s our first trip to the USA to surprise our Son so we are total novices but can we bring spices in our hand luggage? I’m filling my hand luggage with all his favourite treats & I would like add some spices for when he cooks at Uni. Thank you
Did you check in at the airport desk? I just flew KLM knowing their weight restrictions. My carryon was just under the 12 kg allowed, but with my laptop bag, I was at 17 kg. It's ridiculous to count the personal item! What can you carry with 12 kg? I only had 2 pairs of shoes, my laptop and summer clothes! And when I think that most people carry those extra 5 kg and more as body weight over me... Anyway, because I checked in online, nobody weighed my bag.
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.
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.
Not meaning to take away from your great info but: I get pulled out often. My uniform for flying is: plain gold wedding band, sports bra, plain underpants, t shirt or tank top, (sweater or sweatshirt in backpack, pull over), plain socks, running type shoes which I take off, jogging type or sweat pants. I get pulled over very often anyway! No liquids, phone only, no pad or computer in my small backpack. Oh, my blood pressure pills in their bottles too. I also have baby fine hair. AND I’m old!! Oh well. I get to the airport 2 hours early so I’m not stressed.
Ground coffee is a powder and that is a flag for screening. I learned this in March of 2023 😉.(Coffee can be a flag for drugs or other nefarious powders.) So, bring it whole bean and either grind at your destination or bring a travel grinder.
😊 Thank you Laurie, myself and the family followed your tips on our recent trip from Ireland to California - then on to Newark and finally New York JFK. Everything went very smooth and; the JFK TSA team were fantastic, we were all very impressed by their very professional procedures - all delivered in polite and helpful tones.
When my boots were a concern the agent just swabbed them. Discovered the boots were dusty and sent me on my way. Never asked me to take them off. It's been a couple of years since my last flight, but never have I been asked to remove outerwear, sweater, ruana, sweatshirt!
I had my hair up in a clip. When I got out of the machine, I thought the TSA officer said something about my "bum". I had no idea that she wanted me to take down my "bun"!!! We both laughed.
I don't know if you have ever covered this. If you're traveling with someone's ashes. Even if you have been pre_approved by the airline, and have the required paperwork including a death certificate. Security will pull you aside and test those ashes. This can be extremely distressing. It helps if you know it's coming.
Amazon now sell trouser belts that are have non metal buckles and are suitable for airport security. I have bought two, one in black and the other in coffee colour.
Hi love your tips thought you would like to know why they check your coffee bag, smugglers use coffee grounds to hide drugs from the dogs since coffee has such a strong fragrance. Happy travels.
I wore a pair of leggings and a loose silk blouse and TSA made me go through the frisk line. I didn't have jewelry or hardware of any kind, they just didn't like what I was wearing.
Question: this might be a stranger question! I just had my lower back fused. What do people do when they have a lot of metal in the in there body? What is the protocol? Thanks love your vlogs!
You hope you get an understanding TSA agent. I have double knee, double hip and a titanium rod in my back, needless to say, I no longer get through easily.
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 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 left one bag on the plane once, just food, but I turned back to get it. They don’t let you back on the plane due to safety issues! The stewardess got it for me.
You are lucky that plane was still at the airport. Often they fly the incoming plane outbound in as little as 1 hour for overseas flights. I mistakenly left a brand new down comforter (shrink-wrapped) on a Turkish Airlines plane after flying Istanbul to Erbil, Iraq. The plane had already turned around and left! I never did get it back.
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!! 😂😂
True, my late uncle who stopped traveling due to age and didnt get the TSA experience criticized us for wearing house clothes to travel😂..during his time, travelers looked classy and polish, never have to worry about anything..i mean we can still be stylish but in a different way😄
I just started flying again. Didn't since Bush Administration implemented "Patriot" act. Didn't trust myself to not punch someone in the jaw for treating me like a suspect/criminal with no reasonable suspicion. Anyway, all that changed after 20 years when I realized I was eventually going to have to fly in order to escape the madness that has overtaken the USA. The first time was a little stressful but now I always dress well, clean and well groomed, try to relax and take it all in stride knowing that it's just a process everyone must endure and I always go out of my way to treat all airline employees and security personnel with respect and a smile, knowing that they are just doing what's required to put food on the table. I do miss the old days. Once with a friend flying JFK to Boston we literally parked the car and ran up to the gate presenting our tickets just as they were about to close the entrance ramp. No security or any pre-flight bullshit, just showed our tickets and got on the plane!
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.
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
security dont care about drugs thats a problem for border force. we aint actively looking for it but if we find it sure itll be reported but its not something we actively look for or care for also empty bottles all good empty 2 litre bottle? go for it. if its like 50ml of liquid inside a 100ml+ bottle tho thats a problem. and no you cant stand there and chug your drink haha youre gonna hold up everyone anyway its gotta be completely empty or the container has to be 100ml or less.
I use to travel with a zipper Ikea bag I put in there shoes belt and every thing that I have to take out of pocket in other words everything that they don't need to see that way I only have to worry about the computer cell and tablet
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.
We taught our kids to watch our bags as they came out. I’d send them in first and as I kept my eye on them they kept an eye on our stuff. And they loved having that job, they felt important. Now as a couple traveling together, before I traveled alone with the kids as their dad is a comercial pilot now in disability, we watch each other’s stuff. When I’m alone I follow her tips of watching my stuff go in before I move through the machine. Then I keep an eye out on my stuff coming out. I hardly ever get stoped and it’s usually something really dumb.
I remember going to the airport to watch my dad fly to conferences (late 80s, early 90s). Security would let me and my brother watch the X-ray scans as bags went through the machine.
@@TravelTipsbyLaurie YES, By all means count Your items, so You don’t walk away, and lose them.🔮. LAURIE gives good advice, I will check with her before I travel.🔮
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! ❤
@@sueorona5524only benefit to my foot surgery... I'm relatively young at 40... but getting wheeled through is easy. But I do get wanded since I don't take my boot off.
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.
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
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.
Interesting, The worst security line on this planet that I endured was in Las Vegas, holding a handicap card and sitting in a wheelchair - I even had my bra strap snapped, in public.
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.
Once in Qatar i made the screeners laugh when they patted around the pacemaker implantation site by saying "hey that tickles!". I left them smiling and shaking their heads.
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!
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).
I set off alarms every darn time, too, resulting in a wanding and a pat down. I have fat rolls but only when sitting down. I am so careful to remove my earrings, rings, necklaces and I wear a wireless, hookless bra. I wear elastic waist waist pants. Yet, I STILL set off the alarm. I don’t know what else I can do.
I'm plus sized too, and EVERY single time I fly (once a year) I get flagged and patted down, it's seriously annoying, esp when I request help getting to my gate due to my arthritis, and in a wheelchair, my knees can't handle alot of walking or up down up down, they'll give out on me, as for my personal bag, I bought a carryon back pack that I put locks on so nobody can open it, and I don't send any of my bags through until the person in front of me is about to go through the machine, why?? because I carry my lap top and portable DVD player in it's own laptop bag, purse, and I'm not about to lose sight of almost $450 worth of equipment... to me it's embarrassing to always get pulled out of line, "randomly" selected they tell me...umm yeah righttttttt, for 5 years in a row? tell me another line of BS....I keep my mouth shut because if I open it, I'd end up telling them right where to go lol it's yes ma'am or yes sir to get away from them as soon as possible...then take my anxiety medication, my anxiety is NOT stranger friendly, esp if they touch me...(social anxiety) stranger anxiety, yes it shorts out in airports, which is why I always have to carry my anxiety medication on me
It has to do with density. Any large area that is too dense and they will need to search. People with Afros, huge buns, dreadlocks, large butts…all the same. They don’t like large blank masses on the screen that they can’t see through with X-ray. I am morbidly obese as well but what people call a “skinny fat.” I still get flagged on occasion usually for something between my midsection where my bra is and just below my butt. These are my fleshiest areas so that tracks.
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!
Oh ha! My husband too! He gets annoyed at everything! He also travels with so much stupid things! Bottle openers, small scissors, pencil sharpeners, all kinds of office supplies. He’s a businessman we get it 🙄 he’s also stubborn. His bag ways a ton. I travel with nothing . We go from our one house to our Florida condo as snowbirds . I actually like when he gets flagged now and hope that he misses the plane 😂
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."
Flying is not fun, nor enjoyable, nor is it consistent. Once airport may do it one way and another may do it another way. Anxiety driven from start to finish. The actual time in the plane is not bad, but the airport is so stressful.
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.
Instead of a handbag, I have a canvass pouch with strong string around my neck with everything in it. I only take it off at my destination. Extra socks in case you have to take your shoes off.
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”!
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! 💕
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.
I won't wear any jewelry. I will pack it in my checked bag instead. Not to worry, it's all costume jewelry. I have a genetic eye disease, but because of the TSA my eyedrops are going in my checked bag. I'm 67 years old, I'm an abuse survivor, and I am TERRIFIED that the TSA will abuse me.
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.
I hit yelled at once in Atlanta for putting my coat on top of my shoes. I ended up having to put the shoes in their own bin so I had separate bins for laptop, coat, shoes, suitcase and personal carryon. Ridiculous. And he took my shoes when I questioned and put them way back behind everyone else’s things to send them back through after I had already gotten through and I had to wait for them for about 5 people with all their stuff to get through before I could collect them. I hate taking my shoes off. They really don’t need to yell at people or treat us like we are dirt. Seeing other people’s experiences it shows how uncaring they can be. I’ve actually never come across any person working the security line they was kind.
I usually put my passport in a zipper pocket of my crossbody purse which also fits into my zipped personal bag. As soon as I get through security, I put my crossbody purse on and never take it off. This way, my money and passport is always on me and safe even if I sleep on the plane.
I saw a woman have to take off her wig because it had metal clips. She was horrified to have to take it off infront of everyone. I had on a hoodie (without a t-shirt on under it. It was only a 1 hour flight). They told me I had to take the hoodie off. I told them I didnt have anything on under it. I dont think they heard me. He said to it off. So I did. Threw the hoodie in the bin. The staff was horrified. I said "Yall told me to take it off. I told you I didnt have a t-shirt on under it." . People started ckapping and cheering. Security "warned" me not to cause an upoar again or I could be banned from flying. This was at the Nashville Airport.
This tip is from a San Francisco native, and is more for tourist comfort AFTER arrival. If you are visiting San Francisco in the summer months, pack as if for Fall/early winter in other areas. Bring layers. Do not expect to be touring in shorts, sandals, and tank tops; you will be uncomfortably cold. There is a lot of damp fog and cold wind from May through early August. We get our nicest weather in September/early October.
For you fellow older ladies, poise pads also will get you pulled out of the line. I take it off pre-security and put another one on after I get through.
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 had a 4.5hr layover in DEN last summer, and my gate changed 4 times during that time - super frustrating, I'm just glad I had enough charge on my wheelchair motor from the middle of B to the far end of A back to the middle of B then all the way to the very end of B, and it meant a train ride each time that I had to change concourses. I don't have a smartphone, so I can't use the airline's app, but I am signed up for text notifications, so I still got notice of the gate changes. Another tip for new fliers, Laurie, is that if you get to your gate early enough/have a long enough layover, your flight won't necessarily be the one currently listed on the screen as the next flight - sometimes it's the second, or even third one out of that gate. One of my best friends (not the TSO, a different one) ran into that on a 5hr layover in Dallas 3 years ago the first time she ever flew, and she was by herself - she had told me it was her first time and that she'd be alone, so I had shared several of your "new flier" videos with her and given her as many other tips as I could think of in the days leading up to her trip, but I had completely forgotten about that one because I've flown so much that my brain knows that it's an automatic given and doesn't even think about it anymore.
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.
Isn’t sad to even have to make a video like this. Flying is just an awful experience. The entire experience from booking your flight to going to the airport is just the beginning of just how bad you can legally be treated without being slapped by your airline staff or other passengers
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!!!
I have never flown before and I am relocating overseas. I want to take bags and bags of my jewellry, costume and real with me on the plane because I am scared of them getting lost if I put them in my suitcases. Is that allowed? Will it cause a commotion? Thank you.
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.
If you are traveling International and have a travel size Mitoredlight do you need to take it out? I bought some of your clear bags and small containers. Enjoy your journey in life and keep spreading your sunshine.
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!
Even all the stuff they confiscate, like oversized bottles of stuff. I had seen they sell it. I mean to me that's pretty messed up that you can take it from me and then profit from it.
@@cashonly6117. I don’t know where my head was, but I was flying up from LA to Seattle to go to my son’s wedding and he asked me to buy the good vodka in CA where it was cheaper. So, being a good mom, I packed 3 bottles in my carryon not even thinking it was a liquid! The left on board sales are only for employees.
@@GateKeeper_Systems Never, ever check musical instruments. They will be smashed. You are allowed to bring instruments as carryons as long as they fit in the front storage or in the overhead bins. Check what model airplane you are going on and the size of the overhead bins to see if your instrument will fit. If it's something as big as a cello tho, might be best to ship it to your destination.
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!!
Compression stockings and snacks for your son. A doctor on a different video suggested a low dose aspirin to help prevent blood clots. At least during the layovers you can walk around. Best travels to you.
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.
I bring laundry detergent sheets (cut in half) and a large two gallon ziplock bag. I can agitate the bag pretty well to get items clean and then rinse my items.
Went on a Viking Cruise w/ my Mom and Sister pre-2020. I packed a 8' length of paracord and little travel bottle of Woolite soap (they also have packets, but I already had the soap at home), and I washed items out and hung them on our balcony (it was facing the water!!) Also for my travel mates. Ah! fresh socks.
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 realize it was all related to terrorism so I wasn’t upset just nervous. And to be clear the security people were with El Al airline, which I was flying with from London.
I recall - travelling solo in early 1990’s from Heathrow to NYC - being pulled out of the luggage check-in line and asked who’d packed my case; had it been handled by anyone else, or been out of my sight since, and had anyone asked me to add something of theirs to my bag. Seems solo travellers are considered higher risk as possible terrorists.
Please warn travelers with replaced joints going thru TSA Prechek. If the scanners used are the walk thru kind you will set off the alarm as I did. And the ONLy thing that’s done is a full body pat down. They do not use a wand at all. I am also a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. The pat down just about crippled me. And the agents were yelling at me the whole time even after I told them what I was experiencing. What I have found out is this. If you want to change to a reg TSA line to avoid a pat down you can. Just speak to the first agent and they will help. On my return flight I did this and was allowed to change to a reg TSA line all the agents were so kind. And I was able to use the stand inside scanner that shows where the metal was and I was able to say what it was. It was faster and easier. I just don’t want another person to think that PreChek is faster if you have any metal part in your body. It’s not. It’s an automatic pat down.
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.
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.
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
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.
One other tip is, always wear socks. I left the house in a hurry one time and just put on my slip on tennis shoes without socks. It’s a very uncomfortable feeling to be standing in an airport surrounded by all those people in your bare feet. Not to mention the unsanitary aspect of it. Yuck!! Couldn’t wait to wash my feet!!
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!
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.
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.
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'm sure it was totally justified. She was obviously an enormous terrorist risk. It's great to live in a country where mindless adherence to the borg by government employees is the rule.
Thank you for educating us as it will be so helpful. My question is: I'm diabetic & will have my oral medicine as well as my insulin pen that needs to be in an insulated bag(designed specifically for it)& my glucose monitor test strips & "finger poke" pins Do they need to open it all to go thru each item? It will have a Diabetic Tag on it from pharmacy with no metal. Anxious because i pack it carefully to not miss one item which is crucial for testing. Thank you!!!
Not as bad as the Canadian lady who had to walk through the scanner while totally topless in March of 2024. The Punta Cana security didn't care that she didn't have a bra underneath.
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! 😂
Don't know how much protein powder you had, but the TSA website states that powder-like substances in excess of 12floz are required to be pulled out. And the "dog's can't smell it" is bogus - they absolutely can.
Relax and smile when going through the TSA line. If you look nervous, annoyed, or angry, you’re just making the TSA officer just that much more stressed. I don’t speak to them unless they ask me something. Try to be as metal-free as possible. I even wear metal-free bras if I’m flying (and they’re more comfortable). Great tips here.
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.
I’m not surprised it happened in Miami. That is the worst airport I’ve ever been to & I live in Miami. Poorly designed, ugly inside & out, the noisiest airport ever & the longest concourses. I don’t know how anyone over the age of 75 can make it to their gate, especially if they’re not in the best shape. Horrible food choices, people don’t even speak English….it’s just an awful experience
Now that I am what I call an advanced senior (78) the TSA rules say I don't have to take off my shoes, I still get the harsh look from the agents. I also do not have to remove my belt, same looks. I use a piece of double sided velcro as a belt. I stringently do follow all rules, but as you say not all agents know them.
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!
My first flight of a trip is generally a red eye (I'm actually leaving again on Saturday for a 2 1/2 week trip), so I try to make a point of telling the TSOs that I appreciate them being so friendly and cheerful despite the early hour - they always thank me, and one time one of them replied, "It's easier to be cheerful than rude." That's little rural WY airports at 4:30 a.m. for you. I've had the same 2 female officers the last 3 times I flew, but they only have a team of about 5-7 working at any given time (there's only one flight out a day except on Saturdays, and occasionally 2 but usually only one flight in each day), and usually only 2-4 are actually running the checkpoint itself - the rest are either screening the checked bags or hanging out with the airport policeman (super nice guy, great sense of humor) and the desk/gate/ground crew (they do all 3 jobs) by the check-in desk because their assigned tasks for their shift are already done. The interesting thing, and maybe it makes sense, I don't know, is that, at least at MSP, I've found that the Pre officers are a lot nicer than the standard line ones - maybe it's the fact that they have to deal with way more people in the standard, or maybe it's because those in Pre have already been "vetted" so to speak and so the officers don't have to be quite as concerned, or maybe it's something else altogether. But something I've definitely noticed, at least there, since I've flown out of there plenty of times both before and after getting Pre.
Great video and tips as always. I like to carry one of those reusable shopping bags to put my belt etc. before I go through the TSA line. Once I go through, I can empty the bag of its contents etc. I then can fold it flat to fit inside my carry on. This bag also comesi n handy when you have to shop at your destination as many states now charge for plastic bags.
This is off subject but important info for your viewers, and this is your latest video, so I thought I would share. If you are traveling thru Atlanta Hartsville Airport, it is very important that you leave yourself PLENTY OF TIME to get thru security. We arrived 3hrs. Prior to boarding time and almost did not make it. I am disabled in a wheelchair and if I had not had an escort, I would have never made it. Security was a NIGHTMARE. I can walk short distances and to look at me I don't look disabled. I would have never been let thru the disabled line. Thanks to our guide, we did make it with about 20 minutes to spare. If we had to go thru regular security, we would still be in line when our plane landed in Seattle! 😂. It was truly a madhouse. People as far as the eye could see.
I have gotten TSA down, I wear a vest with lots of pockets. The vest has ALL my documentation in the pockets. I have everything else in a carry-on backpack. In the top of the backpack is the toiletries bag, to pull out. I take off my belt while waiting in line. That goes in the basket with the vest. I don't have slip-on shoes because I don't have space, but they would help. Deboarding the plane I just head directly to the car rental or out the door. 🎉
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.
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.
I was flying back from Raleigh-Durham several years ago and was pulled out of a TSA line because I had a bag of sand. It was labeled Myrtle Beach and it was to add to the collection of beach sand from all over the world. I kept my sense of humour about it while being questioned and refused to let it ruin my trip. One of my only real complaints is if TSA is going to make me put my cane through x-ray, it’s pretty annoying when they don’t have their wood cane handy and wonder why trying to walk is an issue. Some are better than others about being on the ball.
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
