There was a time, before TSA began using CAT scanners at their security checkpoint, that you would put all your belongings onto the belt so it could be scanned. They would have trays for your coat, shoes, computer and other larger electronics, and even little bowls for whatever had been in your pocket. But carry-on suitcases, duffel bags, personal bags, etc. would go directly onto the belt.
But as the TSA continues to switch out the old scanners for the more technologically advanced CAT scanners, they’re instructing everyone to put all their belongings, including their suitcases and bags, into trays.
Of course, regardless of the scanner, you have to empty your pockets too. Lots of people, in the frenzy of getting everything done as quickly as they can, just throw the contents of their pockets into one of their bins, mixing it with their tablet, jackets, etc.
Don’t do that
The concern is theft.
A TikTokker named Tiffany recently shared her experience at the airport when she nonchalantly threw her phone into one of her bins at the checkpoint.
“The thing I’m absolutely never doing when I’m going through TSA — I am not putting my phone directly into one of the containers,” said Tiffany. She added, “It’s always going in a zipped pocket in my bag.”
Tiffany explained that she once innocently put her phone into a TSA bin, and was immediately reprimanded.
“The TSA agent looked at me and was like, ‘You don’t like your phone?’ And I looked at him like he was a little crazy and I said, ‘Yes,’” she recounted. “He said, ‘This is the fastest way to get it stolen.’”
“The number one thing they see stolen on a regular basis is phones,” Tiffany continued, “and it’s because they are left out and available — the lines can back up, you’re not paying attention until you realize and it’s too late.”
“Always make sure your valuables are zipped up [inside] your bag when they go through the scanners”, Tiffany said.
Here’s the video:
@travel.by.the.books Something I NEVER do when traveling. Travel tips on Tuesday SAFETY TIP!!! 📱🎒✔️ #traveltips #travelsafety #tsa #traveltipsandtricks #solotravel #familytravel #traveltiptuesday #travelbythebooks #creatorsearchinsights
What we do
I typically start putting everything in my pants pockets into one of the smaller compartments of my backpack or carry-on bag. They all zip closed, so a potential thief won’t see my phone (and hello…wallet!) just hanging out.
We also once asked the TSA about putting our belongings in a coat pocket – here’s what they said.
We love it when potential problems have a really easy fix!
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1 comment
Wallet and phones should be in a zipped pocket of some sort just because you can grab and go to get to the lounge faster.