If you have traveled through airports, you know these wonderful people's name Transportation Security Administration or TSA for short, yes the guys you hear yelling when you walk in. Now if you travel a lot you know they all seem to have different ways on how they do things, depending on the city.
"Use the bin"
"NO don't use the bin for that"
"NOOOO everything goes in the bin!!!!"
This can cause a lot of stress for travelers, even seasoned travelers. I mean one time I even said BOMB to a TSA agent, yes, I meant makeup removing BALM but you can take a guess on what he heard when he asked me what it was. Narrowly escaping a probe from the US government on that response I thought I would give some helpful hints to get you thru our friends who are truly just trying to do their job.
Tip One: Be mindful of your clothing choices. You will be taking off shoes, baggy sweatshirts, jackets, belts, and anything else that is extra layer attire, so if you do not want to stand there have 50 people watch you take off 13 articles of clothing, (especially for free) plan ahead. I will also give this heads up, NO BEJEWLED JEANS!! Especially in the butt area. You will be pulled aside, and you and the nice lady will have a moment before you can go on your way. Go ahead ask me how I know??
Tip Two: REAL ID you're going to need it to fly... If you don't know what that is you have not been in an airport since 2020. It is a new way for the Government to get money out of you. HA!! Just kidding... kinda.... It is a new ID license/ID and some states are not up to federal standards. The deadline to have this done is May 7th 2025!! For me in Louisiana I just went and redid my license with my passport and there I was federally compliant again! Here's the website to give you more infomation on it! REAL ID | Homeland Security (dhs.gov)
Tip Three: 3-1-1 Rule! Now if its a must that you have to bring liquids thru Security with you please remember those numbers!
They matter if you don't want your Aunt to tell the man at Security she hopes his wife has warts because he had to confiscate her favorite moisturizer. True Story!! Not a proud moment for anyone in the family. But in all seriousness please read below straight from the GOOOOOGLE.
Liquids, gels, and aerosols
The 311 rule is a TSA guideline for liquids, gels, and aerosols that passengers are allowed to bring in their carry-on and checked bags1. Passengers can only pack 3.4 oz or less containers in carry-on bags, and they must pack them all in 1 quart sized bag2. Passengers are only permitted 1 bag per person2. Exemptions exist for medically necessary liquids and drinks for kids2. The 3 in the 3 1 1 rule refers to the TSA liquid size limit, which is the amount of liquid you can carry in a bottle onto your flight.
This does include the brand new $27 Coffee you just bought. So get your drinks after Security.
*Pro tip: bring an extra quart size bag in case they ask to separate some. It happened to us coming home from Scotland.
TIP FOUR: Know what's going on!!! Now I know it's easy to rely on the airport dad in the group to make sure all your boarding passes are correct, your identification is in order but unless you are a small child please know what's going on. Each person needs to handle their own Boarding Pass and ID. You don't want to have a staring contest with the TSA guy when he asks you where your traveling to that day.
Sureeee you might know your ending the day at an all inclusive resort in MEXICOO!!! WHOOOO!
But do you know where your connecting flights are? You will end up losing that contest.
Pro tip again: If you are traveling with children they might and most do ask the child themselves what their name is, have the whole I know we don't talk to strangers' conversation but unless you want mommy to end up not on vacation with you, you can answer the nice person who is wearing the badge.
TIP FIVE: TSA PRE-Check. Now we have all been in the long security lines wondering how these random people get to go thru a completely different line then us! I mean come on are they better than us??
The answer Welll Kinda. Again kidding. They just spent the $78 to get TSA Precheck and now they don't have to remove shoes, belts, outer light layers, and their liquids get to stay in their bags. So I always suggest spending that money especially if you travel alot!
In all honesty these people are just doing their jobs. So have your liquids in a bag, possess your own boarding pass and ID, and don't get naked in the TSA line (it makes it weird for the rest of us) and maybe think your better than everyone by getting TSA Precheck (don't worry you're not actually better) and stay safe on your travels!
-Samantha Cooley @worththemilestravel
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