When I started traveling, I began flying solo most of the time. My first time through TSA and getting on a flight was by myself. The majority of times since, I have been by myself.
I am someone who has ADHD and therefore, can get overstimulated. Additionally, I also acquire a lot of stress from overthinking scenarios and from doing new things.
So, can you imagine facing the notorious TSA check-point all by myself? Yeah, daunting. And I would sweat PROFUSELY as I ventured through TSA each time.
However, I quickly realized that if I just took extra time to prepare myself for the adventure that is going through TSA, I fared a lot better and did not stress so much.
I have been traveling by plane regularly since December 2022. My experiences have been usually positive, but I have had some hold-ups before.
I usually always travel with a carry-on and personal item backpack. They scanned and patted me down before. They have also taken my luggage to the side for further inspection.
So below includes the tips and tricks that I obtained through trial and error as a newbie traveler. They may not be amazingly creative, but I have been able to have stress-free experiences through TSA. So without further ado….
Fanny pack!
A fanny pack or a cross-body bag is so useful for so many things.
In this example, you can use this pack for the items that you most need to boarding or going through TSA: your ID and your boarding pass.
But in addition to all that, it can be useful to hold your phone, wallet, and other smaller items you may need a hurry.
You can literally unclip it and throw it in one of the bins in the conveyer belt without losing any of those items. My boarding pass once flew out of the bin and landing under the scanner way out of reach.
Before getting in line for TSA….
Step aside, and prepare for going through.
Dump extra water from your bottle. Take off all your jewelry. Empty your pockets. Remove your jacket off and attach to your pack. Take hat off and shove somewhere. Take any big hair clips off and clip to a strap.
Finally, pull out your ID/passport with your boarding pass and have it ready.
Your fanny pack comes in handy here as you can stuff all these items for safekeeping in your bag and they stay in one place for easy finding after you pass through TSA.
In Line for TSA Tips
Since I have started traveling more regularly, I have never had to take out my toiletries.
I have however, needed to take off my shoes, take out my laptop, and take off my hat every single time.
So again, I’d recommend preparing for this process while you’re in line.
I suggest that you unzip your laptop and be ready to take it out. Passport and ID need to be ready to give, and then immediately placed back into your fanny pack. Prep your shoes or sandals. If the line is moving fast, I carry them in hand so I can easily place them in a bin once I get there.
Listen to Directions. Ask Questions
It seems like TSA staff get a bad rep for being rude, and at times I have seem them yell condescendingly at some traveling that appear to not understand English very well.
They are usually yelling out the expected rules to pass through, so just pay attention. But then if something isn’t clear, just ask.
I throw my laptop in first, then backpack. Then I usually throw my shoes with either my jacket if I was wearing it, or with my fanny pack.
I have never gotten yelled at, and they answer me kindly if I inquire about anything.
Wear Simple Clothes
Don’t wear clothes that are overly baggy.
I once wore a swimsuit top that had a bulky bow in the center, under my shirt and I had to get scanned and patted down.
Even if my jacket is baggy, I just take it off and put it on the conveyer belt.
In fact, I literally take everything off, including clips in my hair or anything around my waist. I wear simple clothes like a regular v-neck, and loose fitting pants, so that they can quickly visualize if I’m hiding something on me. My hair is also word down or in a plain ponytail.
Pack Carry-on & Personal Item Consciously
The times that I have had my luggage taken tot he side to be inspected more thoroughly have been due to specific items I packed in my luggage.
One time I had all my electronics in one place and they had to look through it. Another time, they stopped both my backpack and my carry-on because I packed my compact mirror (it looked like a small iPad or kindle) and because they couldn’t tell what my packet of baby wipes were (it was a regular sized pack from Costco).
Another time, they didn’t know what my Insta360 and iPhone selfie sticks were and thought they were numb chucks.
So now, I pack those selfie sticks externally on my backpack, or I just place them in my checked bag. My mirror gets pulled out with my laptop now. I also place baby wipes in my checked bag and only repackage some in a smaller baggie to keep with me.
Finally I also spread out my electronics a little better in my luggage so they can view them individually through the scanner without them overlapping.
Check Their Website
FInally, you really should familiarize yourself with their website of rules and regulations here. I check it before every trip to remind myself of the smaller rules that I do not recall immediately. And I just double check that I pack correctly—there are things you must take with you in your carry-on and there are things you can ONLY pack in a checked luggage.
Please be diligent and prepare ahead of time so that you can fulfill their requirements without rushing and without getting to TSA and realizing you have to turn back.
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