5 Things That Make Airport Security WAY Easier, by Away Together w/ Nik and Allie on YouTube. 12 min 3 s.
- Video length
- 12 min 3 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Apply for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry a few weeks before you fly. PreCheck usually lets you keep your shoes, belt and light jacket on and leave your laptop in the bag.
Decant your toiletries into refillable bottles of 3.4 oz (100 ml) or less. Silicone tubes and flat-pack bottles save space and do not leak in a pressurized cabin.
Put every container in one clear quart-size zip-top bag, one bag per person. Press the air out, seal it and keep it near the top of your bag.
Pack the liquids bag and your tech pouch in a quick-access pocket on top of your carry-on. You then lift one item out at the bin instead of digging through the whole bag.
Dress for the checkpoint. Wear a no-metal belt and slip-on shoes, skip jewelry, and put coins, keys and your phone in your bag before you reach the scanner.
At the bin line, take out the liquids bag and any large electronics and lay them flat in separate bins. Push the bins ahead of you, then step through the scanner.
Collect your things on the far side and carry them away from the belt before you put your shoes and belt back on.
Tips and common mistakes
The 3.4 oz limit applies to the container size, so a half-full 6 oz bottle still gets pulled out.
Buy travel-size toiletries after security if you would rather not decant anything.
Empty your water bottle before the checkpoint and refill it at a fountain past security.
Check the rules for your airline and airport before you fly, since screening lanes can differ.
Questions
Does lip balm or mascara count as a liquid?
Yes. Creams, gels, pastes and aerosols count as liquids, so they go in the quart-size bag too.
Can I bring a full-size shampoo bottle if it is nearly empty?
No. The limit is on container size, so anything over 3.4 oz (100 ml) belongs in checked luggage.
Do I still take liquids out with TSA PreCheck?
Often you do not, but rules vary by airport and lane, so keep the bag easy to reach in case an officer asks.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
