So which items you have to remove at the TSA checkpoint?
You’ve probably been through the TSA checkpoint before, but if you haven’t, you might be surprised by what’s allowed and what’s not. In some cases, you might want to remove something from your bag, only to find out that you can’t even take it on board.
But a prior planning for your flight and packing your baggage properly can help speed up the screening process and make your travel experience easy and seamless at the airport.
Another way to reduce your stress is to dress smartly. Another is to be familiar with the rules set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regarding any items you want to pack.
Here’s a quick rundown of what can and can’t go through the X-ray scanner and the standard procedure for removing items from your carry-on bag.
Which Items To Remove From Your Bag at TSA Checkpoint?
Toiletries
The moment you are at the security checkpoint the first thing you have to do is to remove any toiletries and liquids you have in your bag or backpack.
If you are not already familiar with the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule, here is a quick idea about it.
Each passenger is only allowed to bring in carry-on luggage, liquids in containers equal to or no more than 3.4 oz / 100 ml in a single quart-size bag.
TSA
Food And Drinks
You are allowed to take food on planes as carry-on or checked luggage without any problem, but all food must be removed from your bag to undergo the X-ray screening.
The TSA officers always ask travelers to take out items from their bags at airport security, such as food and drinks, in order to have clear images on the X-ray machine and also to make sure they do not exceed the allowed limits.
But before transporting your food please remember that food in liquid form, must comply with the TSA 3-1-1 liquid rule.
The TSA officers always have the final decision on whether certain items are permitted to be carried or not on board the airplanes.
If you are traveling with a newborn, you will be able to take more than 3.4 oz but you still need to put your baby items in a separate bin.
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Electronics
Electronics are a big concern for airlines and most of the airport authorities, because of the lithium batteries.
All electronics that are larger than a cell phone must be removed from your bag and placed in a separate bin for further screening.
If you are traveling with electronics like laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles make sure that you keep them handy and easy to access so you can remove them anytime you reach the security checkpoint.
your electronics must be packed properly, this includes your headphones,travel speakers, adapters or power cords.
Make sure that all your electronics are fully charged, the TSA officer will ask you to turn them on, if not the security officer will not allow them on the airplane or they may tend to add screening.
Some bad guys out there may tend to sneak some type prohibited items on airplanes by hiding them inside electronic devices.
Powders
According to the TSA powders more than 12 ounces / 340 grams should be removed from your bag and placed in a separated bin for additional screening.
The rule is applicable for any type of powders, like salt, grounded coffee, flour, or any other type of powders.
And to avoid any inconvenience at the airport it is advised to send powders more than 12 ounces in checked luggage.
Which Items You Have to Take Off at TSA Checkpoint?
Unfortunately, passengers still need to take off some types of items when going through the security checkpoint.
However the airport security needs to find some alternatives to upgrade their equipment for a smooth screening process, but still it is for the safety purposes of the plane and passengers.
Shoes
If you are traveling with different pieces of shoes you don’t need to remove all of them from your bag, but you will need to remove the ones you are wearing.
Make sure to always wear socks, and easy to remove shoes like clipper sneakers.
Passengers older than 75 year, children under 12 years old and the TSA PreCheck members do not have to take off their shoes or footwear at the TSA checkpoint.
Jackets
Just like shoes you will only need to remove the jacket you are wearing and place it in a separate bin for further screening.
If you don’t want to remove your jacket you can easily place it inside your carry-on, and wear something lighter and easy to remove.
That will help make your screening process fast and easy.
Belts
Unless you are a TSA Member ,All travelers must remove belts before walking through metal detectors, so choose a belt-free outfit if you don’t want to remove your belt, or at least be prepared to remove it if you want to wear one.
Belts aren’t permitted through airport security because their metal clasps set off the metal detector.
Money
If you are traveling with coins, there is more chance they will set off the metal detector.
Make sure to empty your pockets from small coins and place them with your belt and other items in a separated bin.
It is always preferable to not travel with a lot of cash, but if you need it please take it by consideration to not place your money on your checked baggage as many people have access to your bag when it is out of your sight.
If you have to, do not place your cash inside your bag, rather use a money belt and inform the TSA agent that you have some cash, that way he can assist you by inspecting your items privately.
Final Thoughts
As of now we’ve mentioned everything that you need to know before going through the security checkpoint.
And it is always better to be prepared rather than waiting until you get to the airport security to figure it out.
The purpose of removing all these items is to go through the metal detector, without any metal that will set it off.
If it happened that the passenger removed all the items, belt, shoe, coins and jacket and still the alarm goes off, the security will perform a pat down for the passenger to make sure there is anything hidden and to eliminate any doubts.
We hope this helps