To fly undetected with an engagement ring, follow these precautionary steps: 1) Keep the ring in your hand luggage or in a safe carrying case.
2. Hide the ring in your checked baggage to avoid theft or getting lost.
3. If flying, leave the ring box at home and stow it in something protective but discreet.
4. If you’re not going through a plane and going through a security check, keep the ring safe on your body. Wrap it up and put it in your wallet or secure pocket.
5. If you’re carrying cargo, place the ring in a bag without liquids, other metals, or electronics to help it get through security more smoothly.
When choosing an engagement ring for the bride, consider her choices for a fail-proof shopping experience. Consider a halo setting for your choice of stone to make the center stone look bigger and flaunt the ring even more.
2. Attach a small note to the box with tape or a rubber band. Write a simple message concerning the contents of the box, such as “Engagement ring inside. Please be discreet.”
5. Pop the big question. When getting engaged, announce the engagement to family, friends, and the public.
6. Place the ring well hidden or inside something in your luggage. Ring Stash doesn’t contain any metal parts, so pack it into your hand luggage in its box.
7. Keep the ring in your carry-on bag, ensuring it has started its journey through the x-ray machine before passing through airport security.
8. If not going through TSA or security checkpoints, consider keeping the ring on your person, concealed in a wallet, pocket, or drawstring bag. Just put it in your carry-on.
In summary, following these precautionary steps can help you travel with your engagement ring without causing any issues.
📹 How Much Should I Be Spending On An Engagement Ring?
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Can I put an engagement ring in my suitcase?
How should I pack my ring? Keep it in the box for cushioning. If you’re still worried about it moving around, put the box in a sock and put it in a shoe. Don’t forget which sock it’s in! Don’t put the ring in a checked bag. Instead, take a carry-on, like a backpack, that won’t be checked at the gate. How do I get my ring through airport security? Keep it in your carry-on, especially through security, since it’ll set off the metal detector if it’s in your pocket. Follow all TSA rules to avoid problems. What if the TSA wants to search my luggage anyway? Some travelers suggest putting a note around the box that says there’s an engagement ring inside. This will make the agent more discreet while searching your bags. A TSA spokesperson says they’ve never had to confiscate a ring.
Do I need to declare a ring at customs?
Conclusion: When traveling to or from the United States, know the jewelry rules. You don’t need to declare jewelry below the duty-free limit, but it’s always a good idea to declare it accurately. Documentation and proof of ownership help customs and show the value and legitimacy of your jewelry. If you have expensive or old jewelry, get insurance for it. This will protect your jewelry in case of loss, theft, or damage.
Knowing and following US Customs rules lets you travel with your jewelry without problems.
Will TSA pull out an engagement ring?
Checked bags: Yes. If you’re traveling with valuable items like jewelry, keep them with you at all times (don’t put them in checked baggage). You can ask the TSA officer to screen you and your valuables privately.
Official government website: usgov.com A.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
) You’ve connected to the .gov website. Don’t share sensitive info on unsecured sites.
Do you have to declare an engagement ring?
How to get through customs. If you bought the ring in the US and are taking it back with you, it’s considered a “personal good,” so you don’t have to declare it. Register the ring before the flight just to be safe. Destination proposals can be magical. So much work goes into making them go smoothly. But you might forget how to travel with your diamond ring. This can be tricky, especially when you’re trying to keep it a secret. If you want to propose on a surprise trip, we can help. This guide will help you travel with your diamond engagement ring. Just consider these points. Pack your ring carefully. Put the ring in the box it came in. This box has built-in cushioning to protect the ring. If you want to be even safer, put the box in something you’ll remember.
How to get an engagement ring through customs?
Your ring should pass through the scanner without problem. Follow the rules on what you can and can’t carry on board. Avoid drawing attention to yourself and having your bag unpacked by the security guards. Add a note to the box explaining the ring is an engagement ring and please be discreet. If the security guard searches your bag, they’ll know not to ruin the surprise. But your other half might see the note once it’s in your bag. Some engagement rings come in boxes that are bigger than the ring itself, making it hard to pack it discreetly. If your ring box is too big, you can buy a smaller, slimmer one online.
How do I travel internationally with jewelry?
Document your jewelry before traveling. Make a list of the jewelry you’re taking. … Tell officials if needed. … Don’t wear your jewelry if you don’t have to. Store safely at your hotel. … Don’t show it. … Insure.
Going on an exciting trip? Don’t forget your jewelry when you’re packing for your trip. Most people still travel with their jewelry, showing how important it is to keep it safe. About 40% of travelers insure their jewelry, with most relying on homeowners policies. Insured travelers use hotel safes and travel cases, while those without insurance keep jewelry close by. Younger adults are leading the trend towards specialized jewelry insurance. But there are some things to watch out for, especially if you bring expensive jewelry. Read on for tips on how to travel with jewelry safely.
How to get an engagement ring through Customs?
Your ring should pass through the scanner without problem. Follow the rules on what you can and can’t carry on board. Avoid drawing attention to yourself and having your bag unpacked by the security guards. Add a note to the box explaining the ring is an engagement ring and please be discreet. If the security guard searches your bag, they’ll know not to ruin the surprise. But your other half might see the note once it’s in your bag. Some engagement rings come in boxes that are bigger than the ring itself, making it hard to pack it discreetly. If your ring is too big for the box, you can buy a slimmer, easier-to-hide box online.
How to bring an engagement ring on an airplane?
Date: February 15, 2021 Leave the ring in the box or case. … 2) Put a note on the box in case your bag is searched. … 3) Put the box in something she won’t look for. 4) Fill your bag and make sure it’s ready for a search. Are you planning to travel with your girlfriend soon? Is this the perfect time to ask her to marry you? Proposing abroad is fun. But with airport security at an all-time high, you’ll want to plan ahead to avoid ruining the surprise. You’ll usually have to take out anything from your pockets as you go through security. So it’s not a good idea to hide the ring there. If you put the ring in your bag, it won’t set off any alarms, but it could get searched. Here are a few ways to fly with the ring undetected:
Will an engagement ring set off a metal detector?
You may need to remove jewelry. Small jewelry like rings and earrings can be worn through TSA checkpoints. Heavy jewelry with bulky metal parts or multiple pieces can set off the scanner. If you are wearing bulky gold, platinum, or sterling silver pieces, you may need to remove them to avoid setting off the metal detector alarm. Put jewelry with liquid in a separate bin. If your jewelry has liquid in it, like perfume or oil, you’ll need to remove it and put it in a separate bin for screening. If your jewelry contains perfume, it may need to be removed and screened. Jewelry may also need to be screened. Even if the jewelry doesn’t have a big metal object or liquid, it can still set off the metal detector or body scanner. If this happens, you may be subject to additional screening, including a pat-down search.
A TSA officer has the final say on what items are allowed through a scanner or onto the plane. If you wear jewelry to the airport, you may have to remove it for screening. You don’t usually have to take jewelry off for TSA checkpoints, but check with the TSA if you plan to wear or bring valuable items that you don’t want to take off or be screened.
Do I have to declare an engagement ring at the airport?
If you’re traveling with a new ring, you should declare it at the airport. Most people don’t declare their rings. In either case, keep the paperwork handy in case you get pulled over.
Do I need to declare a diamond ring?
What about jewelry worn or carried by the traveler? The CBP allows some personal items to be exempt. Personal jewelry worn or carried by travelers is usually exempt from declaration. If you’re wearing a valuable piece of jewelry, like a diamond ring or gold necklace, you don’t need to declare it separately. However, there are some things to think about. If the jewelry is very valuable, it’s best to declare it separately to avoid problems. If you have multiple valuable pieces of jewelry, it’s a good idea to have proof of purchase or ownership, like receipts or appraisals. This can help the CBP know the value of the jewelry. The exemption for personal jewelry does not apply to jewelry being imported for commercial purposes. If you are carrying jewelry to sell in the US, you must declare it and may be subject to additional customs regulations and duties.
What is the engagement ring rule?
If a man spent his entire month’s salary on an engagement ring, it showed he loved and was committed to his future wife. The campaign became popular and by the 80s the rule changed from one month to three. Why does a man pay three months’ salary on an engagement ring?
📹 Avoid These TSA Line MISTAKES at All Costs! (11 Airport Security Tips) 🛃
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Make sure the LAST thing you put on the security scanner is your valuables! Look first at the line flow. Don’t walk through the body scanner unless your stuff is also ready to scan. Hold your passport with boarding card in your hand as you go for your body scan/check. Never take your eyes off your valuables.
I’m not gonna read through the entire list to see if anybody else has posted this but my number one tip is sending your possessions through the scanner in the order you need them to come out so they can easily be re-packed. Meaning send your backpack through first, so that as your items come out you can just place them right into your bag.
My travel tip….when I travel with my husband, I know he will get patted down because of his pacemaker and knee replacements. I always go first and he lets another person go in front of him. That way it gives me enough time to get his things off the belt. I also try do this when flying with a friend, we don’t go through one behind the other just in case one of use gets pulled to the side. That way someone’s eyes are always on our things.
I’m a seasoned traveller myself, both business and personal. These would be my extra tips: 1. Look ahead to the front of the line you’re in – some split into two desks nearer the front so move twice as fast, others filter into one and go half as fast so pick the right line. 2. Make sure you follow the baggage size and weight rules of the airline to avoid problems and maybe extra charges at check in. 3. Print hard copies of your travel docs before leaving home in case your phone packs up or wifi is bad. 4. Keep a close eye on the info boards – late gate changes are quite common. 5. Getting visas on-line before travelling saves an extra line at the airport (and can be easier to extend if needed). 6. Do your research and make sure you’re equipped e.g. some countries require cash payment in a specific currency for a visa on arrival. 7. Have some small change on you for tips/baksheesh. 8. Smile and be nice to people and you’ll find nice people everywhere you go.
Not a TSA tip, but a travel tip. If you are carrying on a plain black back pack add something to it to make it distinctive, like bold stickers or ribbons. Don’t put it next to another plain black back pack, where an absent minded lady grabs yours by mistake. Happened to me in San Francisco. An hour of sheer panic as airline staff and security did their detective work to find the lady and the bag.
I have to fly several times a month, and this is how I do it. First, I have my Nexus ready (Global for Americans), so I always go through the express line. Before leaving home, I place my watch, wedding ring, wallet, etc., in a ziplock and put it in my personal bag. I only carry my phone (with boarding pass ready) and passport in my pocket. That way, those are the only personal items I have to place on the tray when I empty my pockets. I only wear a jacket over a sweater and comfy trousers without a belt. And, Salomon dark shoes. No metal, best comfort ever and easy to take off and on if ever needed (I have never had to take them off.) Finally, my laptop and iPad are ready to take from my personal bag—also, liquids in an approved ziplock within my personal bag and never inside the carry-on. So, the carry-on stays closed and just have to put it on the tray. Then, one tray for the jacket and personal bag. Another one is for laptop, iPad, passport, liquids and phone. And one more for carry-on. That way only takes 30 seconds to put everything on trays and a few seconds through the scanner. Once I clear security, another minute taking my stuff and walking away. I always go fast and always have my items on sight. Once at the gate, I take the ziplock with personal items and get my watch, wallet, etc. Oh, and I also get my neck pillow and blanket out from my bag at the gate and have them ready hanging from my carry-on so I can sit faster in the plane. Once I get to my seat, I place my neck pillow, iPad and cable on my seat and then put my carry-on in the bin and my personal item under the front seat.
I’m 93 and I remember how exciting it was to go lunch at the airport dinning room and watch the planes take off and landing. My last flight was a year ago from San Diego to Charlotte NC and I could not believe how dreadful is was to fly now. My flying days are over and I am relieved that I won’t be doing it anymore.
Also, if you are someone who needs extra help (elderly or frail, carrying a large amount of medical supplies, etc) please do NOT think you’re wasting anyone’s time to request extra help when purchasing your ticket. There are plenty of airport, airline and TSA staff ready to help you and take you through a designated security line. This helps everyone.
Great tips, thank you! One more thing I’d add is to not be chatty with the person in front or behind you while standing in TSA line. One, you may miss something the agent says, two you might make that person miss something, and three, the other person may be already frazzled and struggling to remember all of the dos and don’t’s. 😊
I have had two bad experiences going through airport security. One time I walked away without a bracelet, gone but not forgotten. It wasn’t super expensive, but it was my favorite bracelet. Another time was potentially far worse. I had forgotten something in my pocket, keys I think, so security stopped me to go over me with their wand. Meanwhile my computer was going through the conveyor/x-ray. When I turned around, someone was walking away with my laptop. As I stopped her, her laptop was coming through the conveyor. Her laptop was exactly like mine. Since then, I have always attached stickers to my laptop, so I can identify that it’s mine, and others will know it’s not theirs.
I have a tip: Don’t take any totally unnecessary electronics. And most importantly……. Keep a close eye on your items and the TSA. TSA has a huge amount of criminal employees that steal everything they can get away with. Sometimes they work in pairs. One will distract you while another will go through your carry-on and your coat pocket.
I used to be a TSA agent for Newark airport for ten years, since it’s inception in 2002 and it was a headache in the beginning, re-running the bags was constant because laptops and the likes would be in the bags. Over the years, majority of the passengers caught on to the procedure to make it an easy process. Working the x-ray, I made sure that the belt doesn’t get backed up, I would wait until the passenger was ready to remove their belongings, if they were still putting their shoes and personal items together. To prevent too many bins going through the x-ray, I would put their laptop and other small items side by side in the same bin and their jacket and toiletries in another bin or vice-versa, nothing on top of each other. Working in the International checkpoint was a little difficult because of language barrier, you had to hand motion and at times they would still forget to divest their pockets before entering the body scanner. I remember the four SSSS on the tickets and I hated that just as much as the passengers. I recall this blind passenger, who often flew, and he did the process better than those that could see, no mistakes. I didn’t suggest the passengers to leave their phone or other small items in their jackets, unless it was just the phone or wallet, sometimes multiple things in the jacket pockets cause confusion and you may still have to place the items back in the x-ray machine separately.
I went through the TSA check in Oklahoma City OK on the way home one time. I wear a medical Brace on my leg as I am a disabled Veteran. My stuff went through the scanner ok, then they took me to a seating area 30 feet away from the end of the scanning belt/rollers to do a secondary check. I wanted to take my bag, but they said no. I sat there for 15-20 minutes waiting for someone to show up and do their thing. finally an agent showed up. I asked him about my bag and he said I could not have it until the check was done, so my bag continued to sit there, unattended. I felt a secondary check area 30 feet away from the belt was too much and unsafe for my bag. I filed a formal complaint with the TSA and never heard from them; however the next time I flew, the secondary scan area was right at the end of the conveyor belt. Since this happened based on the issues with my brace and the temperature in the airplane cabin, I wear shorts when flying and my Vietnam era veteran hat and things do go much better. There was one time that they gave us free Pre-check passes and that was great. One thing to consider is that if you are going on a trip and will not need your high powered/high dollar laptop (mine is $1600) take an older or less expensive one. There are thieves waiting for you to give them the right opportunity. One other tip for air travelers is to tie a combination of different colored 1/2″ wide ribbons onto your checked luggage as it makes it much easier to see coming onto the luggage carousel.
My husband and I didn’t fly much, but we had to once due to a very long trip that was too far to drive. We made a list of questions, then called the airline to make sure we did the right thing. I currently wear a colostomy bag and learned that myself and my supplies can be excused from TSA pat downs.
Lol, that last tip! If you have to choose from two lines with families on them, look for the families where even the small kids are pulling their own carryon and hauling their own neatly packed backpack. Look for the parents who are calm and efficient. We’re a military family and my kids have been traveling since birth. They know the drill and get through security faster than most adults. Luckily now we all have Global Entry so we won’t be on that long line anymore. 😉
I travel a lot for work and her point about scoping out the lines has been a cardinal rule of mine for amost 20 yrs. For tips I have two: #1 Don’t be a jerk going through the line. TSA agents are usually contract workers who get minimum wage and they get a lot of grief. Be a good person. It’s amazing how much better a simple “good morning” or “good afternoon. How’s your day so far” and a smile makes the process. It doesn’t get you any favors but it makes the process a little less stressful. Trust me. They don’t do that job “for the love”. #2: If your destination is w/in an 8 hr. drive and the road/weather conditions for that season allow then drive instead of fly if at all possible. I have found that door to door the time is almost the same, but the stress is much lower, the ride more comfortable, the food much better and affordable. Also, no change fees if your plans change.
If the airport has numerous TSA checkpoints, pay attention the line wait times. Also, if taking an early morning flight, and you have time, instead of getting into the long line of the only open checkpoint, ask a TSA employee what time another checkpoint is going to open. It was way shorter to go wait for that checkpoint to open than to wait in the long line. I was first through the line.
Putting my valuables that I usually carry with me in my coat pocket is key to getting through TSA efficiently. I can easily put my phone, keys, wallet and watch into a ZIPPERED coat pocket. I don’t have to bend over to unzip any luggage and be fumbling around with a bag while the line is moving. But I make sure it is in a zippered pocket. Also the placement of the coat on the belt is important. I have noticed that TSA pre check often doesn’t use bins and they expect you to just drop you jacket or coat on the conveyer belt. Make sure to put your coat on the belt in front of your bag. If you have a light jacket, the plastic strips in front of the XRay may keep your jacket from following your bag. You want YOUR bag pushing your jacket along. You don’t want a stranger handling your jacket with your valuables.
These are all excellent suggestions. My wife and I have had Global Entry/TSA Pre-Check for years, which certainly makes things easier provided that Pre-Check is available, so follow all of these tips even though they may end up not all applying. Always allow plenty of time. An additional suggestion, which may not make going through security faster, but the opposite can potentially slow you down, is to be courteous. Whatever you may think about TSA’s policies and procedures, the folks on the front line do not make the policies, they only implement them. They are working folks who are trying to support themselves and their families in a tedious, from time-to-time high pressure, job. So, please be courteous. Smile. Greet them with a good morning/afternoon/evening. This does not mean to try and engage them in conversation (they are quite busy), but someone being pleasant and treating them as a fellow human being is, sadly, all too rare. Make eye contact and thank them after being directed through the scanner. If you get pulled for a secondary scan or search, smile and afterwards thank them for their diligence. They are there to help ensure that you get safely from your departure to your destination. Treat others like you (or your spouse or children) would wish to be treated were the positions reversed. BTW, this also works well in other countries, particularly if you say “thank you” in the local language. Safe travels.
When going through the line, I put my electronics in the ‘middle’. I’ve usually got my bag, my electronics, my toiletry bag, my jacket all in different trays. I put my jacket and shoes first, then my electronics and finally my bag. With the tech ‘in the middle’ it’s less likely to be taken accidentally.
Solid info Hobo! Once left a dive knife in my carry on threw security. The agent was so cool she grabbed me and said let’s go We ran to my luggage on the cart and she said put in in the luggage and then we walked back to security and all was good. This was at 4 am at LAX on the way to Aussieland. Now that was a cool TSA AGENT.
Thank you for educating. I have been privileged to have been in airports since I was a little kid and i remind myself that many people are new to flying. When my parents first took my sisters and me on a flight (in the 60s) things were not as complicated as they are now. So, your article and others like it are very HELPFUL if only new flyers would watch and learn. Another thing to know — temporary driver’s license (because you just got yours renewed but do not yet have the plastic replacement) is NOT acceptable, at least it wasn’t for me departing from OGG which meant I had to be frisked and have my carry on searched even though I had my old plastic driver’s license that was not yet expired but did have a hole punched in it…and credit cards, etc. The TSA agents were polite BUT it left me shaking for at least 30 minutes. OH, AND YES — “it’s different in every airport” which makes no sense! (like not having national policing training and standards makes no sense) “in the bin” “not in the bin” “shirt over t-shirt OK / NOT OK” etc etc etc … does TSA not have psychologists involved that let them know that these differences irritate people and make the security experience excruciating which then makes passengers more likely to be less than nice to TSA employees? It’s almost as if TSA is purposely making the environment hostile to bring out the worst in people rather than creating an environment in which everyone knows and feels that everyone is taking care of everyone. Venting. Just me venting.
If you fly often I would recommend getting the TSA pre-check as you can keep your belt on and a couple other benefits. Sometimes the lines for these are smaller and faster. Also another tip that I use is to put whatever you have in your pockets to your carry on while in line so when you go through it’s faster to just put them back into your pockets.
Thanks for this topic. Rules can change since your last flight,😆I guarantee you. Frequent flyer here with TSA precheck for 7 years now, and the TSA still surprises me. Last few flights: my powdered turmeric and ginger were tested for drugs, the metal zippers on my ankle cowboy boots set off the metal detector, and the coins in my change purse were dumped out and inspected and they told me to never bring that much change again. I always dump the water out of refillable water canteen but the empty canister bounced on the floor and rolled made a terrible racket.🙎♀Keep your good attitude when the unexpected happens. You’ll be thru line in a few minutes. I put my metal jewelry and belt in carry on and put it on after I’m done with TSA. By far, most TSA agents were very nice and had a little bit of humor. I’ve seen people have ammo taken away they tried to bring thru TSA. So read ALL the rules before you start packing.
I am 77 years young. I found out at my age you do not have to remove my shoes. When traveling, my carry on is just the phone, computer, watch, rings, bracelet, keys, pens. Everything is in my checked baggage. I also watch what I put in the checked baggage so it complies with the TSA guidelines. I find it is easier to have a small backpack for any carry on that can fits under your seat.
I’m a freelance photographer and travel with a lot of gear – lenses, camera bodies, a DJI drone, a computer, battery chargers, AC adapters and cables, batteries, guidebooks, maps, my meds, – all brought on board as carryon. The backpack is heavy – it weighs 20 kg, but I have never been stopped, because it fits the regulation size for a carryon and airlines accept NO responsibility if it’s checked in your luggage… especially if it gets delayed or lost! ALL the loose stuff, like cables, meds, guidebooks etc go in clear, heavy-duty ZIPLOCK brand freezer bags, so it’s protected and organized, yet easily removed from my backpack if necessary and fully visible to security inspection. The backpack I use fully opens to reveal the interior, a clamshell-style bag, so it’s rare anything has to be removed or pulled out, because it can be visually inspected. I just returned from two-week trip to Martinique, and there was one thing that did cause a delay at security – a small case that had all my lithium and rechargeable drone batteries. Guess what – it went through the X-ray and show up as a big block of black! It had to be opened and of course, visually inspected. It also sidelined my main backpack that it was in. So next time, I will make sure this is in a clear plastic case so it’s visible too, and in the tray separately going through x-ray. I had several Euros in coin, so I placed it inside a clear plastic 35mm film canister – which was in a bin with my keys and other loose stuff in a ziplock baG.
I usually take a moment after I check in to organize my stuff before getting in the TSA line. I find a seating area and take off my jacket, watch, etc., and put them in my personal item, put the liquids bag on top, and loosen shoes so I can remove them quickly. The only time I’ve been caught out with this is when TSA suddenly asked for everyone to remove all the food from our bags, which was now under all my other stuff. Sometimes the signs telling you what to remove from your bag are outdated or inaccurate, so you really do have to pay attention to the announcements and to what others are doing. To avoid losing stuff, count the number of items as you put them in the bins. I’m a bit of a germaphobe, so I wear a pair of streched-out old socks over my other socks and just toss them after I go through security. I also try to wear relatively fitted (but still comfortable) clothes to avoid an extra pat down.
Great article! Thanks! 😊 I feel the info in number 8 should be number 1. Most people won’t get all the way through all the tips, unfortunately. Guidelines definitely vary dramatically. I’ve been to airports that don’t require shoes to be removed, don’t care about liquids, or even electronics that are larger than a cell phone. Also, I find that some smaller airports have two security scanners, one at the entrance then another after check in. I have gotten my routine down pretty good, but since I’m a photographer, I get questioned about my photography gear and gadgets, even if I’m thoroughly organized. Waiting 20 minutes is short to me! Beware: Long delays are real even if you’re prepared!
Hi, thank you for this article. I‘ve personally worked as an airport security agent for almost 20 years now. And I wish all passengers would prepare their flights by just perusal this clip and briefly go through this excellent little checklist before queuing up in the security line. Please believe me: It really makes the big difference for everyone including yourself. You can easily cut your waiting time in half by being prepared at the checkpoint. Frequent travellers know what I mean. Thank you! 🙂
Excellent advice on here. As a person with invisible disabilities, I request wheelchair access. I have found that in larger airports those with tsa pre clearance and disabilities go through a special line. Much shorter and quicker and the porter stayed with me and ensured i had all my stuff on the other side. As a knitter I’ve heard horror stories of knitters having their needles taken away at tsa inspection. I put my good needles (some $50 each) in my checked in luggage when i need to take them and have a less expensive pair of needles with my current project. I have never had an issue with my knitting needles, other than to have people ask what i was knitting. But why tempt fate!
Right to the details. A few times, though, I misplaced my power bank in my checked baggage. That’s quite a hassle, especially when the check in counter sends right away to wherever the baggage will go through the X ray (Imagine you are in the boarding gate and you are called to remove your power bank from your checked baggage) as opposed to the passenger putting the checked baggage into the X Ray near the check in counter and seeing the baggage go clear.
I now have a Fanny pack that is RFID blocking. I keep it in my backpack rather than placing it separately in a bin. I’m fortunate to travel with my husband and we keep an eye on each other’s belongings as they go through security. Years ago I made the mistake of putting my Fanny pack in a bin by itself and it was stolen in Mexico. It had my passport, credit cards & etc. Their security didn’t give a damn. Even though the thief would have been caught on camera.
Interesting how things vary, in Europe the removal of shoes is very rare unless they’re large boots (with a thick heel). Most shoes aren’t required to be removed. A lot of airports have new 3D scanners too which means you don’t need to remove anything from your bags, liquids, electronics etc. The bag just goes in full
If any of you use TSA approved locks on your luggage, there’s something you may or may not know: TSA approved locks have a red indicator button on top that pops up if TSA has searched your luggage. If you retrieve your luggage from luggage claim and that red button on your lock has popped up, that means TSA has searched your luggage and you need to check it immediately to make sure nothing has been taken. Every time I have to go through security at the airport, I always feel like livestock 🤣
Unless I’m flying internationally I now drive between destinations. Even with staying overnight at a motel in the middle of the trip I get to where I’m going more refreshed with a fatter wallet. Dealing with TSA is just one of the intrusive issues I try to avoid for my overall mental health. I also get to travel in my own vehicle when I get there. Yes, I have to stop for weather related events, but then so do airlines. Even with higher fuel prices it typically costs me 1/3 less overall.
Pretty good. Common sense. I really liked the one about putting all your stuff into a jacket pocket. Just make sure it has a zipper! I always try to scout out the line in front of me for the very reasons you mention in #11. Along with keeping away from families, I also try to shy away from folks who look like they are lost or have never done this before. They always take long amounts of time to get through security.
Thanks Nora. Your website is a gold mine of great info and I’m having so much fun binge-watching it. The only thing I can add to this list is 🗣️DO🗣️ NOT🗣️ be that idiot that thinks arguing with the TSA is going to get you anywhere. They have full say over what and who clears security, period. Regardless if something cleared in another airport on a different day without a problem. If you have something questionable, the TSA has an app that you can directly message them on and ask if its allowed. If they tell you it’s okay, screenshot their response. Save it on your phone where it’s easily accessible. Respectfully and politely show it to the agents. Go from there. If you get rude or disruptive, don’t plan on making your flight that day or flying commercially any time soon.
You are doing us a great service. Thanks to you and many other poster’s great tips. I wish every plane traveler have a chance to watch this article prior to check in to airport. Not only a time-saving for oneself but also as a consideration to others. We all need extra security to protect us, but as individuals, we should do our part to make it easier for TSA agents and passengers too. It is a cooperative effort