Top Tips For Airport Security in 2023 | Navigating TSA with Ease ✈️ 🪪
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
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Scottevest has women's and men's vests, hoodies, tops, bottoms, and jackets - something for everybody! Remember here: we're talking about jackets or vests that can hold your valuables and be removed easily to go through the airport security x-ray. But they're equally useful at your destination to keep your valuables close at hand while you explore.
👉🏻 Trusted Traveler Program information: ttp.cbp.dhs.gov
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✅ - TSA PreCheck: Is it Still Worth It in 2024? • A Complete Guide to TS...
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#airportsecuritytips #tsahacks #travelsmart #airportlife #securitycheck
TSA Airport Security Tips
Expert advice for navigating TSA security
Frequent flyer airport security advice
Navigating TSA checkpoints
How to breeze through TSA checkpoints
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Greetings! I'm Nora Dunn, aka The Professional Hobo. I've been a digital nomad since 2006. I help people design their lifestyles and arrange their affairs so they can travel long term while working remotely. (I also have a ton of crazy travel tales to share from almost two decades of lifestyle travel).
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🧥 Shop for Scottevest travel clothing with secure pockets here! shrsl.com/458ao
Scottevest has women's and men's vests, hoodies, tops, bottoms, and jackets - something for everybody! Remember here: we're talking about jackets or vests that can hold your valuables and be removed easily to go through the airport security x-ray. But they're equally useful at your destination to keep your valuables close at hand while you explore.
👉🏻 Trusted Traveler Program information: ttp.cbp.dhs.gov
👉🏻 TSA PreCheck information: www.tsa.gov/precheck
✅ - TSA PreCheck: Is it Still Worth It in 2024? ua-cam.com/video/-mvMATh8GPA/v-deo.htmlsi=0EbdO26iwy4ONQQ3
GET YOUR FREE CHECKLIST of 10 Things to Do Before Traveling Long-Term! Learn from my 15+ years of travel and remote work abroad: bit.ly/3iTqIbu
Save luggage space and fees with this FREE Travel Gear and Packing List CHEAT SHEET! bit.ly/3AFfiTq Includes special discount codes up to 25% off the things you need.
RELATED VIDEOS:
🛄 How to Avoid Carry on Baggage Fees | Creative Hacks Included ua-cam.com/video/Y9SljpAhb6M/v-deo.html
💳 How to Stay Safe Using Your Credit Card Abroad | RFID Technology Explained ua-cam.com/video/F89Vi5L-6jg/v-deo.html
🧴 TSA Liquid Hacks and Solid Toiletries | Tips and Hacks for Carry-On Travel ua-cam.com/video/M-q2OKPq9Y4/v-deo.html
🛃 Avoid These TSA Line MISTAKES at All Costs! (11 Airport Security Tips) ua-cam.com/video/121582fi_3I/v-deo.html
So, I would like to share with you my techniques with airport / TSA:
1- Before I leave for the airport, I always remove items that may cause additional screening. I have been doing this for the last 15 years.
2- I make sure to remove any items that may cause additional screening.
3- After my bags are checked in, I never waste time and immediately proceed to the checkpoint to finish the process as quickly as possible. Later, I can relax and spend time in the departure lounge.
4- I always arrive at the airport 4 to 5 hours before the flight time. My calculation is as follows: 30 to 45 minutes for bag check-in, 45 minutes for TSA and other procedures, and I aim to be at the gate 50 minutes before the flight. It's important to be among the first to board the plane to avoid having my bag taken. This leaves me with at least 2 extra hours to relax at the airport, considering unexpected delays.
5- I always carry printed copies of any necessary documents. You never know if your phone might die or get lost.
6- I prioritize wearing comfortable shoes and clothing. If I need a jacket, I always remove it before going through TSA.
7- Asking for directions is always helpful. Before visiting a new airport, I use Google and UA-cam to investigate and gather basic information, and directions, sometimes learning from others' experiences.
8- I never argue if I know I am wrong. Instead, I try to minimize situations that can lead to misunderstandings.
9- A smile and a friendly greeting go a long way. I always say hi to officers and staff.
10- It's important to remember that you are not the first person the officer has checked. They may have already checked over 200 people before you. So, it's essential to be patient, even if the officer seems aggressive. As I mentioned before, a simple "hi" and smile can work wonders.
I hope these techniques are helpful.
Great tips! Thank you Ahmed!
Thank you for your words regarding the TSA screeners. While it's not a physically demanding job most of the time, it can be mentally. The TSA screeners operate in an environment of being scared of getting in trouble by their leads, supervisors and managers. Not to mention the constant threat of being fired. The TSA LOVES to fire its employees. Bi-annual recertification is highly stressful as well because, once again, employment is on the line. While it's true that many screeners can be rude, this is not at all common. Some of the rules passengers have to follow are looked upon as ridiculous by the very people who have to screen those passengers. The screeners have no choice in the matter. The TSA SOP is like a holy book that must be followed strictly...or else. By the way, in my 11.5 years of working for the TSA at LAX I can only think of two times when I had a problem with a passenger. Two. I don't have enough space in my head to count how many times I had a problem with a co-worker, lead, supervisor or manager. That's sad. Again, thank you for your words.
Thanks for sharing your experiences, Matt! I really appreciate it.
Photography vests are also awesome. I can put my macbook in the back pocket.
Absolutely!
Once again, that's overwhelming for me. I guess I'll just stay home. I do appreciate your confident tone and cheerful presentation.
I'm sorry you're overwhelmed Doug.
Love my ScottEVest! The vest is my “second” personal item.
I pretty much live in the cargo pants, as I hate carrying a purse, and when the weather is warm, I can make them into capris.
Nice! Glad you love your ScottEVest duds. Most people do.
This has nothing to do with the video here, but I am loving those art work behind you. I have the same ones from when I was in Japan. Thanks for always giving us the best tips. Thanks for making it clear about Pre-Check, a lot of people think it work overseas. I just got back from traveling abroad, and they don't honor this pre-check. Aloha from Hawaii
That's awesome! I got those scrolls many (many many!) years ago when I toured China with a Ballet. (like 30 years ago. It's one of the few things I kept when I sold everything to travel full-time).
The money belts are great, but I had a panic situation with mine. My sister and I were at our hotel in London waiting for our cab when ran back to the room to switch from a backback to a crossbody bag. I had everthing out on the bed when I realized my passport was not there. After frantically searching, I ran back down stairs to tell my sister that I couldn’t find it, when she reminded me of the money belt. Sheepishly, I checked and yes, my passport was safely there. That darn money belt was so comfortable that I forgot I had it on.
Ha ha - wow! Good thing your money belt is that comfy! I've not yet found a money belt that comfortable....especially in hot weather.
Another great one, I’m from Texas living in the UK, so I’ve been doing a lot of travelling back and forth for the past 20 years! Most things I’ve had to learn the hard way, but you’re advice is spot on!! I’m even learning some new tips, so thanks so much .
Awesome - thank you so much, Lisa!
I love watching your videos! I always learn something new and feel prepared for my next trip! Thanks for all your tips!
You are so welcome!
Metal detectors are definitely getting more precise. I usually leave all jewelry buried in carry on until I've passed TSA, but for a change, I left on a wristwatch, which was small and had a cloth band. And it set off the scanner. Lesson learned.
Second vote for the eVest, which is also a great way to have very personal items automatically available on aircraft loos, in case you forget to bring something when getting out of your seat.
Yes! Never thought about the loo. Ha ha!
I haven't taken off my watch since 2015 and never had problems. I suppose it's because the case and chain are cheramic, not made of metal.
@@wncjan - Smartwatches can be more problematic. "normal" watches normally pass.
@@NoraDunn I wouldn't know. Never owned a smart watch 😉
I use the vest tip it's great. Preparation is key. I travel with a camera. I have batteries in a ziplock in case they need to come out.
Preparation is key! Amen to that.
Well, I have been binge watching a ton of your videos today! So great, thank you! Especially the travel safety and securely videos. I was really nervous traveling to South America by myself for work last year. I used a lot of the same tips but would’ve been nice to know of your channel before then!
Better late than never - thanks for watching Shauna! It's curious: I was really nervous about traveling to South America, even after a decade on the road! Turns out it's not so scary, especially if you practice street sense.
Thanks, Nora, for another excellent and informative video, particularly the last tip about being "patient, positive, and respectful", which I would consider the be the most important tip of all. I would add that it is also a good practice to say "thank you" (with a sincere smile) to them as they are there to help ensure that you get to your destination safely. This applies even if you get pulled for a pat down or a secondary bag search. It is still being done for your protection and that of your fellow passengers. Plus, as it sadly is not a regular occurrence, it will undoubtedly brighten their day. If the roles were reversed, most folks would appreciate the gesture.
Thank you Jim - and I agree! Even if I get pulled aside for further inspection (as often happens with my bag, especially when I travel with my portable espresso maker.....a tease for next week's video!), I don't mind. They're just doing their job. We are privileged enough to be able to travel by airplane. This is amazing! I am happy to be at the airport.
Thanks for the great advice, especially noting letting the TSA agents know about any medical devices. I hadn't thought of that and have a chemo port so I will be sure to mention it to the agent. (All good, post melanoma treatment, they just make you keep the port in for a while, just in case.) Thanks!
I'm glad that tip helped, Rose! (I'm also glad you're all better!)
Great summary of tips, zippered pockets in coat/vest are great. Scottevest has been around for more that 20 years, quality apparel.
I agree!
I’ve worn a moneybelt travelling for over twenty years and only once have I ever been stopped at security. And that was LEAVING the Netherlands. Much easier to pack it away as you suggest.
Interesting that you got the belt through 99.9% of the time !
Really comprehensive video! Thanks.
I agree that it’s a must to be polite to TSA staff. There seem to be differences in what is required, even with precheck, from one airport (or one agent) to another so I usually ask if I should take off my jacket and/or hat. Sometimes precheck isn’t operating and you have to queue with everyone else, but if your boarding pass shows that you have precheck then staff may be lenient and tell you to leave on your jacket and not take out your liquids bag.
I'm new to TSA Pre-check, so it's good to know that they may be lenient if you have to go through the regular lineups.
And you need to “read the room” - if there’s a big crowd and the agents seem bad tempered then just assume there won’t be much leniency that day!
@@ozgirl45 Ha! Good point.
It is just a total luck of the draw going thru security. Flew from London to Denver. Cleared customs no problem. Had a connecting flight to Texas and had to go thru security. No issues here other than I have had both knees replaced so have to go thru "special" line in Denver. No issues there.
The connecting flight was delayed then cancelled. Had to stay over night in Denver. Next morning back to airport, got checked in headed to security again. I had 2 carry on bags. Nothing was different in either bag. At security both my carry on bags were pulled and gone thru and nothing in either bag.
Do everything you can before you get to the airport, then hope for the best. Good Luck.
Good plan!
I have been to a good number of countries in North America, Asia, and Europe. Some airports were better than others, but the worst airport I had to go through was Dublin Airport. The security went through all of my bags one thing at a time. I felt like they were stripping my dignity off, one little peace at a time. I almost cried. I missed my flight along with all of my connecting flights. The staff was not helpful in changing my ticket. They were lying to my face and pointing to each other. It was horrible. It felt like stuff was punishing me and I have no idea what for. I ended up buying another ticket. Avoid this airport at all cost.
Holy moly - that's awful! I'm so sorry that happened. I'm a bit surprised they let you miss your flight; I wonder if you have the SSSS on your boarding pass (that's the extra-security-screening signal).
Awesome advice! I really appreciate your tip about Scottevest, I will check them out 👍
Nice! Thanks :-)
You're the goat!!! 😊we need this playing outside of every checkpoint 😅
Ha ha! You're awesome Britt! Thank you 😂
Great tips. Love the vest idea. I use photo vests since they have many pockets.
Those work great too!
Great video, all of it valuable and informative. Thanks for the clarification about belts and I agree with the shout out to TSA officers. See you in the next video.
Thank you Bill!
Guess I was lucky, I had one of those sport belts under my dress. I really needed to find your advise a couple years ago.
Glad you had your stuff secure!
Thanks Nora! Good info I’ll do when we travel to Europe in October!
Fantastic! Thanks Kari.
Thanks for all that Nora. I didn't know about the undergarment money belt situation. Cheers
Awesome - glad it was a helpful tip!
Thanks for all your tips. I need a vest for my next trip.
Sweet! Thanks Diane :-)
I just came through security check in transit from Toronto via
Stockholm to Copenhagen and was flagged😢first time ever in Stockholm! I was stunned because I'm very aware of the rules! Here's the tip: do not travel with a black regular hair dryer. On their screen it actually looks like a gun!! Lesson learned.😮
WOW! I had never thought about a hairdryer looking that way. Fascinating!
I don't know if anyone covered it, NEVER NEVER wear any type of clothing you may have been to a weapons range recently. The sniffers will pick that up immediately. Several years ago had it happen on a pair of boots I went through the TSP CP and it was all kinds of fun
WOW - great tip Kerry!
Agree. Teaching firearms at police academy and I’ve taken a pair of Merrill’s to Alaska and got some extra attention. Thanks for sharing
I have a metallic dental partial. Will it set off the detector?
It didn't 20 years ago.
I don't think it will.
Last month (May 2023) coming home from Italy I was asked about powder in my carry on before I even checked in. I had a powdered sun screen. She reviewed it and I was told it’s ok because it was under 3.4 ounces. Never had that happen before.
Wow! I'm surprised there was a restriction on the amount of powder you could travel with! I've never come across that.
NORA! I’ve been looking for that tee shirt you’re wearing everywhere. Simple and elegant, along with your advice. Can you identify it, please?
Thanks! I got the shirt from Anatomie - they make designer travel clothes, that I've been wearing for 12+ years. I don't think they carry this particular style any more, but there are plenty of similar styles here (I dare you to choose just one!) www.tkqlhce.com/click-100713654-15359120?url=https%3A%2F%2Fanatomie.com%2Fcollections%2Fwomens-wrinkle-free-travel-tops
Here's some more info about why I love their duds: www.theprofessionalhobo.com/my-travel-capsule-wardrobe-best-wrinkle-free-travel-clothes-for-women/
These clothes are ridiculously expensive.
@@miavos3610 They are expensive, but they also last forever (their "essentials" lineup even comes with a lifetime guarantee). On a cost-per-wear basis, they even out.
Question, if I may: what about hearing aids - on or off the ears at security?
I'm pretty sure you can leave them on.
I found out the hard way that you can't have anything on you when going through the detector on my way back to the states from overseas last year and that they know what to look for if you try to sneak anything through. I had a sizeable amount of local currency on me that I hadn't spent, in my front pants pockets, enough that it was obvious that I had something in them, and the agent told me to remove it.
When I told him that it was cash he said it didn't matter and I had to remove it, so of course I did. Let's just say that those were some pretty anxious moments as I worried that the cash would be seized or stolen by the agents or that I'd be taken aside to explain why I had this much local currency on me that I was taking out of the country. But everything went well, all the money was there on the other side of the scanner, no one questioned me, and I made my flight. But, not a fun experience.
Yikes! Yes, always good to sort that stuff in private and stick it in your bag which gets plopped on the tray, so you aren't flashing cash.
Some airports do not allow you to keep all your things in jacket pockets. Like phones, tablets, ereaders, smart watch, smart band, etc. Is required to be kept outside of your bag/clothes. Meaning it has to be outside in tray.
All airports require you to put everything in the tray. What I'm talking about is putting everything into jacket pockets and then putting the jacket into the tray, so everything stays together and can't be lost/stolen as easily.
06:50 Ho-hum... I have a pacemaker... and so does my partner.
Ive always used belt made of nylon and plastic buckle. Didn't need to remove it. US and international flights.
Good to know!
What about smart watch? Should we also remove it. Thanks
Most of the time I don't need to, but the last flight I took I did need to. They'll tell you.
A way to prove that the electronic is yours, have your own face as the lock screen. Its hard to dispute
OOH! Great tip!!
We are travelling to the U.S from Australia next year. We will be wearing a money belt with under $2k on our flights over. If we bury the money belt in our personal carry item, are we allowed to lock it with a tsa lock? I have no trouble opening the bag if asked, I just don't want to risk someone going through my bag without me being present 😬
Yes, that's fine, as long as you have already removed any items from your personal item bag that need to go into the tray for separate scanning (eg: liquids and laptops).
Money belt. It depends on what kind of money belt it is. I have a kind that does not show up on body scanners. Never had a problem with it.
@Beebjnu , I have the same experience as you but I'm going to take Nora's advice in the future. I'm sure it will be the actual "money" that will show up.
Exactly! Even if the belt doesn't show, the money may. These scanners even pick up tissues and pocket lint! I can't see how they wouldn't detect a wad of cash.
If you don't have electronics or chargers larger than a phone, can they still be left in purse or carry on?
Yes, you can leave them in your bag.
@@NoraDunn Thank you
Great tips Nora!! NEXUS was definitely the best investment I've ever made and I'm on my third renewal now.
Hey Will!!! I JUST got my NEXUS card last week! Took me exactly four years from submitting my application - LOL
@@NoraDunn I heard it was bad! My wife was waiting for a renewal interview throughout the pandemic. I think they finally gave up and just did the auto-renewal instead of coming in for an interview. I'm glad you have it now though!!
@@GoingAwesomePlaces I totally figured I was going to have to start over with a new application. So happy I got through....eventually - ha ha!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! You mentioned a MONEY BELT!!! I have been waiting SOOOO long to hear about a money belt!!! You are my first money belter! TY🙂
Ha ha! Glad I could help! One never forgets their first money belter ;-)
Unfortunately, travel garments such as Scottevest have not made it below the equator. They have to be imported from the US at a frightful expense. With very small luggage limits, a lot of people are just not interested in a heavy garment to take on their summer holiday that costs more than a suitcase.
Ha ha! Fair enough. What you do have an abundance of, however, is merino sheep. The world's best merino wool comes from NZ! Is it available locally, or is it one of those things that gets largely exported (like kiwis - the fruit that is)?
I’ve had to ‘donate’ honey and jam souvenirs that were more than 3.4oz. 🤦♀️ Just didn’t think of them as liquids.
Oh no! Too bad.
Non U.S. citizens qualify for TSA Precheck AND Global Entry 😊
Global Entry eligibility: "U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and select foreign nationals"
So yes, you're right, but the "select foreign nationals" are few and far between!
US lawful permanent residents qualify. They are NOT US citizens. And they are NOT few and far between. ☺️
In Germany, they always screen solo female travelers. EVERY SINGLE TIME. Empty pockets, sports bra without wire, no belt - doesn't matter.
Wow - interesting.
Good stuff, I know you don't have trusted traveler programs but is TSA the same in Canada or are they more lenient ? Canada is so civilized compared to the US.😂
A Canadian here. Nexus is a good program as it does get me TSA PreCheck. As for agents, I can't say that I've noticed a lot of difference with the exception that on occasion they can seem a little less indifferent/officious when I'm returning home.
So we do have a trusted traveler program called NEXUS which comes with TSA Pre-Check. It's important to note that TSA Pre-Check only works in the US.
However just last week it was announced that a new system will start to be rolled out in certain Canadian airports for members of Nexus and other Trusted traveler programs.
Other than that, the airport security process in Canada is almost identical to the US.
@@NoraDunn Pearson Airport in Toronto just came out with YYZ Express that allows you to pre-book a time to go thru security in a special line.
@@davesaunders7080 Yes! However the last 2 times I flew out of Pearson (since this was enacted), my flight/terminal didn't qualify, so I haven't had a chance to use it.
Have you used it? How did it go?
@@NoraDunn We are next departing on a Terminal 1 International Trip Sunday in August , I will be there about 2:00 pm so I'm thinking it wont be a peak travel time but I may try it to see how it works, I'll let you know🙂
While I liked the scoti vest suggestionj, they are, in my opinion, VERY overpriced.
Is there another company that has something similar you can suggest?
Problem with travelling to U.S. TSA padlock you used for your luggages disappear when you arrive to the U.S. to collect your luggages. I wonder why. I use TSA padlocks but still they are being taken making your luggages open as they load your bags to the final destination.
Wow - that's odd.
@@NoraDunn I'm so sorry I said it wrong. You arrive to the U.S. & collected your luggages. Then you will undergo luggage check in again with all the TSA padlock still in your luggages. When I arrive to Barbados & collected my luggages there all my TSA padlocks gone. Meaning from the U.S. all my TSA locks were taken.
@@larasmith5723 Still - it's bizarre!
If you fly through Dublin and Shannon Ireland to the US, you can clear Us Customs there and don’t have to wait when you come in the us
Thanks for the tip!
What about bra with metal ?
I personally use bras without underwires. Understance is my secret weapon ;-) rwrd.io/rf6r2n9?c
I always wear an underwire bra, and it's random chance whether they choose to "wand" me. I don't have a problem with it, but if you do, play it safe and don't wear underwires.
Usually they ignore other metal like hooks or strap sliders.
The guy that had a money belt is very lucky. Not just because a thief didn't steal his money. Check out civil asset forfeiture. This has happened where a traveler was traveling with a larger amount of cash and the TSA called the cops and the money was taken even though it was legally the property of the traveler. The only way to get the money back is to sue the police and you have to pay the legal fees and pray that they don't claim that they don't have it any more so now you should sue the federal government. This actually happens in airports and at the side of the road when you are stopped for things like speeding a few mph over the limit or other minor infraction.
Whaaaa? I can see this with amounts over 10K (which seems to be a cash amount that triggers additional immigration/customs questions), but $1k?
Please, don’t take this offensive. Whatever you doing works perfect. Yor face looks beautiful and alive fully rejuvenated as hobo ambassador should face off and on. Of course time is important but slow down (less cuts). With full respect.
Thanks for your feedback :-)
@@NoraDunn UWelcome beauty of skyline and happiness of airplanes (airlines).
Nora, Love watching your videos, but need to dump the Blonde end tips, sorry your hair just dates you bad.
LOL thanks for the fashion tip.