Carry-on That You and the TSA Will Love

Traveling can be stressful enough without being trapped behind a slowpoke in the security line. You know the type: they don’t start to get ready for security screening until a second before they have to go through the scanner and the whole line gets held up. Don’t be that person.

Here are a few tips for packing carry-on that has everything you need and doesn’t hold up the line at security.

Clothing

Wear shoes easy to take on and off. If it’s too cold or wet for flip flops or sandals, wear boots with zippers if at all possible. If you’re wearing a jacket or a belt, take it off and put it and your shoes in the first bin to go through the x-ray machine so that you can get your clothes together before you have to grab everything else on the other side.

Baggage

Make sure your baggage conforms to standard carry-on sizes so that it fits through the scanner. Bring a luggage lock with you, but don’t put it on until after you’re through security. That way, if the TSA does need to open your bag for whatever reason, it’s not a hassle. Put things with metal parts, like umbrellas, on top of everything else so that the officer doesn’t have to dig through all of your things to get to whatever they want to find.

Liquids

Get a pre-assembled liquid carry-on set like this one. Everything is clearly labeled with its capacity so there’s no question as to whether or not it’s within standards; the bag is clear so that security can see through it, and you know right away all the bottles will fit. Use duct tape and a black permanent marker to label each of the containers so you know which contains what, and you’re good to go!

Electronics

If you’re bringing a laptop, keep it in an easily accessible part of your bag and in a TSA-friendly laptop case. Try to keep the wires for it in a separate pocket so you don’t end up dumping them all on the floor when you pull the computer out. Keep all your small electronics together so that you can grab them all in one go. Having to hunt and peck isn’t fun for you or for the people behind you. You’re also not allowed to bring lithium batteries through security, so check any cameras beforehand to make sure you’re not using them.

Finally, if you’re not sure whether or not you’re allowed to bring something in your carry-on, consult the TSA’s handy prohibited items list.