DO NOT Wear This in Airport Security | (#5 is a TSA Red Flag!)
Vložit
- čas přidán 28. 04. 2024
- Airport Security Guide 2024 [FREE DOWNLOAD]: bit.ly/Airport-Security-Guide
Travel Outfits NOT to Wear to the Airport to Avoid TSA Line Trouble. You'll learn 10 things to avoid wearing when going through airport security that will save you from setting off a TSA alarm and needing extra security screening.
✈️ TRAVEL RESOURCES
Best Travel Insurance for Seniors: bit.ly/Travel-coverage
Top rated VPN forTravel: bit.ly/PP-nordvpn
Amazon slip-ons to wear over socks: amzn.to/3To7KOR
Best Value Luggage (discount code: Megan15): bit.ly/level8-1
Incredible Tour Deals: bit.ly/3sok4mt
Most Affordable Travel Insurance: bit.ly/PortableProfessional-In...
Top-rated E-Sim to Use Phone Internationally: bit.ly/PP-holafly
My Go-To Travel Clothing: bit.ly/PP-Merino
My Most-Loved Travel Gear on Amazon: www.amazon.com/shop/megan.gou...
Free Travel Hack Newsletter: bit.ly/PP-travelnewsletter
Free eBook with my Top Travel Hacks: bit.ly/PP-TravelHacks
🌎 WATCH NEXT
• Do NOT Wear This on th...
• Top 5 AIRPORT SCAMS to...
• 13 SECRET AIRPORT HACK...
• BEST Plane Seats Revea...
• DO NOT Wear This in Ai...
Welcome to Portable Professional, where I, Megan, use my experience from over 300 flights to offer you simple, practical and game-changing travel tips and hacks. Our mission is to help you reduce stress and make the most of every trip.
Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE for weekly tips & hacks: czcams.com/users/PortablePro...
🐶 Chapters
00:00 DO NOT Wear to Aiport
00:22 Worst shoes for security
01:13 TSA shoe HACK
02:05 Worst pants to wear
02:28 DO NOT forget this!
02:55 My MOST Embarrassing Airport security fail
03:39 Avoid pockets (tsa alarm!)
04:46 Avoid this shirt (unexpected trouble)
05:22 This sets off the alarm
06:14 TSA Guide for 2024
06:32 Bad outfit choice
07:03 Electronics at airport security
07:34 GENIUS HACK
08:12 Accessories to avoid
08:56 Boots are a big problem
09:24 GENIUS HACK #2
10:37 DO NOT wear on PLANE!
Affiliate Disclosure: This content contains affiliate links. We may receive compensation at no additional cost to you if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you for your support!
*Airport Security Guide 2024 [FREE DOWNLOAD]* bit.ly/Airport-Security-Guide
Your advice on sandals, slip-ons, flip-flops, or any other kind of flimsy footwear, regardless of socks or no socks, is completely WRONG according to aviation safety experts. In the event of any emergency landing or crash, that type of footwear is immediately UNSAFE. Sturdy LACE-UP shoes with non-slip soles, tied very securely are indicated. Getting through security "conveniently" is a VERY MINOR consideration compared to one's health, safety and life. I couldn't even watch the rest of your video because I couldn't believe someone was giving such APPALLING advice about footwear for flights just based on "convenience". Is all of.your advice this terrible, ill-researched and ill-considered?
My story is not funny, but others have experienced it. I broke my right leg and crushed my ankle in 2021. Three surgeries later, I have a leg full of screws, cross pieces, and titanium and steel plates. I told them I’d set off the alarm. I did. Two pat downs later a TSA manager showed up, and she was NOT happy. “TAKE OFF YOUR PROSTHETIC LEG!” I don’t have one. It’s metal, implanted in my leg and foot. “Tell her to take it off or she’s NO FLY.” The two agents and I looked at each other. One called for someone else. By the time that person got there the original manager (all 6 feet of her) was screaming into my face, and I was standing there on a cold floor with my sock off and my pant leg pulled up to my knee. I flew upgraded that day (the TSA crew helped-bless them.)
That woman who was very Rude, Hateful & obviously a complete Idiot about Prosthetics & Permanent Implants should’ve been Fired on the Spot. I would’ve called afterward and File a Complaint against her so she doesn’t treat the next person that way ever again. Traveling can be stressful as it is we don’t need any more stress from people like her.
I was actually strip searched because to save space in my suitcase, I wore my Wonder Woman costume underneath my clothing (it has boning). This is why superheroes never fly commercial! LOL
I disagree with wearing sandals. If there's an emergency, like a door plug flying off mid-flight, It's much safer to be wearing a strong, sturdy pair of shoes to protect your feet from debris you have to walk through to escape.
I wholeheartedly agree with this. You never know when it might happen.
I 100% agree.
Slip-on shoes are better. Easy to take away, but sturdy enough
Exactly
Exactly, in the unlikely event of an emergency closed toed shoes and long pants are best.
got asked to take off my sweater in London once.
i took it off , i still dont understand why the staff where anoyed about my naked torso :D
😂😂
1. The only hack one really needs is to arrive at the airport early enough to be as comfortable and fashionable as one wants to be and still get through TSA in time to make one's flight.
2. The "jacket with big pockets" hack doesn't work in many airports where the TSA insists that electronics be screened separately from clothing and other items.
Fair warning. Noted. Though I was going to sing praises for the "jacket with big pockets" hack. It's what I tend to do for the airports I frequent and I haven't had any issues. Maybe its location / equipment / training dependent?
For me - it's usually a wallet and mobile that's going in to the jacket. Everything else is in a bag. Though there have been times when I forgot about my keys or didn't trust that the belt I was wearing was going to make it through. So those went in to the jacket as well.
Your experience may differ.
I've often had to take the phone out of a pocket to go through separately
One tip if you're traveling with a wheelchair. Always ask for Airport assistance. Having airport crew with you speeds up the process very much. They're on the clock, they know the security agents and you're often let through the line for the crew and diplomats. Same for passport control.
My 31 year old younger brother with cerebral palsy has a physical disability
Normally, airlines take initiative to assist anyways.
Thanks for this tip. I don't need a wheelchair, but I always have a problem hobbling through security while my cane and my special orthotic shoes go through the scanner. If I had someone's arm to lean on it would go a lot better!
@@DoloresJNurss Even if you can walk with assistance, you can ask for an airport wheelchair and attendant. Things go so much easier that way, and airports are HUGE!
@@PraveenSriramok, and your point is?
I have an additional suggestion for socks. i wear a pair of socks through security and if shoes need to be removed, I go through security and then peel off the out layer of socks that touched the floor. This leaves a clean pair of socks which have not touched the floor at all so my shoes are not contaminated with anything of the out layer of socks. Either that or I just remove those socks and if wearing regular shoes, put on a clean pair post security. Same for the trip back.
Excellent idea
I did this. It helps a lot.
I do this too! Sometimes if I have an old pair I use those and then I just toss them once I'm thru security.
@@jc42598 Same here. I would rather throw out an old pair of sox than deal with the nastiness on the airport floor.
At the dollar tree, I can get four pairs of those little socks that barely cover your feet. I just tossed them after security. I used to put them in a plastic bag and take them home and laundry them but who wants dirty socks and their suitcase for two weeks.
I always have a change of clothes in my carry-on. Just clean shirt, underwear, socks, sleeping shirt, in case luggage goes astray. This would have helped me years ago when I spilled coffee on my white shirt before boarding a 12 hour flight. All I could smell during the flight was stale coffee and it was about 15 hours in a smelly shirt before I could change. No more white shirts to the airport now. For checked bags, I pack socks and underwear in ziplock bags, so in the event of a search, they are not pawed over by customs officers. Also take a pack of disinfecting wipes for your airline seat, including seat belt clasp, tray table, armrest, everything.
Helpful tips 😊
I had an Uber driver whose car reeked of smoke. I changed in the bathroom as soon as I got to the airport. I’m extremely sensitive to smells.
THANKS so much for the "TSA CARES" tip; I used it and received a phone call from the local airport's TSA agent, giving me great instructions for a super easy security check, since I'll be in a wheelchair. I wouldn't have know of this help without YOUR help. THANK YOU and God bless you and yours.
6:24
Poise pads!!!! I tell them every time & they still feel all around my area between my legs. I'm 65 & I'm tired of it!
I never wear sandals when flying - on the suuuper rare chance that we need to evacuate a plane quickly, and potentially run once down the slide or off the wing, I want surefooted shoes that will protect my feet. I'll suffer through taking them off at TSA any day for that reason. Similar reason for why I stick my ID and credit card in my zippered pocket before takeoff - in the event of an evacuation I want to have essential resources on hand since I'll be leaving purses and bags behind.
For the same line of reasoning, choose clothing made of natural material rather than synthetic. In the event of a fire, synthetics would melt onto your skin, whereas cotton and linen would singe or burn off and give a less unpleasant end-result in a Stop Drop and Roll.
And how big is that change? Does that happen often😂?
For me, it is about safety.
Natural fibers. Real leather. Solid footwear.
As a Veteran, the idea is "Dress to Egress. "
Synthetics melt and stick to your skin. Slick soles on your shoes can prevent your running from the aircraft.
Weather permitting, I would go with jeans, a long sleeve shirt over a 100% cotton undershirt, and leather hiking shoes. I'm more concerned about safety than TSA issues. (I'm old and look grumpy... Add on screenings are just a way of life .)
The BEST ! Advice So Far :)
But don't you have to take off your shoes to go down the slide? Wouldn't hiking boots be difficult to remove in a hurry?
@@bigred9428 you only have to remove high heeled shoes because they could puncture the slide.
@bigred9428 Actually military boots have trick to them so you can get them on and off pretty quickly.
When my German grandparents visited me in the US back in the early 70s, my grandfather kept setting of the metal detector at the airport. When they checked him with the handheld version, it kept going off at his throat. Turns out that small grenade splinters he had lodged in his throat during WWII, were the culprit. Needles to say, they just waved him through after that.
I have an insulin pump and the first time I went through security with it, they wanted me to keep it on through the body scanner (I suppose they wanted to make sure I wasn't wearing some sort of bomb). I explained to them that it cannot go through the scanner, it may cause it to malfunction (which is a scary thought for a Type 1 Diabetic). Thankfully, they allowed me to remove it so it would not be scanned. Now, if I am traveling, I carry a document showing that I am actually wearing an insulin pump and it cannot go through the scanners. My experience was over 20 years ago, and insulin pumps now are not so "foreign," as there were back then. However, it never hurts to come prepared for any eventuality.
I've learned to either wear my TENS unit or to pack the battery pack in one case and the wire leads in another. Together in one bag is a bad idea! It leads to lots and lots of questions. But when I wear it, I also carry a pamphlet from the manufacturer explaining what it is and how it works.
I put my valuables into a clear zip lock bag in my hand bag as I move through security. I had my watch stolen out of the scanning tray on one trip, so now all electronics, money purse & jewellery get placed into a zip lock bag.
Great tip. I’ll do that on my trip back home.
I do the same!
But you will beep thru the gate, and they ask u to put it in the tray
@@catalindeluxus8545 I leave the ziplock inside the purse/carry on when being scanned
Who needs this? Between TSA, ever shrinking seats, ever widening people, and crazies, I’ll drive, ride a bike, walk, or stay home.
sad that you'll let that get in the way of exploring the world
Ok stay home. Other people are still living their lives
Don’t forget about all the germs!! driving is a cool part of the experience.
@kristinmcmahan8814 It certainly IS. When we get to the USA, we NEVER take internal flights. We tend to put 20K miles on a rental car then fly to Canada on the way home to Australia.
@@Rottnwoman That sounds amazing! Australia is on my bucket list, would love to drive around there for a few weeks.
My favorite airport for getting through security is Vienna🇦🇹. They still use walk through metal detectors and to make things easier with taking off & putting 👢👡🥿👟👞 back on, they have chairs conveniently placed at each security lane!
I use the jacket strategy all the time. But you might add the I feel most secure when using pockets that zip!
I put stuff into my carry-on. Same result
@@bob_the_bomb4508 me too when I don't want to wear a jacket, especially easy if you can drop stuff into a computer bag.
YES, zip pockets are even better!
this is now i do it also. I don't want to put small things like keys, passport, or wallet into a carryon then dig it back out to buy something. I have jackets with all zippered pockets and 2 breast pockets. The material is a strange one taht's been around a few years. I forget the trademarked name. Anyways, you can see through it if you hold it up to light. It's like a dense fly screen. Wind completely flows through it so it's not hot to wear, but that doesn't matter since airports usually have massive A/C systems running. The odd part is this material also beads and sheds water and light rain. After i get through, the wallet, intinerary and passport go back into the side pockets on a pair of light convertible pants.
I would be legendary in TSA records if they took full photos and kept them on file because it would look like i've been wearing the same clothes for a decade+.
Great tips ! I have also noticed what may be perfectly fine at 1 airport, is not at the next. Keep up the great work, always great content. Thank you !
These were shitty tips from a germaphobe. Nothing here will make that big a difference.
Boots are an “it depends” item. I wear a specific brand of boots (Keen footwear - I have multiple pairs) that are metal free. I contacted the manufacturer and they told me that any shanks in the sole of the boot are thermoplastic, not steel.
I wore these through security at the airport last week. No issues.
Love keen boots
Thanks Megan👍 Instead of a jacket, a Travel Vest is another great way to keep your items, passport, wallet, phone. etc in one place, out of view and safe when going thorough security. Just put your vest in the bin and you're done.🙂
Edit: be careful of the vests with the big pocket on the back... they can be damn uncomfortable on a long flight. 😒
I'd hate back pockets anyway, & I use the same thing all the time. Proved to be so useful on flights & for security
My wife used to have several bras (all the same brand and model) that ALWAYS caused her to get a secondary screening. The retailer even had notes that said larger cup sizes are likely to set off the airport metal detectors…yep.
OK, that explains why I almost always get scanned. XD XD XD And sooo many women think that having bigger breasts will make their lives sooo much better....
It is actually the UnderWire that sets it off...on those sizes of bras...
@@DH-qz2so Or also 5 hooks and eyes to close the bra in back.
My four hook under wire bras have never been an issue. My boobs and I get through TSA just fine. 🤔🤷
This just happened to me. I have to alway go through screening due to my knee replacements but this time was different. She scanned and walked around me about half a dozen times and then said I guess it’s your bra. 😮
As someone who has several severe chronic and/or disabling conditions and as a result have to travel everywhere with a shit ton of meds along with requiring mobility aids (leg braces, forearm crutches, wheelchair), I always request assistance with getting through the airport. All of my medical needs that are not actively being used by me goes into a dedicated medical bag (fun fact- most airlines don't charge extra if a person is traveling with a dedicated bag for medical equipment, medications and other medical supplies as long as you notify them ahead of time that is additional to any carry-on items) while a low blood sugar treatment goes into my body worn bag that holds my boarding passes, license, bank card and cell phone.
Another thing that I make sure to do is get to the airport 3 to 4 hours ahead of my flight because I opt to be strip searched so that my severe chronic pain isn't flared by having a pat down. I know that the average person who may also have some disability problems but I am also on the spectrum so I don't like being touched anymore than is needed. It saves me time from being in pain and anxious.
TSA makes it harder for people in wheelchairs to get thru security. Being a retired airline worker, we were briefed daily about people using wheelchair services when they are running late and try to use the service to get thru security faster. Sometimes, able body passengers that have wheelchairs often have knives tucked away in the armrest or under their bodies. These people ruin it for those that truly need wheelchair services. I hope that you get the respect you deserve when you travel on your next adventure.
People seemed to be worried about the floor yet grab a tray that hundreds of other people have touched.
Not to mention doorknobs.
and everything else in the airport that millions of others have touched@@spiritmatter1553
i think they are worried about their feet because of fungal infections like athletes foot and others
@gretchenberry6231 then they must never walk barefoot in a hotel room or around swimming pools also.
That's why I use wipes at my seat. I got tired of getting sick a couple of days after flying. Yes I know about airborne pathogens, different problem.
Most embarrassing experience ever for me and the TSA screener. I had on a cute, comfy silver colored maxi skirt. I had no clue it had metallic silver thread. After I went through the scanner, the TSA’s eyes 👀 were wide open with a look of what is this??? I turned to see the screen and my skirt was lit up like a Christmas tree and I was petrified! He let me pass as it was clear that only my skirt was lit up. Needless to say, lesson learned and the skirt, if worn is in my packed luggage and not worn at the airport 😂
😅🤗
I wore a white sweater with gold metallic horizontal stripes. I was searched. Never again
I've seen a lot of sweaters with metalic thread mske the scanner go bonkers
One thing I've always found useful is the fishing waistcoat. It has as many pockets as cargo trousers, & its position on the body makes it not only easy to access everything in the pockets, but also easy to slip off & stash in a security tray. Everything is in it, & it goes under my outer jacket, but above everything else. It's saved me so much time just to slide it off at security checks
I had a plastic sleeve on my wrist for carpal tunnel syndrome. I set off the metal detector and was taken aside for a search with a hand-held detector. The thing kept going off when it passed over my arm. Finally the TSA guy pressed every part of the wrist support. Sure enough, the plastic sleeve had a metal support inside. I could have saved myself 20 minutes of grief if I'd just taken it off and put it in the tray.
I had a somewhat similar incident when flying to Mexico. I had a knee support on and the reason I hadn't taken it off is because I specifically asked the PT if it had metal. She's like no, wear it to the airport. It's all plastic. Well, I almost missed my flight and it was embarrassing as well. I must have walked through the scanner two or three times before they pulled me out of line to pat me down making me roll up my pants and all that.
Until you mentioned at 8:30 the items that are allowed to stay on, I had never thought about that I had never taken off my eyeglasses in airport security before. I've worn glasses since I was 5 years old, as I have astigmatism, so I generally don't think about having them on. I guess the TSA doesn't want to have to deal with me trying to figure out where to go. Lol. 😂
I’m a 76 yr old female. I have TSA-pre for years. I fly the same route twice a year. I’m about to start driving or taking a train. I have a knee replacement and screws in my hip. I tell the agent every time. I, of course,have to go through the big scanner. All ok. BUT every single time I get frisked all over. I wear a pull over your head bra with no hardware. I wear tights, a shirt and slip on shoes. No jewelry. I’m am SICK of hands on my crotch and in one instance, down the back inside of my jeans. It’s become a black cloud over my trips. The agents don’t care and to them I’m nothing. So, I get no dignity. I’ve even had this go on when I was in a wheelchair after surgery.
Yikes that’s terrible. I’ve been searched but never that badly. Except once a female security person grabbed my boobs, but to be fair I was wearing a very fluffy fleece sweater
@@M_SC I’m being totally honest. I’ve been groped unnecessarily.
I understand how you're feeling as it happens to me every single time.
I certainly understand your indignation but you wouldn't believe who some people transporting drugs pretend to be. My brother was blind and told me that when he was young he flew from Mexico to the U.S.wearing a puffy coat full of packets of heroine for a cartel. No one ever searched him. I also saw a lady in a wheelchair whose pillow was full of drugs. A dog sniffed her out.
I’m slender but well endowed- I was furious when one of the men patted my b00bs! I embarrassed him by saying loudly-‘yeah, they’re real’! He turned red! Now I’m worried about my hip- I broke it two years ago and have three large screws in it . We’re flying next month!
I always get searched due to having a horrible scar from my breast cancer which it always looks like I have a shadow which in turn looks like I have a weapon there…..I’m so used to it now and when the ladies search me they get so embarrassed for me…..but it doesn’t bother me….great idea for those disposable slip ons…..😊
A classic Levis-style denim jacket faithfully to see me through travel wonderfully. I have been traveling alone since I was 4 years old (this was a long time ago. At age 68 my jacket, which I have had since being in uni travels with me. The inner pockets have long protected my wallet from pickpockets. The jacket can be used to stave off the hypothermic effects of icy airplane temperatures, And, wearing the jacket and keeping it buttoned up will allow me to keep things like my passport. driver's license, and my wallet with me if I have to exit the plane for a raft in the middle of an oceanic landing.
Thanks for the stock videos of PDX, went through the airport 2 days ago. So I am home and my husband is visiting. If you were from the Pacific NW, then you would feel like socks with sandals are not that bad of a thing. In Copenhagen as a hidden disability traveler, I was not asked to remove layers or shoes, and I forgot to take off my watch either. I did get a pat down. Having to travel back and forth to EU and States, means I know that pat downs are a possibility. Though other families have to go over what may happen with their children when flying by doing a few simulations at home before the day of flight.
In Australia recently they made a young boy take off his diabetes insulin pump, with him being type 1 diabetic, was something that TSA in the states know that should never be removed. Having to rely on constantly taking his blood sugar the old way with tons of of finger pricks, and hoping he did not spike too high during a flight,could have ended up in an emergency landing for care in a hospital. Since the boy could lose consciousness if way too high. His insulin was in a pump that has to be carefully installed on his body.
I think these TSA should be educated regarding medications to left with the passenger like insulin pump. They don't understand what would happen if the Type1diabetic passenger developed hyper/hypoglycemia mid air.
I experimented with Crocs when I traveled to Mexico. I had no issues at all. They were comfortable to wear and easy to get off and on.
Croc’s are the best. Get the closed toe ones. They are great for wearing with sock when leaving a cold climate and coming back but also if you have a cool rainy day.
Qantas have banned flip flops from their lounge. Snobs!
Great tips - especially the one about disposable plastic footies to go over socks. That's going in my checklist for my next trip.
Right, because we need more one time use disposable plastic.
Would be a great idea Over open toe sandals. Use the shower caps or those plastic covers for over the bowls. They come in different sizes. Would be great for family’s.
I’ve worn a peasant skirt often on a plane and only once was I asked to step aside for a manual search. The hazards of wearing flowing, loose dress isn’t due to fans, escalators or body exposure, it is at the security gate…things can be hidden under them. Apparently. That was the rationale for the search, which by the way wasn’t stressful.
We actually laughed. There was another lady who needed a search (reason unknown & I did not need to know). A cute young agent came over to sub out a woman & I said “he could search me!” (I was in my 50’s😁). They chuckled and said “no”. I said it was worth a shot.
And I will continue to wear sandals without socks…I’m not a germaphobe like so many young people. I lived through a barefoot childhood when dog poop wasn’t cleaned up, drank from the garden hose and have a much healthier immune system than my much younger coworkers.
Agreed. This channel is paranoid.
This made me laugh. Were they invasive when manually doing the body search? I would rather prefer the pat-down than the full body scans in which they pretty see the outsides of all your private goods.
Since my bf and I do so much walking and hiking when we travel, I wear boots with ankle support and so always wear through security. I unlace the eye hooks and then tuck the laces into the top or sides of my boots. All I have to do then is slip them off and into the bin they go. I have also mastered the bend down to relace them after with no problems (>60f).
This might sound odd, but for travel in winter months, I wear slippers with a hard sole. Super comfortable, easy to take on/off and durable enough for walking inside.
I do this regardless of the time of year. I can swap into my sneakers after security if I choose... and then I have a comfy pair of slippers to wear around the hotel at my destination!
Underwire bras from Torrid ALWAYS set off the scanner for me. Finally, I got smart and switched to a wireless bra/bralette.
Also, if you have to go through the pat down, pay attention to make sure the agent changes their gloves out before doing the swipe down to avoid cross contamination. Having the supervisor come over and do a mini interrogation for their agent's mistake was not fun.
I’m really sorry to hear that
I too have a bra that always gets me the pat down. Unfortunately it's one of my favourites so there have been multiple instances where I'm standing in the security line, having the dawning realization that I've set myself up for pat down yet again 😮💨
I think you'll find that the glove change thing was only done during covid times and not now, i was an airport security officer and gloves are not changed between each passanger (too time consuming and would slow down the process, not to mention the expence) Airport bosses main concern before hygene.@@dreamystone
Good luck finding effective wireless bras if you are... well-endowed though.
Same with shoes with metal toe enforcement.
I Flew to Dublin last year and set off the security alarm going out and was so happy....
My knee replacement had set it off both ways. First time flying since knee done 6 years ago,
I carry a supply of branded pens with me when I travel; they're light, inexpensive, and since people keep them, even better than business cards. However, having them bundled up with rubberbands in my briefcase set off a PANIC with the TSA! Someone was shouting at me to open it; someone else was yelling at me not to touch it. I finally asked if I could see the screen and explained what it was. They then opened it to confirm and I was brusquely ordered on my way. Nowhere does it say that you cannot carry a quantity of pens with you on the plane, but...that was more excitement than I needed. 🙂
Yeah, I had a similar experience when I packed some coloring pens in my backpack. They freaked out until I unzipped my bag and Sharpies started spilling all over the place.
I had a similar experience with a board game I was carrying. The TSA person didn't know what to do with a box with a lot of empty space in it. It was on the bottom of my bag, so I had to unpack EVERYTHING to get to it. I tried explaining that it was just a board game, but they still made me pull it out and open the box. It was understandable, but still very frustrating.
I will never forget the time that they searched my bag because, as I understand (I was a child at the time) they thought my inhaler was a gun. Ever since, I have always had my inhaler with my liquids and visible so people can just see it in the tray. Blooming nightmare.
My Dad was chosen for a "random search" when we went to the USA by the TSA. He is a very large, beer gut, balding man. They wanted to x-ray scan him or submit to a physical body pat down. He opted for the physical body pat down. They kept trying to convince him for the scan, but he refused because he doesn't want needless, non-medical radiation. The TSA agents proceeded to have a small argument amongst themselves who was going to do the pat down until my Dad commented on their unprofessional manner in a polite but stern tone. The youngster of the TSA did the most light pat down and sent my Dad on his way.
The only time another male actually touched my "willie" was during a TSA pat down. Must have been good for him, but did nothing for me! Totally unnecessary!
Your cell phone gives off more radiation than the body scanner so says tsa and the cdc.
@@mwh3227I had a pat down scare with a visibly disturbed mannish young lady TSA agent. She was getting into a pair of rubber GLOVES, when I yelled to my travel-mate, waiting within our field of vision.
The lady then chose a different, non-invasive search protocol.
Terrifying.
@@MPam1619Non-trusted sources for me: CDC or TSA
Twenty-plus years ago when X-rays were analog and printed on film, yes you had to be very, very careful of how many X-rays you had done per year. I remember as a kid in the ‘90s having one doctor hesitate about ordering a much needed series of X-rays because I had dental X-rays done weeks earlier.
Today’s X-ray machines are digital (instantly shows on a monitor). They use a tiny fraction of X-rays compared to their analog predecessors. These days, it would take an ungodly amount of digital X-rays before exposure becomes a serious concern.
Tell your dad it is totally safe to be X-rayed at the airport. If he hesitates, tell him to talk to his doctor about it.
As someone who has a lot of metal in my back and one if my knees I make the TSA screens light up like Chernobyl. And no, handing them the card from the doctor stating I have metal in me doesnt matter. TSA will still pull me aside each time and do a complete search and hand scan. Every single time. Even with having Precheck, Clear, and Global Entry.
TSA is not known to be great at dealing with medical devices and disabilities.
TSA does not do well with insulin pumps and CGMs (continuous glucose monitors -- those stick-on transmitters). Agents will claim that people with those items go through the magnetic and scatter scanners all the time, even when the manufacturer says "Don't do it." One agent didn't relent and sent my wife through the scanner, which did kill her CGM. After years of travel, she knows to specifically demand that she not go through the scanners and does accept that there will be a pat down. Most agents are good about that, although sometimes getting a female agent isn't a priority -- which is why early arrival is critical. Even though the TSA website has a section about medical devices and equipment, not all the agents get trained on how to deal with people in those situations.
Me too! Every. Single. Time. My husband pretends he’s with someone else!
That's weird, I've had 6 back surgeries with hardware & a brand new hip & flew recently (12/2023) & didn't set any alarms off. I even mentioned it to them before walking thru the scanner. TSA said because all my hardware, including my hip, is titanium it does not register as "metal". No additional scanning and/or pat down.
My mother was the same - 2 hips, 2 knees and her back. She got hand searched EVERY SINGLE TIME.
For anyone with medical conditions that might interfere with standard TSA screening, look into the TSA Cares program.
You won't avoid screening, but will be able to let them know in advance and have a considerate helper (TSA employee) guide you through screening.
I had major surgery last spring, and now have metal staples and other weird stuff inside my body. I'll definitely be using TSA Cares whenever possible for future flights.
I'm pretty sure that there is no equivalent in Canada as the CBSA certainly does not care.
Thank you for telling is about this.
@@claytonberg721 The CBSA does not do airport security screenings in Canada, the CATSA does.
I had to travel wearing an ileostomy bag after my colon cancer surgery. My TSA Cares card did nothing to help, and I had to get a separate screening - at which time the seal between the appliance and my abdomen broke. UGGGGH.
@@FlyingTigress , oh, my. I'm so sorry.
Good tips I wish more people would follow. When I get to the TSA my pockets are empty except for boarding pass(es) and passport and stay that way until I get to my destination. It's all in my carry-on. I don't take a belt at all (not required for work or personal trips). Sketchers slip-ons make it all easier, too.
You may want to rethink that. It’s a good idea to keep at the very least your ID, wallet, passport, essential medications, and cell phone, on your person in case of an emergency. The rest of your luggage can be replaced, but being without those essentials after surviving an emergency can end up being a pain, if you have to evacuate quickly…especially if it happens near civilization. You won’t have time to collect anything if you’re in the position that your life (and others around you) depends on immediately evaluating the plane.
You mention India. I have to carry two EpiPens with me at all times due to anaphylaxis when stung by a bee or wasp. In 2017, i was going through alone at Delhi, when the security checkpoints weren’t too busy. The screening agent (who looked to be 17 years old) had never seen EpiPens before. I explained what they were for, and before you know it i was surrounded by 17-year-old agents curious and dubious about them. They wanted me to inject myself with one to show what they were! Not only would i have been put in grave medical danger, but then if i did get stung i would have nothing to save my life! They insisted - until i told them they cost $800 (that was when that horrible guy had bought the patent and quadrupled the price to make a killing off Americans who rely on them.) When they heard that amount of money, those guys were shocked and let me through. Money definitely talks in India.
That’s insane!
The second half of that story is that without raising the price it was likely that they would stop being made altogether.
$400.00 here, without insurance (2 years ago) no insurance…no money…no pen.
@@user-ii3vn8tn3q that’s the American healthcare system for you. No money? You die if you get stung. If they bring you to a hospital because you are gravely ill - they fix you up - but if, afterwards, you have no money, no insurance - they hound you to death over the unpaid bill. So there are many bankruptcies due to medical bills.
@@conrad4667 no, that guy was taken to court. They are still being made, different person owns the patent now, and you can get a two-pack for $200, i believe without insurance.
Hats off to this lady for her confidence to put herself out there as a communicator (especially on the Internet) despite having some minor speech impediments. They can cause too many people to shy away and stay in the background.
@@Yellow-Rose
They’re definitely there, though they are minor. She hearted my comment, so I took that as confirmation.
And she speaks eloquently and succinctly … much more than the average person!
In 99 en route to Korea in the Army, I had a layover in Japan, Japanese security getting off the plane was tighter than getting on the plane in the States, I had worn my steel toed combat boots, this caused a delay of about 15 minutes as they didn't know what steel toed boots were.
I love my cargo pants for travel! They allow for so much extra storage when you only take carry-on. You just have to avoid putting metallic items in the pockets.
Travelling in winter with snow means boots are a must. I wear ones that are low and have velcro bindings for airline travel so they are easy to get out of.
The suggestion about using a jacket to keep all of your items together going through security is a good one. I travel a lot for work and pleasure. I always have a backpack. My routine is just after check in, I remove all the items like wallet, phone, belt, hat, and anything else I need to put away in a back pack pocket that is only used for this purpose. After clearing screening, those items come out of the backpack. Since it is now a habit, it works well.
This is one of your most useful videos. Thanks for all your warnings and tips and the downloadable hacks. Merry Christmas, Megan
regarding the belt-hack... use a fabric belt of which you can very easily remove the metal buckle, keeping the rest of the belt looped: if you're scared your pants will flop off you can just tie the ends of the fabric belt together in a temporary knot... and the zippers in pants... many pants with removable legs have plastic zippers... and if you wear medical equipment such as sensors (for diabetes sugar levels), check in advance whether they equipment has any limits on scanners and such... if that's the case make sure you have a special security-notification written by your doctor to exempt you from those scanners (similar to having pacemakers!) or make sure you have additional sensors with you so you can remove one and replace it if security still want you to go through scanners (but the official note should be enough)...
Travel outfit leggings with one pocket to hold my insulin pump, a plain tee that I can wear on my trip, and an open front cardigan. All the pocket stuff is in a small crossbody bag in my carry on that I can take out afterwards for shoes always sock and a pair of sneakers that as a half size too big with no tie laces for easy on and off and since they are too big swelling on the plane don’t hurt
This is why I only fly on my private Gulfstream 😂😂
Brilliant tip on the shoe cover! I've also learned not to use metal hair clips as those can set off the alarms even thought they are small
Thank you Megan! 👍
I agree with almost everything. One thing that have set the alarm for me more than once is wearing a feminine pad 🙄 I get ask if I have something on my pockets, when I saw the screen the 1st time I connected the dots, I’m
Used to the additional patted inspection by now
This has been happening to me, too! Any time I wear a pantiliner, even with just shorts and a tshirt, results in being searched. I haven’t figured out why this is, but it’s annoying!
this happens to me when i have an elastic waistband in my pants too
"Dense" material gives them cause for suspicion. True Story: I had divided my very thick, waist-length hair into two braids. The agent had to manually check my braids for the two lines of "something dense" in the body scan image.
😂
I use to wear Berkenstocks with socks when living in Northwest. My feet actually stayed warmer in the winter as long as there was no rain or snow. Was great to wear for flights.
I was just thinking of wearing these at the airport. Assuming the buckles don't set off the scanner?
Well if you have to take them off then they go in the bin. And I don’t remember them setting the scanner off back when you didn’t have to take them off.
I travel a lot and never had problems - but this advice to carry shoe covers - thank you so much ❤❤ Even inside the airplane I will feel more clean if I have to go to the toilet😊
Medical scrubs slipons would work for covering and re-covering shoes in your suitcase too.
As a traveller with a hip replacement and other metal plates in my leg (about 5 lbs total) I am always prepared to get a secondary search. I use most of these tips already to have as few delays as possible. I was totally shocked when I went through LAX one time *without* setting off the alarms!
I've notice that my replacement doesn't set off the alarms in the last year or so. I think someone added some programming to the screens that helps limit the alarms for our metal joints.
@@kathybarylski6153 To and From Hawai'i in October. Set off alarms both ways for me. But, I don't care anymore. It has become part of flying.
I have a device in my heart. The last time I flew, it was obvious that it was being picked up by the body scanner, and then the hand scan as they kept pausing over it. I make certain to always bring its id card with me when I fly.
The surgical implants for fractures are made of titanium , not steel. This is not magnetic so doesn't set off scanner alarms. My right ankle has loads of titanium in it and has never been a problem when flying. I was even safe to have an MRI scan, which you can't do with magnetisable metals like steel.
@@missharry5727 Mine, I can assure you, are stainless steel. The hip has been setting off the scanners for 33 years
I would wear bread sacks on my feet before I walked barefoot in a TSA line. 😂
Nice look, Pam! Should go well with sandals!🤣
Your video is great and I totally commend you for making a video with new dentures! Well done!!!
Great tips thank you. The jacket tip is something I have found great too.
This is before I had PreCheck. I live in the northern US, and typically tend to be warm. I was flying back from Florida, it was 90°+ and I was sweaty, so much to the point I got a manual pat down after the scanner because the back of my shirt was so sweaty!
I was manually searched in Florida because it had been raining and my sundress was moist 🫣
Ive always just stuck to sweat pants, cotton tshirt, hoodie and easy to slip on shoes. No one cares what i look like on the plane. Its going to be cramped and full of strangers, so i might as well be as comfortable as i can during that. It has the added benefit of the security not taking me that seriously in my sweats. I always keep a change of clothes in my carry on to change at my destination, especially in warm places.
I Always wear slip on trainers with sports socks.
Elastic wasted three section pants with nylon zips .
That gives me shorts, crops and full length in one item.
Great when going from a cold to hot climate
The jacket is my favorite, with zipper pockets. Suggest Global Entry or TSA Precheck programs
Back in October, we were flying out of ROC, in New York. I carried my small purse with me and put it in the bin. When I say "small", I mean it. It measures about 8"w x 6"h x 2"d. It can be worn as a fanny pack. I had my credit cards, some lip balm, some appointment cards, a little change (less than $1), a couple of tissues and 1.5-oz lotion in it. I put my iPhone in the bin separately. I swear, that's it. But my purse was marked for extra inspection and the TSA agent took it apart. I asked what was up, and she said, "It's just really dark in there." Dark. I guess that's a reason to search it, but it was clearly FLAT on the back where she was pilfering. I mean, she took everything out, felt around in there... but nothing, of course. That purse isn't big enough for anything hazardous. They ran it through in Huntsville, AL (my home airport) without a second look.
So even when you do it right, you might get tagged, anyway. And yes, I have TSA Pre-Check and an enhanced driver's license. So it wasn't that. Thankfully, the plate and 12 screws in my upper left arm didn't set off the detectors anywhere. Sigh.
Your purse may have had RFID shielding (Prevents criminals to access info from your credit cards etc.). This would likely also prevent the scanner from looking inside or diminish the picture quality. And that's actually plenty of room to cause major mayhem if you're a chemist and engineer (good thing, that hard science is rather incompatible with belief systems that would provide motivation.)
Implants are usually titanium , not steel, and don't seem to cause a problem. I have loads of titanium in my right ankle and it's never a problem.
@@missharry5727The plate and 6 screws in my ankle are made of Swiss stainless steel. Everything in my neck is titanium. Orthopedic surgeon's office will give a card for TSA.
I always keep a pair of socks available if I'm travelling in open toe shoes. I also wear them on the plane to stay warm. I choose ones that are easy on/off - like fluffy socks.
Thanks for sharing! Fluffy socks on a long flight are the best!
The big-pocket jacket for your valuables is brilliant, just grab the jacket, don't lose stuff and the stealth factor is a huge plus!
Sorry - I want shoes that cover & protect my feet and are more likely to stay on in the event of an emergency. It’s very unlikely, and I hope such a thing never comes to pass, but evacuating a possibly torn up, potentially burning fuselage in sandals in my mind is begging for a bad outcome. I wear sneakers, and have never had an issue slipping them off and back on when going through security.
One of the things people get told to remove in an emergency landing, is shoes, so they don't puncture the emergency egress slide
@@davidkingsley3244 And it's easy to remove sneakers AT the emergency landing slide. If the worst should happen and the fuselage breaks apart, you might be making your way out through a ragged hole in the big aluminum tube rather than going down an emergency slide. I'd much prefer to do that in sneakers than sandals.
At Heathrow, the charger for my laptop and some other items in my carry-on got in an arrangement that brought the attention of security. Also, if you are carrying stuff with dangerous-sounding names, have an alternative name to use when questioned. e.g. electronic cable instead of Arming, Fuzing, and Firing Cable.
A very comprehensive guide Megan, well done👏🏻
If I may, continuing on the subject of feet once you’re onboard, never, EVER, walk around the aircraft in your socks. That carpet might look clean but trust me, it ain’t. My day-to-day role is an aircraft maintenance engineer who’s responsibilities include overseeing changing of aircraft carpet periodically so I know‼️🤢
I ALWAYS take a pair of compact lounge footwear in my cabin bag to wear during the flight whilst stretching my legs and visiting the lavatories.👍🏻
Thanks for the advice! Really appreciate it!
Pilot here, living and traveling mostly in Asia and Europe and can tell you that in Asia a manual security search is pretty much guaranteed for everyone no matter if you make the metal detector beep or not
Yeah, I remember the one time that I wore a top with metallic decorations. It was the only time that I had to get a pat down. Occasionally, something in my bag needs to be checked by TSA, but ever since that one time as a child, I'm much more careful about my clothes.
It wasn't traumatic or anything, but it's easy to know if your clothes could potentially swt something off. I usually just wear a T-shirt, leggings without pockets, slip on shoes, and a jacket. The jacket iand shoes are easy enough to take on and off and nothing else will set off the metal detector.
There are some great loose tops suitable for travel... but they all have metal threads. Not one company who makes these tops has a metal-free option *sigh*
It's the fashion at the moment.
Thanks for the advices. My tip for shoes is buy a slip on shoes so it's easy to put it back on so you're not too busy tying back on. I like the disposable shoe cover. Going to buy it before I travel
I'm wearing my new "mules" (clog-like shoes) on my upcoming trip, as I'm disabled and taking my regular shoes on and off would definitely pose a problem.
While having a lot of pockets can be a potential "issue" at security, it can come in handy if you find your bag doesn't fit in the overhead bin or something similar (you maybe have to ga te-check your bag). I've found that sometimes wearing cargo pants is helpful (the type with extra pockets) as I had to take out some stuff from my carry-on bag once so it could be gate checked, and was able to put these items into my pocket (such as having to put two smaller camera lenses in my pockets so they wouldn't get damaged so my bag could be gate-checked).
Thank you for the tips
No problem! Welcome to the channel, John!
Thanks a lot❤
I wear sandals when I fly, but I always wipe my feet with sanitizing wipes before I put my sandals back on. Don’t know how beneficial it actually is, but it makes me feel better.
Best to wear a prison uniform so they feel more comfortable about you and you know your place in the system. I imagine, gone are the days of vip travel.
I have been using the jacket pocket trick for years. Drop the jacket, belt, and shoes and walk right through.
I have never had an issue with my cargo pants, I empty everything into my jacket before leaving the house or hotel. No metal on them except the front zipper.
Though I have trimmed my boots out of my travel plans for shorter trips, they are my usual footwear. I will still wear them through the airport when I do travel with them and expect to take them off (steel toes) but it takes very little time to deal with them. (Chelsea boots are fairly quick on and off.)
The TSA has gotten a lot better over the years. My EPI Pen used to have my bags being checked by hand. They used to issue an EPI Pen TSA card, but for the past 5 years I haven't needed to use it. Still, It's something to be mindful of, and I always let the TSA agent know I have an Epi Pen before my bag goes through the scanner.
All of my medical stuff (C-PAP, syringes, pens, vials, meters) goes in a Pelican style hard case, separate from my carry on, the smallest size that will fit everything. It is exempt from carry-on allowance. I usually don't need to even open the case, just drop and go.
I recently went through airport security wearing a t-shirt that said, "I will put you in a trunk and help people look for you." I had no idea this would flag me for extra screening. After seeing this, now I know. Not sure it will stop me from wearing it again (I'm over 50 and a smart ass) but now at least, I'll know why it's happening. 😂
Love your shirt but you could turn it inside out for the security line then reverse it in the restroom
I have that in my cart 😂
Here's one that happened to me a few years ago, and I have to chuckle as I wonder if anyone else has had this experience because of how uncommon it seems to be.
On coming out of the body imaging scanner (stand with feet apart and arms up spread-eagle), an agent took me aside because of "something dense" they saw in the image. They wanted to check my braids for the two lines of "dense material" they saw. I had divided my very thick, waist-length hair into two braids, as I often do for convenience, and it was the very thing that had become a minor inconvenience! On handling and confirming my braids had no foreign objects, they were satisfied and I was amused. 😂
My Long Braided Hair was dense enough to look suspicious in the body scan image!! 🤣
I have switched over to belts that have no metal on them…easily purchased on Amazon. Never have to take off my belt for security check now.
Megan, I don't know why but in September I made am international flight between Panama and Colorado and the normal TSA striptease didn't happen either way!! Still had to remove shoes and empty pockets but it just wasn't the madhouse that had been the flying experience in recent years. I wondered if the TSA had just given up realizing shoe bombers and the like are so last century.
my partner takes great joy in the fact that I get the full search in AMS...every - single - time. Without fail. 6 times and counting. Doesn't matter what I'm wearing or carrying.
Me too...
Me too!
Are you tall? Hubby and I have experienced the same. I used to always get scanned until recently when I had to fly a lot on one year so maybe I seemed more confident.
@@tessajones9393
No, I'm very short. 5'0.
me too...5ft 4in ..Always stopped . even tho im 60+ F
Excellent points! After my pacemaker surgery I had to tell TSA and Qatar Air security. I generally wear as neutral as possible clothing. I have slip on/off shoes specifically for traveling and use packing cubes as well to organize things.
Answered. Thanks.
1. Wear shoes that will stay on your feet should you need to run and evacuate an aircraft.
2. Make sure your shoes don't have a metal support bar in the sole; most dress shoes and boots have that metal rod embedded into the sole.
3. Buy a TSA-approved belt so that it won't set off the metal detector.
4. Wear natural fibers as synthetics like polyester will melt to your skin in a high-heat fire situation. Just ask any burn center.
5. If you don't have the figure to wear butt-crack hugging yoga pants, please don't. We all don't need to see that.
6. Once you check your bags at the ticket counter, go find a seat and put all of your valuables and other metal into your carry-on bag BEFORE you get into the security line...it's so much easier and faster and less stress to take your time than being rushed and holding up others at the X-ray machine. I never do anything in the security line other than queue up and then drop my bag on the conveyor belt and then mostly stand and watch everyone else hold up the line who decide to empty their pockets when they are right at the X-ray.
1. + 4. Sensible, but air travel is safe compared to road travel and a most other things we do daily. You have much higher chances to end up on flames outside of a airplane than inside. same goes for situations where you need to be able to remove yourself fast from a location on foot. Some synthetic clothing for work purposes has heat shielding built in between layers. was kind of surprised by that, when the outer shell of some cheap jacket was burning and i walk away without injury, because they put in a layer of heat shielding fireproof material in between the outer and inner layer.
6. Loads of electronics in the Hand Bag you may have to take out (Once i hold up the line, when they introduced this rule at the local airport). But seems to depend on the scanner tech level, as even though it was stated in the rules, lately security always was like: "it's okay, you can leave it inside", when i started to take it out to lay it out on the tray.
People don‘t care if you don‘t like yoga pants because some don‘t have perfect figures. Everyone will wear it anyway. Look the other way if it bothers you. Everyone likes to stay comfortable during flight. Actually, polyester is in most lab coats. Avoid nylon, polyacryl…
Why are you staring at peoples asses? Perv
The fire on the Japan Airline plane in Haneda is why I always were sneaker when I fly. I would hate to be wearing flip-flops and try to evacuate the plane. You may have to run across a runway filled with debris while barefooted.
#5 is just you being a jerk
Traveling is now a nightmare.
Once when traveling I wore a sweater with glittery thread running through it. I made sure it was nylon thread and not metallic. But it still set off the sensors.
As an older lady, last time I took a long non-stop flight I wore a Depends (IYKYK). I got the full pat down because of it. If you need such a garment, try to wait until after you go thru security. It's a pain to change in the airport bathroom, but it saves embarrassment.
Cargo pants: True that cargo pants might cause you some inconvenience at TSA checkpoint, but with the advent of being charged for even small bags the unregulated cargo space might be the difference in needing to pay baggage fees or not. And it is easy access during flight.
That fear of walking barefoot in an airport.
I grew up running around barefoot in the woods.
I learned the hard way that talc, while being a solid, behaves like a liquid through a scanner. I now buy a small pot of it after I have been through security. Saves hassle.
What about leg braces under my pant?. Had them and a cane a few times and it was fine. Once I was pulled to the side. They wanted me to take my pants off right there in the chairs just after the scanners. I refused they said they would call the police. I told them they have 2 choices. Pull my pants up and feel up to the brace bottom or take me to a side room. They refused. They caused an angry crowed. Out of the a few solders uniform came threw and took my side to. They forced a supervisor to come. then TOLD them to just feel up a pants legs. They saved the day for me.