The Top 3 Mistakes That Are Slowing You Down at Airport Security

If thinking of airport security gives you jitters, you are not alone. Lining up for hours, facing unexpected hold-ups and being worried about not reaching the airport on time can still unnerve a seasoned traveler. Even though there are safety measures in place for everyone, frequent traveler mistakes often slow down the process.

A recent nationwide survey by USA Today Blueprint revealed that a staggering 59% of travelers admitted to making at least one TSA checkpoint blunder over the last five years. From overlooked electronics to wardrobe missteps, these small errors can cause big delays—not just for you but for everyone in line behind you.

So, what are these mistakes?

Top 3 Airport Security Mistakes That Could Cost A Flight

Mistake 1: Not Taking Electronics Out of Carry-Ons

While this mistake ranked third, it may cause the most headaches. In fact, 23% of survey participants reported failing to remove laptops, tablets, or e-readers from their carry-ons—an action that can significantly delay inspections.

All these devices should be put in their own trays to allow TSA to see what is inside your bag. If there are many electronics in the bag, they can hide items that could be dangerous from the scanner’s view.

🟢 PRO TIP: Pack smart— use a laptop sleeve that meets TSA requirements and pack your bag so you can easily reach your electronics.

Mistake 2: Walking Through Scanners with Phones, Jewelry, or Keys in Your Pockets

This mistake ranks second, revealing that a further 28% of travelers often find themselves trying to go through the scanner without emptying their pockets. However, scanners are designed to detect metal and other materials that might look like threats.

Even if you have earbuds, a smartwatch or a metallic lipstick case, you might still be checked at the security gate, and this can cause a delay.

🟢 PRO TIP: Before you get to the conveyor belt, put your personal items (keys, phone, coins, smartwatches, etc.) in your carry-on. This allows you to avoid struggling with trays and bins when you’re in a hurry.

Mistake 3: Forgetting to Remove Shoes and Belts

Yes, it’s 2025, and we’re still reminding people to take off their belts and shoes at TSA checkpoints. In fact, according to the USA Today Blueprint survey, 28% of people admitted to wearing items that are not allowed in scanners.

If you are not a member of TSA PreCheck, you should remove these items before you get to the X-ray machines. If you have a belt with a metal buckle, steel-toed boots or thick-soled sneakers, they can set off the alarm and make you go through the process again.

🟢 PRO TIP: Choose slip-on shoes and do not wear belts when you travel by air. Choose outfits that are easy to take off and put on, such as those with elastic waists, flats and no metal jewelry.

Which States Struggle the Most at TSA?

It’s interesting to note that your ability to handle security may be affected by the state you’re from. The USA Today Blueprint study surveyed 5,000 people in all 50 states and ranked them using “Inefficiency Score”, which is based on luggage habits, TSA preparedness, and boarding behaviors.

And here’s where things got bumpy:

• Most inefficient travelers hailed from North Carolina, West Virginia, Arkansas, and New York.
• TSA-specific struggles were most common among travelers from Utah and Illinois.

So, if you’re flying out of JFK or Salt Lake City International, pack some extra patience.

Pro Tips to Breeze Through Airport Security

If you want to level up your airport game and get through security like a seasoned flight warrior, here are the simple tips for you:

Enroll in Expedited Screening Programs

• TSA PreCheck: This helps you skip the belt, shoe, and electronics shuffle.
• Global Entry: This includes PreCheck and speeds up U.S. Customs processing.
• CLEAR: Uses biometrics (iris and fingerprint scans) to verify identity at select airports. Combine with PreCheck for the ultimate VIP experience.

Time It Right

• Arrive 2 hours early for domestic and 3 hours for international flights.
• Security lines can be unpredictable, especially during holidays or early-morning peak times.

Know What to Pack (and What Not To)

• Prohibited items like water bottles, aerosols, and full-size toiletries still trip travelers up daily. Use a 3-1-1 bag for liquids and double-check TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” tool online.
• Check your airline’s luggage rules. Some budget carriers charge for overhead carry-ons or restrict personal item sizes to tiny backpacks.

Consider Checking Your Bag

This tip is so simple yet efficient when going through the security check. So, when packing for your flight, don’t fill your carry-on bag so full that it’s difficult to close. While you may avoid paying for baggage, a full bag takes more time to go through the X-ray machine. If you use a co-branded airline credit card, you may be able to check your bags for free.

Check-In Online and Download Your Boarding Pass

This reduces your need to queue at counters and can even allow you to skip lines at self-service bag drop stations.

Final Takeaway

You don’t have to worry too much about security while traveling. If you remember to remove your electronics and keys before the scanner, you can breeze through security.

Also, when you go to the airport, remember to pack lightly, use smart packing techniques and plan ahead a bit.

Remember, your vacation (or work trip) starts before takeoff—make sure it’s a smooth one.