What To Put In TSA Bins – Navigating Airport Security

Traveling by air can be an exciting experience, but navigating airport security can be a hassle. Knowledge is the key, and knowing what to put in TSA bins alleviates stress.

Once you have been through security a few times, it becomes second nature. For new travelers or those who need a refresher, we are here to help. We’ll provide a comprehensive guide on the items to place in Transportation Security Administration (TSA) bins. In addition, we will find tips on packing carry-on luggage.

When asked, “What do you have to put in the bins at the airport?” Certain items fit the bill: your belt, shoes, jacket, anything in your pockets, and steel-toed shoes. For more information on what to put in TSA bins, see the chart below.

Please allow us to help make the transition through security smooth. Together, we can navigate TSA and learn what to put in TSA bins.

Do You Know TSA?

The Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, resulted from the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001. On November 19, 2001, the 107th Congress created the TSA through “The Aviation and Transportation Security Act.”

Screening of passengers at the airport is part of TSA’s security measures to get you safely to your destination. To do that, TSA officers must prevent the entry of prohibited items and other threats into the airport.

With such a critical responsibility, TSA urges travelers to take the TSA rules and guidelines seriously. Now, let’s look further into what to put in TSA bins and learn some tips on how to breeze through and navigate airport security.

Prepare For Airport Security

First, have travel documents in hand. Putting them in a clear pouch will make them easily accessible. Travel documents include your passport, ID, printed ticket, and boarding passes.

Pack Your Carry-On Luggage Properly

Before packing your travel essentials, check the TSA airport security screening rules and guidelines. The TSA website is the best place to get all the information you need on what to put in TSA bins. Some items are allowed in a carry-on bag, but liquids must follow the 3-1-1 rule.

TSA loves an organized bag. It is easy to scan and identify threats. An excellent way to organize is to use packing cubes and pack them in layers. Those items used the least go on the bottom of the bag, with documents on the top. Also, please note that electronics and gadgets must be in separate sleeves or pockets. Most electronics, such as laptops and iPads, will need to go in TSA bins anyway, so pack them where they are easy to reach and pull out.

Organization is a key factor in a smooth security transition when it comes to what to put in TSA bins.

Dress Appropriately And Comfortably

We are not talking about appearance in this section. Dressing appropriately means wearing as little metal as possible – no belt with buckle or other metal embellishments. Wear socks to protect your feet when you remove the shoes and slip-on shoes that are easy to remove. If you must wear a jacket or a coat, do so after the security screening.

I own a top with a zipper up the front. I made the mistake of wearing this top while going through the security checkpoint. Although I am TSA PreCheck, my experience was not smooth. They had to pat me down because removing the top was not an option. So, be aware of metal zippers when you dress for your trip.

Know What To Put In TSA Bins

Learning what to put in TSA bins is not too hard. One or two times through, and you will be a pro. This chart is handy to refer to when planning a trip to the airport. The following items will need to be removed from a carry-on or personal bag and placed in TSA collection bins or trays for screening.

I mentioned the 3-1-1 liquids rule earlier. Let’s take a moment to discuss more information here.

3-1-1 Liquid Bag

Are you familiar with the 3-1-1 liquids rule? According to the TSA, you can bring liquids, gels, aerosols, pastes, and creams in your carry-on bag in one quart-sized clear bag. However, note that you must put the liquids in travel-sized containers, bottles, or pouches of 3.4 oz or less per item. In short, the 3-1-1 liquid bag is what needs to go in TSA bins.

Exception: Other Liquids

If you have baby formula, breast milk, or juice for infants and toddlers, notify the TSA officer and remove them from your carry-on bag. TSA will screen and test the liquids separately. You can pack these liquids in quantities over 3.4 ounces.

The TSA will test liquids for medical conditions—water, juice, and liquid nutrition—so have them ready outside your bag when you enter the screening area. The TSA officer will give you screening instructions for your liquid meds and instructions on what to put in TSA bins.

When asking what to put in TSA bins, the quart-size bag will be what needs to go in the bin.

Electronic Devices

Unless your carry-on is a TSA-friendly laptop bag, what needs to go in TSA bins is your laptop, along with other electronic devices. You must place them in the TSA bin and ensure there is nothing on or under the devices for X-ray screening. Electronic devices include digital cameras, e-readers, portable DVD players, and handheld video game consoles. The TSA bin for laptops and electronic devices cannot have other items like shoes, jackets, or 3-1-1 bags in the same bin.

Shoes, Belts, And Outerwear

What to put in TSA bins? Your sunglasses, hat, jacket, or coat and belt – TSA will ask you to place them in the TSA bin. Hence, the reason to wear clothing you can easily remove and put back on quickly and with less effort. It is also best to put your shoes sole-side down directly on the X-ray belt to facilitate quick screening.

Exception: Seniors

Seniors 75 years and older receive a mini expedited trip through airport security. TSA allows seniors to leave on a light jacket and shoes when going through the scanner. It is a nice way to honor seniors and make life just a bit easier.

Exception: Head Covering

If you wear a head covering that is not too concealing to require a pat-down screening, your head covering stays during the TSA screening. However, if necessary, the TSA officer should conduct the pat-down or remove the head covering in an area away from public view.

Metals, Keys, Coins

If you have your keys, some loose change, or any metal in your pockets, remove them and place them in the TSA bins. For an expedited screening process, empty your pockets and put the items in your bag before you go to the TSA security checkpoint. If you forget to empty your pockets, know that what to put in TSA bins is pretty much everything in your pockets.

Carry-on or Personal Bag

Your carry-on bag will also pass through the X-ray scanner, but you must place it directly on the belt. While the TSA will not require you to unpack your carry-on bag, you must remove what needs to go in TSA bins before placing the bag on the conveyor belt. In addition, the TSA needs to see clear images of the contents on the X-ray monitor, so organize your bag for a clear view.

Duty-Free Items

Duty-free items such as alcoholic beverages need to be in checked baggage and not in a carry-on bag. So, limit your duty-free purchases to things you can pack in your carry-on suitcase. However, if you’re buying duty-free items such as perfume, lotion, and other toiletries that exceed the 3.4 oz size, TSA will allow these items in your carry-on bag if:

• The items are in transparent containers.
• You purchase the items in a duty-free shop (keep the receipts for TSA inspection, if needed)
• The store packed the items in a secure, tamper-evident bag.
• You are traveling to the United States with a connecting flight.

Food And Snacks

TSA officers allow food and snacks like health bars, fruit, and sandwiches inside the carry-on bag. Food items must be in the carry-on bag and are not a part of what to put in TSA bins.

Special Screening Considerations

As with everything, the TSA rules regarding children and medical needs have some exemptions.

Children under 12 Years of Age

TSA gives special security screening considerations for children 12 years old and below – what to put in TSA bins will not be applicable for children in this age category. Hence, your 12-year-old child need not remove their shoes, light jackets, and headwear during screening.

If you are traveling with an infant, remove the baby from the stroller or car seat and carry your infant in your arms through the walk-through metal detector.

The stroller, baby carrier, car seat, and backpack with baby stuff must pass through the X-ray scanner for screening. If the stroller does not fit through the X-ray scanner, the TSA officer will conduct a physical/visual inspection.

Travelers With Medical Conditions

If you have a medical condition, present a TSA notification card or other medical documentation. You will still undergo screening at the TSA security checkpoint either by the walk-through metal detector or a pat-down.

Your medical and disability-related devices (wheelchair, walker, etc.) will also go through the X-ray scanner or may require a visual/physical inspection. Not included in what to put in TSA bins are the medical devices and equipment, but these items will go through physical screening nonetheless.

Travelers using prosthetic limbs or an insulin pump must inform the TSA officer. TSA will not require you to remove your medical device, but they may perform a pat-down or wand inspection.

Expedited Services

What to put in TSA bins is a bit different for those with TSA PreCheck on their boarding passes. Items such as shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, and light jackets will not need to be removed and placed in bins. TSA PreCheck is the fastest way to speed through TSA security. You can get more information on how to apply for TSA PreCheck® from the TSA site.

FAQs About What To Put In TSA Bins?

We have gathered three frequently asked questions about what to put in TSA bins.

Do I remove my shoes with metal?

High heels and work boots that have metal in their structure will trigger an alarm when passing through the walk-through metal detector. You must remove them and place them in the TSA bin for screening just like you would with all other shoes.

TSA PreCheck members will need to remove shoes with metal in them but may leave on all other shoes to go through screening.

Can I leave my jewelry on?

TSA officers allow you to wear fine and small jewelry pieces when you go through airport security. However, you must remove bulky jewelry and metal accessories and place them in your carry-on bag before going through security.

Conclusion

The key to a smooth airport security screening experience is to stay informed of the existing and most recent TSA screening guidelines. Knowing what to put in TSA bins and packing them in an organized way will help you navigate the airport security process.

What to put in TSA bins depends on your age and whether you have TSA PreCheck. The chart above will guide you on your way.

Happy travels, my friends.