Are you making this TSA mistake? Frequent flyers say this one habit could put your valuables at risk
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Airport security can be one of the most stressful parts of traveling.
Between juggling shoes, laptops, IDs, and carry-ons, it’s easy to overlook small habits that could cost you.
One traveler recently shared a tip on social media that’s now catching the attention of frequent flyers.
It’s a simple detail many people never think twice about—but it could put one of your most important possessions at risk.
Before your next trip, this might be something you’ll want to rethink at the TSA line.
The tip comes from a traveler who goes by @Travel.By.The.Books on social media.
In one of her videos, she explains: “The thing I am absolutely never doing when I go through TSA... I am not putting my phone directly into one of the containers or bins. It’s always going inside a zipped pocket in my bag.”
She shared that after chatting with a TSA agent, she learned that phones are the number one item stolen at airport security checkpoints.
“The TSA looked at me and said, ‘You don’t like your phone?’ I said, ‘Yes.’ He said, ‘This is the fastest way to get it stolen,’” she recalls.
It makes sense—airport security lines are busy, crowded, and full of distractions.
You’re watching your shoes, boarding pass, and maybe even trying to corral kids or chat with a travel companion.
Meanwhile, your phone is left sitting out in the open, and all it takes is one quick move from a nearby thief.
The video has struck a chord with viewers, many of whom chimed in with their own experiences:
The warning doesn’t just apply to phones—passports, wallets, IDs, and other personal items are also easy targets when left unattended in bins.
One commenter noted: “I would include passport in this too. Or wallet. So many folks toss their personals right in a bin or on top of their bags.”
While keeping your phone zipped up is the safest option, some airports still require you to place electronics—including phones—in separate bins.
If that’s the case, compliance is important—but so is vigilance.
The traveler behind the tip says she still follows TSA rules but stays alert: “If that’s the case, I’ll comply, but be overly vigilant.”
Another commenter agreed: “Just keep an eye on it.”
The key takeaway? If you must place your phone in a bin, make sure you’re watching it the entire time. Pick it up immediately after it exits the scanner and don’t get distracted.
Source: TikTok / @travel.by.the.books.
Phones aren’t the only surprise concern at airport checkpoints.
The TSA recently shared an incident involving a traveler who tried to bring a camp stove—with a propane tank—through security at Pensacola International Airport.
It’s a reminder to review TSA’s prohibited items list before traveling.
Propane tanks are strictly forbidden, and even empty camping stoves must be completely cleaned and free of fuel residue before flying.
Source: Reddit / TSAgov
At The GrayVine, we know our readers are savvy travelers—but a refresher never hurts.
Here are a few tips to keep your trip smooth and your valuables safe:
With so much happening at once in TSA lines, it’s easy to get distracted, but staying alert can help prevent a major travel headache.
Safe travels start with simple habits. Stay smart, stay prepared, and enjoy the journey.
Read next: Get the inside scoop: How to claim incredible bargains from TSA auctions
Have you ever had a close call at airport security—or worse, lost something important? Do you have any strategies for keeping your phone and other valuables safe while traveling? Share your stories and tips in the comments! You never know who you might help with your advice.
Between juggling shoes, laptops, IDs, and carry-ons, it’s easy to overlook small habits that could cost you.
One traveler recently shared a tip on social media that’s now catching the attention of frequent flyers.
It’s a simple detail many people never think twice about—but it could put one of your most important possessions at risk.
Before your next trip, this might be something you’ll want to rethink at the TSA line.
A quick trip through airport security could cost you more than time—experts say unsecured phones in TSA bins are easy targets for theft. Image Source: Pexels / Matthew Turner.
Don’t leave your phone loose in the bin
The tip comes from a traveler who goes by @Travel.By.The.Books on social media.
In one of her videos, she explains: “The thing I am absolutely never doing when I go through TSA... I am not putting my phone directly into one of the containers or bins. It’s always going inside a zipped pocket in my bag.”
She shared that after chatting with a TSA agent, she learned that phones are the number one item stolen at airport security checkpoints.
“The TSA looked at me and said, ‘You don’t like your phone?’ I said, ‘Yes.’ He said, ‘This is the fastest way to get it stolen,’” she recalls.
It makes sense—airport security lines are busy, crowded, and full of distractions.
You’re watching your shoes, boarding pass, and maybe even trying to corral kids or chat with a travel companion.
Meanwhile, your phone is left sitting out in the open, and all it takes is one quick move from a nearby thief.
Also read: Flying soon? Check out the TSA's full list of approved IDs to avoid those dreaded airport delays!
Stories from fellow travelers
The video has struck a chord with viewers, many of whom chimed in with their own experiences:
- “Someone swiped my mom’s laptop exactly like this!”
- “Make sure your driver’s license is in a zipped pocket too. Lost mine and didn’t realize until I was on the plane.”
- “I worry about leaving it in the bin—just saw someone almost walk off with one and had to stop them.”
- “Might be gross, but I shove my phone in my shoe!”
The warning doesn’t just apply to phones—passports, wallets, IDs, and other personal items are also easy targets when left unattended in bins.
One commenter noted: “I would include passport in this too. Or wallet. So many folks toss their personals right in a bin or on top of their bags.”
Also read: TSA weighs in: What your Costco card can’t do when you fly
What if TSA asks for electronics to be separate?
While keeping your phone zipped up is the safest option, some airports still require you to place electronics—including phones—in separate bins.
If that’s the case, compliance is important—but so is vigilance.
The traveler behind the tip says she still follows TSA rules but stays alert: “If that’s the case, I’ll comply, but be overly vigilant.”
Another commenter agreed: “Just keep an eye on it.”
The key takeaway? If you must place your phone in a bin, make sure you’re watching it the entire time. Pick it up immediately after it exits the scanner and don’t get distracted.
Source: TikTok / @travel.by.the.books.
Also read: Extra passenger? You won’t believe what the TSA found in this man’s pants!
Other TSA surprises to watch for
Phones aren’t the only surprise concern at airport checkpoints.
The TSA recently shared an incident involving a traveler who tried to bring a camp stove—with a propane tank—through security at Pensacola International Airport.
It’s a reminder to review TSA’s prohibited items list before traveling.
Propane tanks are strictly forbidden, and even empty camping stoves must be completely cleaned and free of fuel residue before flying.
Source: Reddit / TSAgov
Also read: TSA update: 11 items you can now bring in your carry-on—no size limits needed (at some airports)
Tips for breezing through TSA while keeping your stuff safe
At The GrayVine, we know our readers are savvy travelers—but a refresher never hurts.
Here are a few tips to keep your trip smooth and your valuables safe:
- Zip it up: Keep your phone, wallet, passport, and ID in a zipped compartment or secure pocket.
- Wear a crossbody or belt bag: These styles are harder to misplace and stay on your body.
- Stay organized: Set up a routine for taking off shoes, removing electronics, and keeping your bins tidy.
- Watch your belongings: Stay focused as your items move through the scanner.
- Ask if unsure: If you’re not sure about a rule (like removing electronics), just ask a TSA agent.
- Take your time: Once through the scanner, pause to double-check you’ve grabbed everything.
With so much happening at once in TSA lines, it’s easy to get distracted, but staying alert can help prevent a major travel headache.
Safe travels start with simple habits. Stay smart, stay prepared, and enjoy the journey.
Read next: Get the inside scoop: How to claim incredible bargains from TSA auctions
Have you ever had a close call at airport security—or worse, lost something important? Do you have any strategies for keeping your phone and other valuables safe while traveling? Share your stories and tips in the comments! You never know who you might help with your advice.
