There’s one mistake even frequent travelers still make: putting their passport in the wrong bag.

It might seem harmless to toss it into your rolling carry-on, but experts say that’s exactly what not to do.

Gate-check policies, in-flight logistics, and immigration checkpoints can all turn this habit into a nightmare.

Here’s why travel pros always keep their passport on them—or in a personal item.



If your carry-on is too large or the flight is full, gate agents may require you to check it at the last minute.

That means your passport, if packed inside, could end up in the cargo hold. Once checked, you won’t have access to it until you reach baggage claim—long after passport control.


In most international airports, you pass through immigration before retrieving your luggage.Without your passport in hand, you can’t legally enter the country.

Without your passport, you could be denied entry to your destination or face a fine. Travelers making international connections are especially at risk of missing flights if their passport is out of reach.



Also read: Flight attendants' secret greeting strategy unveiled—find out why they never miss saying "hello"

Even if your bag stays on the plane, keeping your passport in the overhead bin isn’t risk-free.

In-flight theft does happen, especially on long flights where passengers are sleeping or distracted.

It’s also surprisingly easy to forget items onboard, especially when you’re rushing to make a connection or just tired.

Once a plane takes off again, retrieving your passport can be nearly impossible.



Also read: The best seats to avoid motion sickness, according to flight attendants

Losing a passport mid-trip is more than just inconvenient. In one 2018 case, a UK couple flying to Greece was sent back home after leaving their passports on the plane.

“There [were] people watching us like we were criminals,” they told The Independent. Their passports were never recovered—and replacing one can take weeks and cost hundreds of dollars.

The best way to avoid these problems is simple: keep your passport on you at all times. You don’t need a travel wallet or money belt, just something secure and easy to access.

Belt bags, crossbody purses, and jackets with zippered pockets are all smart solutions. At the very least, keep your passport in your personal item, not your carry-on suitcase.

Read next: Unlock the secrets flight attendants use to master holiday travel!
Have you ever been in a situation where your passport was out of reach at the worst time? Do you use a belt bag, jacket pocket, or another trick to keep it safe? Tell us how you make sure your most important document stays close—and share your advice in the comments.