The One Item You Should Never Put in a TSA Bin—and What to Do Instead

Key Points

A travel expert is warning airline passengers against a common mistake at security.

The expert says that putting a cell phone directly into the TSA bin could lead to it being lost or stolen.

Travelers should instead secure their personal devices inside their bags.

Next time you go through a TSA security checkpoint at the airport, be careful: there’s one item you should make sure to not put directly into the bin.

Cell phones are at risk of being stolen directly out of TSA security bins if they are left loose. Instead it’s recommended that you tuck it away inside one of your bags, preferably in a sealable pocket. This can also apply to other valuables or electronics you might be traveling with through security.

Tiffany, a travel expert who posts TikToks under the name travel.by.the.books from Pittsburgh to more than 24,000 followers, says in a video she shared that one thing she will never do is place her phone in the bin directly. She told a story about a time she did leave her phone out loose, and she was chastised by the TSA agent on duty.

“I did this once and the TSA agent looked at me and said, you don’t like your phone?” Tiffany shares. “He said, this is the fastest way to get it stolen.”

She continues, “Lines can back up and somebody can just swipe it and you’re not paying attention until you realize it’s too late.”

It’s wise to make sure your phone and other electronics are tucked safely away, unless the TSA agent specifically asks you to remove the item from your bag.

If you do lose your phone or any other important item as you go through security, all hope is not lost. According to the TSA website, nearly 100,000 lost items are recovered every year.

“Passengers are encouraged to place their contact information on the outside of their electronics, such as laptops, in case the item is left behind. TSA will make every effort to reunite passengers with their belongings,” the TSA website states. “Unclaimed electronics will have its memory removed and destroyed (e.g. laptop hard drive) or be destroyed completely (e.g. items with non-removable memory) to protect personal data after the 30-day holding period.”

So follow Tiffany’s advice to keep your phone safe. “I am not putting my phone directly into one of the containers," she said, "It's always going in a zipped pocket in my bag."

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