Efficiency

None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.

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Perform a 'three pocket slap check' for keys, wallet, and phone before leaving any location.
These are the only essentials needed; this ensures they are present.
- The gesture may look ridiculous.
- Many female clothing items have tiny or nonexistent pockets, making this less applicable than for men who use pockets.
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Return security trays to their containers after use to check for left-behind belongings.
You will discover if you left any items inside.
- Some airports with automated systems specifically instruct passengers not to stack trays.
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Do not pack water or beverages in your carry-on.
It holds up the line regardless of whether it is sealed or where it was bought.
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Wear slip-on shoes to avoid removing footwear at security.
You will get through security checks more easily.
- This is primarily for airports in the USA; other countries may not require shoe removal.
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Leave laptops in your bag if the scanner is a large white circular machine with blue lighting or a large blue/black box taller than an adult, as these are 3D scanners.
These machines have 3D scanning capabilities that allow bags to stay closed.
one person who lived it
- Remove laptops from your bag if the scanner is a smaller black or blue box.1

Never store valuable items in airplane seat back pockets.
It is surprisingly easy to forget that you placed something there.
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Place phones, wallets, keys, belts, watches, and travel documents in your carry-on before reaching ID verification.
This speeds up movement through the scanner area.
- Some airports require all electronics to be out.
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- Remove belts, wallets, keys, and watches before reaching the security checkpoint and place them in your carry-on bag.3
Keep a small baggie handy to store pocket items for easy retrieval after security.
It makes it easier to put items back in place.
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