12 TSA Agent Tips for Making Connecting Flights

When you’re trying to catch a connecting flight, every second counts. Some connecting flights are easier to make than others, but making a domestic connection after flying in from an international destination isn’t one of them. That’s because when you’re flying from an international airport into a main U.S. airport hub, you’ll need to clear customs and then the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) line—again. Add in the out-of-your-control variables of flight delays and baggage rechecks, and suddenly, being on time for your connecting flights becomes an Olympic sport. 

In this case, travelers need to master the variables that are in their control, like saving as much time as they can when going through security re-checks, and cutting out pit stops for snacks. Below, TSA experts who have witnessed countless panicked travelers miss their flights due to time-wasting mistakes, share the most common connection flubs they’ve seen on the job—plus, how to avoid these slip-ups like a pro.

Best Overall Time-saving Travel Essentials

Mistake: Not paying attention to gate changes

Solution: Keep your phone charged

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One of the most common mistakes that former TSA agent and current travel newsletter founder, Caleb Harmon-Marshall, witnessed during his tenure was passengers not paying attention to gate change alerts. For example, says Harmon-Marshall, Orlando International Airport (MCO) has multiple terminals that are only accessible one way. “Many travelers receive their connecting boarding pass when checking their luggage at the first departure airport,” he explains, “and rely entirely on what that pass says their connecting departure gate is. But it can change.”

For this reason, he always recommends using digital boarding passes, which are frequently updated by the airline. To use them, you’ll need to make sure your phone is charged. Keep a wireless, portable charger in your carry-on to make sure you always have access to the digital pass and to ensure you arrive at the most up-to-date gate.

Mistake: Accidentally walking out of security

Solution: Pack necessities like snacks

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Another easy mistake that travelers make while trying to catch a connecting flight is unknowingly walking out of the secure terminal area. This misstep will require you to go through security again, and depending on the airport you’re at, you may have to walk a decent distance before getting back to the departures area. 

“People who have long layovers make this mistake when looking for food options,” says Harmon-Marshall. For this reason, it’s best to pack your own non-perishable snacks, like beef jerky, nuts, trail mix, and dried fruit in organized snack containers; that way, you’ll be able to fuel up on the go and get to your gate more quickly. 

Mistake: Packing oversized toiletries

Solution: Buy a travel-sized bottle set

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Despite being a regulation for nearly two decades, “oversized toiletries are still commonly found at the checkpoint,” says a TSA spokesperson. Liquids, gels, and aerosols are limited to 3.4 ounces or less in carry-on bags. Rather than play a guessing game with the toiletries you own, they recommend traveling with refillable, 3-ounce containers. This will ensure your toiletries are properly proportioned every time, so you won’t get held up at security. 

Mistake: Bringing drinks through security

Solution: Packing a clear, reusable water bottle

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TSA recommends packing a refillable water bottle, especially to warm weather destinations, in order to stay hydrated while traveling. But their spokesperson stresses the importance of emptying it completely before entering the security checkpoint; even a little bit of left-behind liquid can cause you to go to the back of the line. 

To be 100-percent certain your bottle is totally empty (and won’t cause you delays), buy a transparent water bottle, like this one from Yeti. 

Mistake: Confusion surrounding checked bags

Solution: Traveling carry-on only

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We understand the carry-on only lifestyle isn’t for everyone, but when you’re considering how much time it could save you on a connecting flight, you might be persuaded to try it for yourself. Whether connecting domestically or after an international flight, “many travelers are confused about when they have to go collect their baggage and when they don’t,” says Harmon–Marshall. This often results in them leaving the concourse to baggage claim, only to find out their luggage was checked through to their next destination. 

Instead of worrying whether your bag will be transferred, or mistakenly exiting the secure side of the airport then having to check-in again, try traveling with only carry-on luggage on your next trip; you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see how much time it’ll save you.

Mistake: Improperly-packed goods

Solution: Duty-free travel sleeves

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“Coming back from an international destination with improperly-packed duty-free goods is a big one that leaves travelers really upset,” says Harmon-Marshall, as this mistake can cost you tons of time—and, potentially, your newly-purchased items. If you are traveling from another country and have to board a connecting flight to get to your final destination, you will have to go through TSA again before you can fly.

If you’ve bought duty-free spirits or liquids (like perfume) that are over 3.4 ounces, you won’t be able to pack them in your carry-on. If you are a notorious duty-free shopper, plan on packing them in your checked luggage, be sure to pack some bubble-wrap sleeves designed for glass bottles ahead of time. When you pick up your luggage, pop the bottles into these sleeves and place them back into your checked luggage before going through TSA again. This hack will make it easier for TSA to screen your bag, saving you precious time at security.

Mistake: Carrying bare travel documents

Solution: Using a trackable, organized holder

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The TSA recommends using a travel case to keep important documents in one place and ready for when they’re needed. “Once IDs are inspected, put them back in [their] holder for safekeeping,” says a spokesperson. This way, you’ll always know where they are, saving you from rummaging through your bag at security or on the plane. 

Pro tip: Use one with a built-in AirTag holder like this option from Allive. This will ensure you’ll be able to track it down, should you lose it during your trip.

Mistake: Forgetting items in your pockets

Solution: Using a personal item bag with pockets

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It’s easy to forget that your phone, boarding pass, keys, or wallet are in your pocket when you go through security. But this honest slip-up can set you back a few minutes, as you’ll have to circle back to the bin area and place your belongings on the scanner’s belt. 

When this happens, travelers often make another common mistake—forgetting those items were in a separate bin from the one they used for their luggage. Cut your losses and get a carry-on bag with an easily accessible front pocket, like this $30 option from Bagsmart. This will allow you to quickly slip your belongings into it just after you show your boarding pass, advises TSA.

Mistake: Using unlabeled pill holders for prescriptions

Solution: Making your medications easy to inspect

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“Medications in pill, liquid or other solid form are allowed, but must undergo security screening,” says an official TSA spokesperson. When you’re running to catch a connecting flight, you won’t want to have to worry about security pulling you aside for unlabeled prescriptions. Instead, keep your prescriptions in their original bottle, if possible, and place them together in a clear, easy-to-open container. Alternatively, you can use a compact pill organizer with labels—just make sure you’re able to pull up your prescription quickly, if needed.

Mistake: Wearing laced shoes

Solution: Sporting some slip-ons

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It’s true that the TSA has largely phased out the ‘shoes off’’ rule for security checkpoints. But this rule hasn’t been implemented at every airport, and even if you have TSA pre-check, you may still be asked to take them off, depending on how bulky they are. 

“Shoes or those that lace up your calf will slow you down,” says a TSA spokesperson. Therefore, “wear shoes that are easy to remove and put back on” like loafers, clogs or slip-on sneakers, like these comfy, breathable walking shoes from Konhill, above. “And do yourself a favor,” they add: “Wear socks!”

Mistake: Using metal pet leashes

Solution: Buying a metal-free option

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Leashes with any metal on them need to be removed when bringing a pet through the metal detector, the TSA advises. If you forget to take it off, you’ll have to go back to the start of the line or go through additional screening—both a major waste of time. Purchasing a metal-free travel leash will help you maintain control of your pet while walking through the metal detector without having to worry about setting it off or having Fido run astray, causing an even bigger delay.

Mistake: Using unapproved luggage locks

Solution: Buy TSA-friendly options

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While scanners generally enable officers to electronically screen your bags without opening them, they advise that there are some instances that require them to physically inspect a piece of luggage. So, if you’re the type of traveler who likes to invest in safety precautions for your baggage, you’ll want to make sure the luggage locks you use are TSA-approved. If it’s not, officers will be unable to open it with their universal master keys, and therefore, they may have to cut your lock in order to get inside. 

This can ruin your zippers (psst: TSA isn’t held liable for this kind of damage) and eat up a lot of time, causing you to miss your connecting flight. Another reason to use a TSA-approved lock? They have the correct size dimensions to ensure that they won’t snag in airport conveyor belts; a lock that’s too big can get jammed in the belt, causing major delays, or even worse, a damaged suitcase.

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