There are plenty of unspoken rules when it comes to airport etiquette, as well as lots of little tricks that can make your trip a whole lot smoother, especially when you’re racing to make your flight. But there are also some time-sinks and major stress points. The biggest one? Airport security. And it’s not just a hassle—ironically, it can put some of your personal items at risk if you’re not careful.
In fact, there’s one specific security mistake that many travelers, myself included, often overlook. And while it may seem minor in the moment, it can lead to some seriously unfortunate consequences. Whether you’re a frequent flier or you only occasionally fly the friendly skies, this is one item you should never toss into a TSA bin on its own.
Read on to find out what that item is and what you should do instead. Trust us—you’ll want to know this before your next flight.
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Which item shouldn’t go in a security bin?
Your phone! Believe it or not, you should never put it directly in the TSA security bin. As a seasoned traveler, this is one of those golden rules I’ve always known, even if I’ve broken it a few times. And I’m not the only one. In one viral TikTok, travel creator @travel.by.the.books shared how a TSA agent caught her dropping her phone in a bin and warned, “That’s the fastest way to get it stolen.”
“The No. 1 thing that they see get stolen is phones, and that’s because they are left out and available,” she says. “You know the lines can back up and somebody could just swipe it and you’re not paying attention until you realize it’s too late.” Yikes!
How big of a problem is this?
There isn’t an official figure for the total number of stolen phones at TSA or U.S. airports. But travel experts and TSA agents have long warned this is an issue and that phones are among the most commonly stolen items at security checkpoints. According to the TSA website, around 90,000 to 100,000 items are left behind at checkpoints every month. Many of those “lost” items, particularly phones and electronics, are likely stolen.
Another TikToker, @mariah.olsen, shared how her phone vanished at Miami International Airport after she placed it in a not-so-secure pocket of her bag when going through TSA. When it came through the scanner, the pocket was empty. “I had to board my flight phoneless,” she said. “No music, no movie, no source of time, no nothing. … Four-and-a-half hours of just vibes.”
That said, people also do accidentally leave behind their phones as well. And placing your phone in a bin can increase the likelihood of this happening, since it’s all too easy to leave a tiny device behind as you’re scooping up your other personal belongings and popping your laptop back into its case. Whether it’s a mix-up, a grab-and-go or a simple case of forgetfulness, the result is the same: You’re stuck without your phone.
What should you do instead?
Keep your phone securely stashed in your personal item or carry-on bag when passing through TSA security. While experts have been recommending this for years and their advice hasn’t changed, the rules around electronics did.
Before 2017, you often had to remove phones and other electronics from your bag. During this time, TSA agents required travelers to place their phones directly in the bins, partly due to less advanced screening technology. But in 2017, TSA began allowing travelers to keep their smartphones in their bags, only requiring them to remove electronics larger than a cellphone (including tablets and laptops).
As of today, due to more advanced scanners that give 3D images of a bag’s contents, TSA can easily detect electronics without removal. Phones do not need to be removed, and while you’re often still required to take out out electronics larger than your smartphone, those in a TSA PreCheck lane are often exempt from that rule.
If your phone goes missing after going through airport security, what should you do?
Don’t panic, but do act fast. According to the official TSA website, you should head straight back to the checkpoint and speak with a TSA officer if you’re still in the area. They often collect forgotten items right away, especially phones left in bins or on the conveyor belt. If you’ve already moved on, go to TSA’s Lost and Found page online, plug in the airport code or name, and fill out a detailed report. Include your phone’s model, color, case design or any other unique features that’ll help them match it to what they’ve found.
However, if you think your phone was stolen, file a police report with airport law enforcement right away. You should also file a report with TSA’s Lost and Found in case it turns up. And here’s a tip: Try locating your phone with Find My iPhone or Find My Device. Also contact your mobile carrier to see how to remotely lock or erase your phone.
But take note: TSA holds onto electronics for at least 30 days, so there’s still a good chance your phone will turn up if someone turned it in. If it’s found, you can either pick it up yourself, authorize someone else to grab it or have it shipped to you (you’ll have to cover the shipping). Just don’t wait too long—if a phone goes unclaimed after that holding period, TSA may be wipe its memory or destroy it to protect your personal data.
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Why trust us
Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- TSA: “Lost and Found”
- TSA: “Timeline”
- TSA: “TSA installs new security technology that enhance screening capabilities at West Virginia International Yeager Airport”
- TikTok: @travel.by.the.books
- TikTok: @mariah.olsen
- NBC: “Lost in transit: personal devices pile up at U.S. airports”
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