8 U.S. Customs Security Line Mistakes to Avoid

When people talk about how travelers should enjoy the journey, not just the destination, we’re pretty sure they didn’t factor in the stress of modern-day airports. From congested lines for TSA screenings to ever-changing departure times and hard-to-find gates, airports can trip up even the most experienced travelers. Fortunately, some of the most common stress inducers arise from avoidable mistakes, especially when it comes to breezing through Customs. 

All it takes is a little preparation and organization for travelers to become professionals. Who better to take advice from than airport and airline employees who are familiar with the territory? Below, read on to discover eight of the most common mistakes travelers make at U.S. Customs and what to do instead to make your next travel day that much easier.

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Mistake: Digging around for documents at the last minute

Solution: Use a dedicated travel wallet

We’ve all been there: you’ve just landed after a red eye across the Atlantic, and you’re a little bleary-eyed, not quite sure what time zone you’re in, let alone where half of your required documents are. Yet, you file off the plane and say you’ll look while we’re waiting in line. “When passengers wait until they’re at the front of the Customs line to search for their passport, boarding pass, or declaration form, it can slow down the process and add unnecessary stress,” says Denise Margrét Yaghi, a senior cabin crew member at PLAY Airlines. 

To better prepare, Yaghi recommends purchasing a travel wallet to keep everything organized, from passports and IDs to forms and cards, all in one place. This one comes in a dozen different colors (another tip: you may want to opt for a brighter hue to keep eyes on it in a crowded carry-on or purse) and includes RFID-blocking features to keep your most sensitive documents as secure as possible. 

Mistake: Forgetting to declare items 

Solution: Keep a packing list 

It may sound simple, but forgetting all the goodies you bought while on vacation is inevitable unless you keep track (especially after a couple of weeks off). “Even experienced travelers sometimes forget they’re carrying restricted food, liquids, or electronics, especially after duty-free shopping, which can lead to delays or fines,” says Yaghi. To avoid this, she advises making a packing list to stay ahead of the game. Rocketbook’s reusable notebook, for example, is an easy, budget-friendly way to keep track of everything. 

High-tech travelers, on the other hand, can use technology like Amazon’s Alexa Echo to create a digital packing list, as it gives alerts for Customs-sensitive items that can be reviewed before landing. “With the Alexa app, travelers can set travel-specific reminders like: ‘Declare the cheese’ or ‘Carry-on liquids under 100 milliliters,’ and Alexa will remind them the day before travel,” says Yaghi.

Mistake: Packing the wrong snacks

Solution: Keep sealed snacks in your carry-on

On that note: The illegal transport of fresh fruits and vegetables (along with other restricted products) into foreign countries (and into the U.S.) is well-advertised, but it’s still easy to forget this when you’re hungry at 10 a.m. and put an orange from the airport lounge into your backpack for the plane, then you realize that you didn’t eat it and now the Spanish orange is on U.S. soil with you. 

Rather than have to worry about this scenario playing out (and then what to do), keep a pack of your favorite shelf-stable granola bars and snacks in your carry-on (we recommend storing them in a handy, reusable Stasher Bag. This solves two problems: you won’t go hungry, and you won’t be pulled over and possibly fined by Customs.

Mistake: A dead phone battery

Solution: Keep your devices charged

We get it: It’s so easy to forget a converter or the correct cords to keep all your devices charged. But in a digital world, not only will you be stuck without entertainment for a long flight if your trusted device drains to zero, but also many travel documents live on our phones, so a full battery is a must. 

“Many passengers rely on digital boarding passes or customs forms, only to find their phone’s battery is dead when they need it,” says Yaghi on one of the most common issues she sees at customs. Therefore, she notes, “Travelers should always pack a power bank that is approved for air travel and can charge multiple devices quickly,” pointing to the Anker PowerCore Portable Charger as it is lightweight, TSA-approved, and can charge your phone up to three times on one charge.

Mistake: Wearing complicated shoes 

Solution: Stick to slip-ons 

Whether or not you’re clearing TSA upon departure or an unexpected special screening upon entry to a new country, security and customs checkpoints often require travelers to remove their shoes. “So wearing items like high lace-up boots can hold up the line,” says Yaghi. “Stick to comfortable, easy-to-remove shoes,” she says. Yaghi recommends these Skechers slip-ons as a seamless option for travelers; they offer supportive cushioning, have a minimal design, and are cooling for long travel days.

Mistake: Wearing excessive jewelry and accessories 

Solution: Store them in your carry-on 

In addition to removing shoes, travelers are frequently asked to remove their belts, metal jewelry, and other layered accessories, Yaghi reminds. For another way “to ensure smooth passage through airport checkpoints,” be sure to avoid wearing excess jewelry. If you’re a traveler who wants to arrive in style, keep a small jewelry container or pouch in your carry-on so that you can glam up upon arrival at your destination. Just be sure to do it in a secure space where you aren’t going to lose an earring down a bathroom drain. 

Mistake: Feeling sick or dehydrated in a long line

Solution: Pack a refillable water bottle

It’s easy to become dehydrated after a long flight or even pre-flight if you’ve experienced delays or traffic on your way to the airport. That’s why a TSA spokesperson recommends packing a refillable water bottle in your carry-on, which can either be filled after completing security in the terminal area or after a long-haul flight pre-Customs, as many arrival halls feature water fountains and filling stations en route to the customs area. This is the easiest way to make sure you stay hydrated if the lines are longer than usual. 

If you’re worried about the bottle taking up too much space, this collapsible version is a great solution; it can hold 27 ounces, yet it can fold down to 5.9 inches. Or, you can use the aluminum alloy carabiner to attach to the outside of your bag so it doesn’t take up any interior room at all!

Mistake: Overpacking liquids in your carry-on

Solution: Transfer your toiletries into TSA-approved bottles

Despite liquids, gels, and aerosols being limited to 3.4 ounces or less in carry-on bags, a TSA spokesperson shares that “oversized toiletries are still commonly found at the checkpoints.” Make your life easier, and your travel day quicker, by purchasing a variety of 3-ounce reusable travel bottles to keep all your toiletries in, from spray bottles for aerosols and squeeze bottles for liquid soaps or moisturizers. 

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