Ever stood in the security line watching the minutes tick away, wondering if you’ll make your flight? TSA officers have seen it all—and they say most delays come down to how we pack. Here’s what I’ve learned from their stories, and how I’ve managed to keep my own trips moving smoothly.

• Oversized bags cause hiccups. If your carry-on barely squeezes into the X-ray, you’re asking for trouble. I’ve learned that a bag with just the right dimensions—and compartments that keep things streamlined—spares you the side-eye from both agents and fellow travelers.

• Loose items scatter fast. Keys, chargers, and sunglasses rolling across the tray? Been there. Keeping a zippered pouch inside my bag means everything comes out together and goes back in just as easily.

• Tech trips up travelers. Some airports let you keep your laptop in; others don’t. Having a padded sleeve that slides out in seconds has saved me from frantic unpacking while a line builds behind me.

• Heavy lifting slows the lane. TSA won’t hoist your bag for you. That moment you see someone straining with an overstuffed suitcase? It stops everyone cold. Keeping mine manageable means less sweat, more speed.

• Unzipped totes = chaos. Nothing like chasing chapstick across the conveyor belt. A secure closure keeps it all together.

• Phones are the sneakiest culprits. Forget one in your pocket, and you’re back through the scanner. I stash mine in a front pocket—easy in, easy out.

• Liquids still trip us up. Clear pouches make life easier, and agents appreciate not having to dig.

• Water bottles = surprise delays. If it’s not empty, it’s not coming through. Sip or dump before the line.

• Strollers, car seats, even pet carriers take extra time. If they fold, collapse, or zip, you’ll get through faster.

Bottom line? A little forethought in how you pack—choosing a bag that keeps you organized and calm, like the ULTI Every Day/Every Where Bag by CONMIGO—translates to a smoother journey from checkpoint to gate.