“Please return your bin at the end!”
It’s not just something TSA officers shout for fun; it’s a crucial reminder that you should return your bin after collecting your belongings because not doing so can have a massive impact on whether operations move smoothly or not.
While TSA technology has advanced over the years, it still can’t automatically remove bins from the conveyor belt once you’ve taken your items out. When travelers leave empty bins sitting there, it can create a ripple effect of delays. Think of it like getting off a plane: you can’t leave until the person ahead of you moves. If they stop in the aisle, everyone waits. At TSA, it’s the same logic. Bins are that roadblock; when they’re not returned, nothing else can move forward.
Who’s responsible for collecting bins?
Many travelers assume that TSA officers are responsible for returning bins. While they do collect them periodically, it’s not their primary duty. Their focus is on screening passengers and bags, not babysitting abandoned bins.
When bins pile up at the X-ray exit, the entire security lane can grind to a halt. Sometimes, officers will watch the backup unfold until one brave traveler takes the initiative to clear the blockage. It only takes a couple of empty bins to block the system due to the short length of the X-ray conveyor belt.
Do you have to return bins at every airport?
Yes. This isn’t just a courtesy; it’s a universal part of TSA operations, no matter the airport. Whether you’re in a major hub or a smaller regional terminal, returning your bin helps keep lines moving faster and supports TSA officers, especially when they’re short-staffed.
When TSA staffing is limited, officers will prioritize clearing flagged bags over collecting bins. That means travelers have the power to prevent delays simply by putting their bin back in the cart or slot provided.
Why you shouldn’t repack at the conveyor belt
We’re all guilty of stopping right at the end of the X-ray belt to put our shoes back on, repack our laptops, or button up our jackets, but doing so is also not best practice because it can also cause delays at TSA checkpoints.
When travelers linger, it’s just as bad as not returning your bin at the end. Instead, grab your belongings and move to the nearby “recompose area” or designated benches. These spaces are designed for travelers to get organized without obstructing the flow of the security line. Not only will this keep things moving for everyone behind you, but it will also give you more room (and less pressure) to make sure you haven’t left anything behind.
Most items left behind at TSA checkpoints are due to travelers rushing and quickly gathering their belongings at the conveyor belt.
Why do some airports require bins for all bags and others don’t?
If you’ve noticed that some airports require every item to be placed in a bin while others let you send bags directly onto the belt, it’s not a case of TSA making up rules on the spot. It comes down to the type of screening equipment in use.
Airports with newer CT scanners require everything, including bags, to be placed in bins. Older checkpoints use older equipment, which TSA officers internally refer to as “Legacy Lanes.” These lanes allow most luggage to go directly onto the conveyor belt without a bin, unless the item is oversized or unusually shaped.
Final thoughts
Returning your bin at a TSA security checkpoint isn’t just airport etiquette 101; it’s essential to keeping security checkpoints moving. You may not see it as such, but this is a group task.
The next time you’re tempted to leave your bin behind, remember that one small action can save dozens of travelers from unnecessary delays. You’ll want the person ahead of you to be thinking of it this way, too.
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