TSA Agents Share the 12 Most Common Mistakes That Cause Fliers to Miss Their Connection

"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 thatare 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."

"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.""

Clearing customs and then passing through TSA security re-screening at major U.S. hubs significantly increases the time required for international-to-domestic connections. Flight delays and baggage rechecks add unpredictable delays that make on-time connections difficult. Travelers can control certain factors by minimizing time spent at security re-checks, avoiding unnecessary pit stops, and staying alert to gate changes. Digital boarding passes provide up-to-date gate information, so keeping a phone charged is essential. Carrying a portable charger in the carry-on ensures access to real-time alerts and boarding updates, and awareness of terminal layouts can prevent routing delays.

Read at Travel + Leisure