This Is Why You Should Never Put Your Headphones in the TSA Bin, According to a Doctor

""Most headphones are made of plastic and rubber, both non-porous materials, which means whatever lands on them stays on them longer. Tossing them loose into a bin that has been handled by hundreds of people is a real and avoidable exposure.""

""Your neck pillow goes against your face. Your phone goes directly to your face every time you take a call. Your keys and wallet go straight into your hands and pockets after.""

""More than three million people pass through TSA checkpoints each day, and the bins have to cycle through quickly; it would be impossible to disinfect them between each use.""

""Bacteria can also survive on non-porous surfaces for hours to days, making it crucial to be mindful of what you place in the security bins.""

Experts recommend placing headphones and other personal items in bags before TSA security to minimize germ exposure. Headphones, made of non-porous materials, can harbor germs that may transfer to mucous membranes. Items like neck pillows, phones, keys, and wallets also pose risks as they come into direct contact with the face or hands. With over three million people passing through TSA checkpoints daily, bins are frequently touched and not disinfected between uses, allowing bacteria and viruses to survive on surfaces for extended periods.

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