What's with the TSA not making those trays available for personal items?

Flying from Orlando to Denver and back recently and going through the TSA line, normally in the past the TSA would allow people to put additional items like cell phones, keys, etc. in those plastic trays and put through the X-ray machine. On my recent trip, they kept insisting to put everything in your carry on instead. In my case, I just had a laptop bag that contained my laptop, AC cords, etc. and had practically no room to hold my smart phone, keys, wallet, belt, etc. without all that stuff practically falling out of the bag as it was put on the rollers. Why don't they use those trays when needed? I mentioned this to the Orlando and Denver TSA as if anyone cared. I realize the TSA has a tough job, but this idiotic nonsense really pissed me off.

Redstone2017-10-15T00:08:34Z

Favorite Answer

This is an issue when the exit conveyor for the x-ray is short and tends to get congested. It is recommended that smaller items be remain in carry-on baggage.

Personally, I love it when you take the proactive approach. You'd get no complaints from me. But I will recommend options to make the process smoother. :-)

Another recommendation is to request a TSA officer help you with divesting things.

(BTW, the process is changing, it may be painful in the short term, not for the long term.)

Overall, I understand your frustration. I wish things was simpler for travelers like you.

Evan2017-10-13T19:06:16Z

Long story short, TSA has caused some serious delays and missed flights last year, Denver is one of the busiest airports, and TSA is probably just trying to speed everything along

Artemisc2017-10-13T18:21:37Z

They still have the big bins. I just toss all my crap in one of those.

oldprof2017-10-13T15:17:06Z

I'm the one PO'd...at you and others like you. We are at war and like it or not, TSA is one of our first lines of defense against the enemies of our way of life.

You should be thanking them for the thankless job they do. And you should be glad to do whatever they require and thereby add to our defense against our enemies.