We have heard some crazy stories from travelers flying with cornhole bags during airport security checks! It’s essential to be prepared and informed to ensure a smooth travel experience. Those who frequently travel have shared valuable insights on what to anticipate and how to handle this situation effectively. By following their advice, you can navigate airport security with confidence and ease.
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You are on the way to the airport, about to head to your first ACL Open and you think to yourself, will I be able to get through security with my cornhole bags? I know it’s hard to believe but there are still people who have no idea what cornhole is and what the heck cornhole bags look like. TSA’s job is to check suspicious items so when they see a strange looking sack of fabric filled with an unknown substance, it raises flags.
TSA tips for flying with cornhole bags
Traveling through airport security when you are flying with cornhole bags can present a distinctive hurdle. Below are three suggestions to help streamline the process:
Communicate in advance
As you approach the security checkpoint, it is important to notify the security personnel about the cornhole bags in your luggage. Take the initiative to provide an explanation regarding their purpose and reason for carrying them. By doing so, you can avoid any potential confusion or alarm, while also demonstrating your awareness of the contents within your luggage.
Pack strategically
Place the cornhole bags in an easily accessible part of your luggage. Consider placing them in a separate bag like a zip-lock or pouch within your carry-on or checked luggage, making it easier for security officers to inspect them if necessary. This way, they won’t have to rummage through your entire luggage to examine the bags.
In order to account for potential delays due to carry-on bag inspections, it is advisable to depart early and allocate extra time at the airport. We have encountered this situation approximately 98% of the time. Opting to check your luggage will likely result in a smoother journey, although there is a slight risk of your luggage being misrouted or delayed. On occasion, we have successfully passed through without any complications. It is worth noting that the number of bags you bring may impact the duration of the process.
Chris “Tornado” Tornatola (ACL Iron Man award winner)
Be prepare to explain
Security officers might need more information or might want to inspect the bags further. Be patient and cooperative if they ask questions or request to examine the cornhole bags. Providing clear and concise explanations about the bags and their contents can expedite the process.
Remember, airport security protocols prioritize safety. So while you are flying with cornhole bags, cooperating with security personnel and being transparent about the contents of your luggage can help ensure a smoother passage through the security checkpoint.
Whether you have a backpack, Zuca or you put the bags in your luggage, if you follow the 3 tips we provided above, you should be able to navigate through security much easier and faster.
