By Giancarlo Valdes
Oct. 20, 2026 12:45 p.m. EST
Travelers who carry a modest set of gadgets—typically a smartphone, tablet, laptop and a handheld gaming device—often think they have mastered the art of removing them at security checkpoints. In practice, the scramble to pull devices out, slip on shoes, adjust belts and keep the line moving can feel chaotic. While the stress of airport security is real, one detail deserves extra attention: how you handle your phone in the plastic bins.
Putting a phone in the same bin as other belongings can make it easy to misplace, especially when you’re racing to catch a connecting flight. More importantly, the bins themselves are far from clean. Although I have never worked for the Transportation Security Administration, it is clear that the trays are seldom sanitized. With hundreds of thousands of passengers passing through U.S. airports each day and limited staffing, regularly disinfecting every bin would be a massive logistical challenge.
Even without a germ‑phobe’s perspective, the condition of the bins is unsettling. Shoes, dirt, and potentially sick passengers’ items all come into contact with the surface, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses according to several studies. To avoid picking up unwanted “travel companions,” keep your phone away from direct contact with the bins.
Before stepping onto the X‑ray conveyor, place your phone inside your carry‑on bag or slip it into a jacket pocket that you then set in the bin. The same approach works for small items such as wallets and keys. After you clear security, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before handling your devices again.
Larger electronics present a tougher problem because most checkpoints still require laptops, tablets and handheld consoles to be removed from bags and placed in a separate bin, unless the line uses a CT scanner that allows items to stay inside. In those cases, protect each device with a sturdy case to shield it from the environment.
By taking these simple steps, you can keep your phone cleaner and reduce the chance of misplacing it during the hectic security process.