Do You Return Your Bin at TSA Once You're Done?

Read today's edition of Gate Access • August 11, 2025

Happy Monday. After traveling through multiple airports over the weekend, I knew exactly what I wanted to talk about in today’s newsletter.

I don’t think travelers understand the importance of returning bins to either the bin return or the collection cart. Let’s get into why I’m making this such a big deal.

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💡 Not Returning Your Bin Can Cause Delays

"Please return your bin at the end!" When TSA officers repeat this message, it’s because they’re trying to keep things moving smoothly.

While TSA technology is advancing rapidly, it’s still not equipped to collect bins once passengers have collected their items. When travelers grab their belongings but leave the empty bins on the conveyor belt, it creates a ripple effect of delays.

These unreturned bins block the x-ray system, preventing the conveyor from pushing through additional items. Think of it like trying to exit a plane; you can’t leave until the person in front of you does. If they don’t move, neither can you. Similarly, when bins aren’t returned, the whole process stops.

Whose job is it to collect bins at TSA?

Many passengers assume that TSA officers are responsible for collecting bins. While officers do help gather bins, it’s not their primary task. This means there could be a delay before they’re collected, especially if other duties are pressing.

Why do some airports require my bag to go into a bin, and others don’t?

This is a common question that often leads travelers to believe TSA is constantly changing its rules. The difference is due to the type of X-ray equipment used at each airport. Newer airports have CT scanners, which require items to be placed in bins for proper screening.

However, older airports still use “Legacy Lanes,” which don’t require bags to be placed in bins. Legacy lanes are also used for oversized items at some airports, so if your bag doesn’t fit in a bin at a CT scanner lane, you may be directed to a legacy lane where your items can still be screened properly.

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