When preparing for a flight, it’s easy to stuff your wallet with everything you might need, but some items could be more trouble than they’re worth. Air travel experts have shared a list of things to remove from your wallet before you head to the airport. Some of these items can cause unnecessary delays during security checks, while others might even be a security risk. Whether it’s expired IDs or unnecessary loyalty cards, knowing what to leave behind can help streamline your journey.
Before packing for your next flight, make sure you’re only carrying the essentials. From unnecessary cards to paperwork that could cause issues, here are 12 items air travel experts recommend you remove from your wallet to make your travel experience smoother and stress-free.
Social Security Card
There is no reason to bring your Social Security card to the airport or on a trip. It won’t help with identification at TSA and it poses a serious risk if lost or stolen. Thieves can use it to open accounts, access medical records, or apply for credit in your name. Recovery from identity theft involving a Social Security number can be long and stressful. Unless you're heading to a government agency or job onboarding, leave it in a secure place at home. Traveling with it in your wallet adds unnecessary exposure to sensitive personal information.
Excess Credit Cards
Carrying multiple credit cards may seem practical, but it creates complications if your wallet is lost or stolen. More cards mean more customer service calls, more accounts to freeze, and more vulnerability to fraud. Instead, choose one or two that you plan to use—ideally with travel rewards or no foreign transaction fees—and leave the rest behind. It’s safer and keeps your wallet slimmer, which is useful when going through airport checkpoints or switching between travel bags. Simplifying your card options also helps you stay organized and spot unusual charges more easily.
Checks or Checkbook
Paper checks contain sensitive details: your full name, address, and bank account number. Losing a checkbook can open the door to financial theft or fraud, especially since some checks can be altered or forged. They’re also bulky and rarely needed for travel. Most destinations and businesses rely on electronic payments or cards. Unless you're headed somewhere that only accepts checks—and even then, carry just one—it's best to keep the checkbook at home. The risks outweigh any possible convenience, especially when faster, safer payment methods are widely accepted.
Large Amounts of Cash
Bringing large amounts of cash when flying can lead to serious problems if your wallet is lost or stolen. Unlike cards, cash isn’t traceable or protected. Once it's gone, it’s unlikely you’ll recover it. While having some money for tips or emergencies makes sense, your main transactions should go through cards with fraud protection. Additionally, TSA and border agents may question travelers carrying significant amounts of cash, especially without a clear reason. Stick to what you reasonably need for the day or two, and use ATMs or digital methods for refills during the trip.
Work Access Cards or Building IDs
Workplace badges and access cards don’t serve any purpose during personal travel, and losing them can create security issues for your office or company. If your wallet goes missing, someone could use those items to gain unauthorized access to your workplace or tamper with secure areas. Depending on your organization’s policies, replacing these cards might also involve extra steps or even disciplinary action. Keep them in a separate, safe location when not in use, especially if you're not traveling for work. It’s a small action that helps protect both you and your professional environment.
Membership Cards (e.g., gym, library)
Gym passes, library cards, and store memberships have no real function while traveling unless you're going somewhere specific that requires them. These cards add bulk and clutter to your wallet, making it harder to find what you actually need. If lost, they could give away personal information like your home address or member ID, which could be misused. Most places now accept digital versions or allow you to retrieve account details with an email address or phone number. Leave these cards at home to lighten your load and reduce the number of items you’d have to replace.
Gift Cards You Don’t Plan to Use
Gift cards are rarely replaceable if lost, especially if they aren’t registered online. Carrying them while traveling—especially for stores or restaurants not located at your destination—does little but increase your risk of loss. They’re also easy to forget about and often overlooked until it’s too late. If a thief ends up with your wallet, they may drain the value from the cards without you even noticing right away. Only bring a gift card if it’s something you actively plan to use on your trip; otherwise, it’s safer left behind in a drawer or organizer at home.
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Receipts With Personal Information
Receipts may seem harmless, but they can carry more information than you think—full names, partial card numbers, merchant details, and even your signature. If your wallet is lost or stolen, these bits of information can be pieced together for fraudulent activity. Instead of collecting paper receipts, consider using email or app-based receipts, especially for travel-related purchases. Regularly clean out your wallet before trips and shred receipts you no longer need. Holding onto too many paper slips also makes your wallet bulky and disorganized, which can delay you at airport security checkpoints or hotel check-ins.
Too Many Coins
While some coins may come in handy for vending machines or tipping, carrying a pocketful adds unnecessary weight and noise. Coins make wallets bulky and harder to manage, especially when you're juggling bags and going through security screening. Many countries you might visit have unfamiliar coin systems, which can lead to confusion and mistakes. It's more practical to bring small bills or use contactless payments. If you must carry coins, limit it to a handful for small emergencies. Save the rest in a jar at home—your back and your travel bag will thank you later.
Expired IDs or Credit Cards
Keeping old IDs or expired credit cards in your wallet can cause more confusion than convenience. At airport checkpoints, an expired ID might delay you or lead to extra screening. Similarly, trying to use an outdated card could lead to transaction issues at hotels, shops, or restaurants. Thieves can also use expired cards to piece together your financial history or steal your identity. If a card or ID is no longer active, remove it before you travel. Doing so clears space, reduces your risk, and helps ensure everything in your wallet is actually useful on the trip.
Password Cheat Sheets or PIN Lists
It’s tempting to jot down passwords or PINs and stash them in your wallet “just in case,” but that piece of paper is a major security risk. If your wallet is lost or stolen, you’ve handed over access to your email, banking, or work accounts. A single sheet of notes could unravel your digital life. Instead, use a secure password manager app or memorize essential codes. If you’re worried about forgetting, write down hints stored at home—not in your wallet. Keeping passwords physically close to your payment cards or ID invites problems that are easily avoided.
Duplicate Forms of Identification
Carrying more than one government-issued ID (like both a passport and driver’s license) increases your risk if your wallet is lost or stolen. You only need one valid form for domestic flights—typically a driver’s license or passport—and sometimes both only if traveling internationally or needing a backup for car rentals. Store your secondary ID in a separate, secure location like your carry-on or hotel safe. This way, if your wallet goes missing, you’re not left without any form of identification. Separating key documents gives you peace of mind without doubling your exposure.
Travel Light, Travel Smart
When preparing for air travel, less truly is more. Removing unnecessary items from your wallet not only simplifies your security process but also reduces the risk of complications or delays. By following the advice of air travel experts, you can avoid the common mistakes that often lead to frustrating, time-consuming security checks. From expired documents to excessive loyalty cards, leaving these items behind ensures your wallet is optimized for a hassle-free flight experience. Next time you pack for a flight, be sure to check your wallet and leave behind anything that could slow you down. With a little preparation, you’ll breeze through the airport with ease and have a much smoother journey ahead.
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