amazon basics travel cubes

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I'm a Travel Writer, and This Is the 1 Mistake I See People Make at TSA Security — Here's How I Avoid It

It's the ultimate hack to get through hassle-free.

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According to the TSA , more than 2 million passengers flow through a security checkpoint on any given day, and the process can sometimes be tedious and busy. After making your way through TSA security, it’s very common to hear an attendant make an announcement on the loudspeaker: “Did anyone leave a phone? Did anyone leave a wallet?" and so on to signal to a passenger who forgot an important possession. As a travel writer who has written over 400 stories and traveled to 20 different countries, I’ve seen this play out many times, as travelers leave important items behind at security, only to realize it when it is too late. The biggest culprit for leaving items behind? The "dog bowl" bin at the checkpoint — you know, the plastic bowls that are meant for small items such as keys, a wallet, or a badge. However, with some security conveyor belts, there is a tendency for the bowls to tip over and fall out. There is also a chance that a passenger forgets they put the items in the bowl altogether and unwittingly walks off. 

Amazon Basics 4-piece Packing Cube Set

Fortunately, there is an easy travel hack that can prevent lost items in the first place: packing cubes . These popular accessories are a simple way to store items, by zipping them up and stuffing them in a carry-on bag. Safely tucked away, all of a traveler's small items, such as keys and phone, are zippered and tamper-free. 

In my experience, I've found the Amazon Basics Packing Cube Set to be a great option to store all of your belongings in a safe manner. Best of all, the set of four come in a variety of sizes and colors, such as sky blue, red, green, and gray, to ensure high visibility when in a bag. Their mesh panels also help you see what's inside. Plus, I appreciate how they are sturdy but still lightweight as to not weigh down my carry-on or personal item bag. 

During the security process, I’ll scan my boarding pass (on my phone), and then place my phone back inside of a packing cube and zip it up so the phone doesn’t accidentally fall out. If I am traveling with keys or coins, I’ll put them in the packing cube as well. In addition to being more hygienic than the dog bowl, it also keeps things safe with the rest of my belongings. This method also guarantees swift passage through TSA security checkpoints as I'm never stuck at the end of the conveyor belt reorganizing my stuff; I just put the packing cube back in my bag and go. 

Generally, I travel with two sets of these packing cubes: one for my Bagsmart carry-on suitcase , and one for my Patagonia backpack . Within my backpack, I keep a special packing cube for all of my cables, chargers, and technology. I also recommend adding an Apple AirTag in the unfortunate event that the cube is separated, you will know where to find it.

Beyond being an unlikely hack for safeguarding valuables at TSA security, the Amazon Basics Packing Cubes have won over travelers with their ability to save space and encourage suitcase organization. One shopper said the set "helps one find things in a suitcase," while another reviewer added that it helped them "never [feel] frustrated with the typical disorganization" of traveling when visiting Spain for two weeks with just a carry-on. Vouching for their spaciousness, a final customer shared , "All four of them fit perfectly in my Fjallraven Kanken backpack. I fit enough for a five-day trip in my personal item — no need for a check-in or carry-on." 

Trust me, having the Amazon Basics Packing Cubes in tow, whether to avoid the dreaded TSA security "dog bowl" or free up suitcase space, will level up your next travel experience. Keep scrolling to explore other shopper-loved essentials for a smooth trip. 

More Travel Accessories at Amazon: 

Amazon basics rfid-blocking travel passport wallet organizer, daitet rfid-blocking money belt, tessaneuropean usb c travel adapter , level8 packing cube set, ziploc charm organizer bag, yoillione backpack organizer insert.

At the time of publishing, the price started at $18. 

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This item has been tested to certify it can ship safely in its original box or bag to avoid unnecessary packaging. Since 2015, we have reduced the weight of outbound packaging per shipment by 41% on average, that’s over 2 million tons of packaging material.

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Amazon Basics Lightweight Packing Cubes for Travel, 4-Piece Set With Double Zipper Pulls and Mesh Top Panel, 100% Durable Polyester, Slim, Red

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About this item.

• SPACE-SAVING DESIGN FOR TRAVEL & HOME: Compact and efficient at 14”L x 5”W x 3”H (each), these packing cubes fit perfectly in suitcases, duffel bags, backpacks, and totes, making them ideal for business trips, vacations, camping, and cruises. You can also use them at home to maximize closet space and keep items organized and easy to find.
• VERSATILE ORGANIZATION MADE EASY: Keep essentials like sweaters, t-shirts, shirts, intimates, socks, and shoes neatly sorted by type. The mesh panel allows for quick visibility, so you can locate items at a glance without rummaging through your luggage or storage.
• PREMIUM QUALITY FOR DURABILITY: Constructed with reinforced double zipper pulls, high-quality fabric and finished interior seams, these packing cubes are built to withstand frequent use. Made from lightweight yet durable materials, they keep your items secure without adding extra weight.
• THOUGHTFUL, USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN: The mesh top panel keeps contents visible, so you can easily identify and access items without opening each cube. Each cube features a convenient webbing handle for easy handling, and they’re machine washable for easy care.

Product details

• Is discontinued by manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 35.56 x 12.7 x 7.11 cm; 335.65 g
• Date First Available ‏ : ‎ Jan. 27 2016
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Amazon
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B014VBH4R0
• Item model number ‏ : ‎ ZH1509007A
• Country of origin ‏ : ‎ Indonesia
• Department ‏ : ‎ unisex-adult
• #251 in Travel Packing Organizers

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Product description

An Amazon Brand.

Top Brand: Amazon Basics

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From the manufacturer

AmazonBasics Packing Cubes - Slim (4-Piece Set)

Arrive in style -- without unwanted wrinkles.

For some, packing a suitcase is an art form. For others, an essential part of routine travel plans. Either way, the AmazonBasics packing cubes help keep your belongings neatly stored and conveniently organized. Best of all, the fabric containers protect garments against wrinkles, reducing the need to iron once you arrive at your final destination.

The AmazonBasics four-piece set of slim packing cubes nicely accommodates smaller items and accessories. Use the fabric containers for socks, undergarments, tank tops, or belts. The slim size takes advantage of otherwise wasted space in your luggage, making use of those open gaps in the middle and empty areas down the side.

Machine Washable

To clean, simply zip the packing cubes closed and machine-wash in cold on gentle cycle. The packing cubes dry quickly (line dry only).

14 x 5 x 2.8 inches (LxWxH)

• 4-piece set of slim packing cubes
• Keeps your suitcase organized and items easier to find
• Ideal for smaller items; maximizes otherwise wasted space
• Lightweight yet durable nylon; double zipper pulls
• Mesh tops for breathability and quick visibility

Get Organized

The packing cubes allow for grouping items together in a variety of ways. Pack items for each day of the trip into separate cubes, or keep similar items together like socks in one cube and undergarments in another. The fabric containers offer exceptional versatility and timesaving convenience when it comes to unpacking your suitcase and finding what you need—no more rooting around trying to locate something buried at the bottom of your bag.

Lightweight

Made of durable yet lightweight nylon fabric with finished interior seams, the high-quality packing cubes offer loads of organized storage without adding significant weight to your bag. Each slim packing cube measures 2.8 by 14 by 5 inches and comes with a webbing handle for easy grabbing, carrying separately, or hanging.

Mesh Tops for Breathability and Visibility

The AmazonBasics packing cubes feature breathable, mesh-top panels that offer not only important ventilation, but also at-a-glance viewing for easily identifying what's inside. Even more, the soft mesh won't damage delicate fabrics, so you can arrive in style without having to worry.

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