What TSA Can (and Can't) Do If They Ask to See Your Phone

Before your next international flight or cruise, there is one small mistake that could turn a simple customs check into a long, frustrating ordeal. Former flight attendant Beverly Church takes you behind the scenes of what can happen when United States Customs and Border Protection asks about your phone. In this video, Beverly explains the difference between airport security and customs, what travelers should understand about device searches, and why what is stored on your phone can matter more than you think. You will also discover a mistake many experienced travelers make, how to prepare your phone before leaving home, why your bank access can become a serious problem if your phone is taken or lost, and the simple paper backup Beverly recommends for every international trip. Most importantly, Beverly shares practical steps and respectful questions you can use if you are sent to secondary inspection. Subscribe to Senior Travel Insider for more travel advice from years of airline experience. And tell us in the comments: Have you ever been stopped or delayed during an international trip? Customs procedures, airline policies, and travel requirements can change and may vary depending on your circumstances. This video is for general information and is not legal advice. 00:00 The Trip That Went Wrong 01:21 What Beverly Saw as a Flight Attendant 02:03 TSA vs. Customs 03:47 How Common Are Phone Searches? 04:13 The Two Types of Device Searches 05:13 What Is Actually on Your Phone? 07:30 The Mistake You Should Never Make 09:49 Rule Number One: Know Your Passcode 10:06 How to Prepare Before Your Trip 12:12 Why Paper Backups Still Matter 14:01 What to Say at Customs 15:35 What to Do If They Keep Your Phone 16:30 Missed Connections and Travel Insurance 17:32 Global Entry and Device Searches 18:20 The Goal: Be Boring and Prepared