13 Traveler Mistakes TSA Wishes Would End Now

Nobody enjoys waiting in an airport security line. In a perfect world, these lines would not exist, and travelers would be able to speed to their departure gate as soon as they checked their bags. Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world, and waiting in a TSA security check line is a mundane rite of passage for millions of travelers.

Inevitably, you’ll find yourself waiting for what seems like an eternity in these lines. However, you can help yourself and your fellow travelers by not doing certain things that TSA agents despise. Avoid these pitfalls of air travel, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised how efficiently you move through security checkpoints.

Moving Too Slowly

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Nobody enjoys waiting in the sometimes-endless-feeling security checkpoints in airports. Moving too slowly is one of the easiest ways to get on a TSA agent’s bad side because if you move slowly, the entire line follows suit.

Unless you’re a first-time traveler, you should know the drill. Keep yourself moving at all times and contribute to the greater good: don’t slow down the entire operation. TSA agents will respect your expeditiousness, and your fellow travelers who are trying to do the same will appreciate your hustle.

Arguing With Agents

Getting into petty arguments with TSA agents should never be part of your travel itinerary. Nevertheless, this happens more often than people would like to admit.

Maybe you didn’t get a chance to have your morning coffee. You may be behind schedule. Perhaps you’re dealing with unexpected flight changes. No matter what you’re dealing with in your personal life, never take it out on a random TSA agent just trying to do their job. Take a chill pill and check your attitude at the gate.

Petting TSA Dogs

Trained dogs operating alongside TSA agents are specifically ordered to sniff out explosives, contraband, and other items strictly prohibited in airports. These animals aren’t there for entertainment; they don’t exist to give you something to pet while waiting in line. In other words, keep your hands to yourself.

Use self-restraint (and self-control) when seeing a TSA dog, especially if it happens to be one of the cutest things you’ve ever seen. TSA dogs are trained to do a job, and petting them is something TSA agents frown upon.

Forgetting to Empty Your Pockets

Why is it so difficult for travelers to remember to completely empty their pockets before walking through the X-ray machine? Keeping personal items, like wallets, phones, or even loose change, causes a bottleneck in the security line and ultimately slows down the entire process for everyone.

It’s not like travelers aren’t told multiple times to empty their pockets into the bins. In fact, there are many signs while you’re waiting in line reminding people of that fact. There’s no excuse not to have empty pockets by X-ray machine time.  

Claiming You’re Precheck Eligible When You’re Not

While not on the level of legitimate fraud, trying to enjoy the benefits of a pre-screening security program like TSA PreCheck or CLEAR without being a member of those programs is another quick way to get on TSA’s bad side.

If you want the perks of PreCheck, be prepared to pay for them. While the up-front cost isn’t overly expensive, it’s a better option for travelers than lying about being PreCheck eligible when they’re clearly not.

Being on Your Phone

Men and women being addicted to their phones (and other screens in general) is an issue that is more prevalent with each passing year. It’s rude to be on your phone while talking to someone, and being on your phone while engaging with TSA agents at any point is entirely inappropriate. It’s an easy way to raise their ire.

Waiting to get through airport security is sometimes lengthy and tedious, but don’t be rude about it. Stop talking on your phone, especially when you finally reach the front of the line.

Not Listening

Nothing frustrates TSA agents more than travelers not listening. Agents are instructed to communicate vital information, and both men and women should heed any advice or orders.

Refusing their orders will only slow down the security process, making it far more tedious than it has any right to be. The best practice is to pay attention to agents, listen to them, and proceed as instructed. Doing “your own thing” is an easy way to frustrate them. They’re trying to do their job as best they can.

Making Congestion

No TSA agent likes travelers clogging up areas in and around the security area. Do your best to keep moving and avoid congested common areas around X-ray machines, conveyors, and other gathering places. Doing so keeps the line moving as efficiently as possible.

Don’t re-dress yourself standing next to the conveyor belt. There are always tables located a few feet away from the checkpoint that exists for that very reason. Take advantage of them, and you’ll avoid clogging up the end of the line.

Failing to Follow Rules

It’s simple, really: all travelers should follow rules explicitly laid out by TSA agents. If you are told to take off your belt, you take off your belt. If you’re instructed to take your laptop out of your backpack and place it in a separate bin, you do just that. If you are told you were randomly selected for a physical pat-down, you nod and accept your fate.

Making up your own rules to follow will complicate what is really a straightforward process. Stick to the script, and everything will be over before you know it.

Telling Them You’re in a Hurry

Is there anything more annoying than a traveler asking other people (or, even worse, TSA agents) if they can cut to the front of the line because they’re in a hurry? It’s infuriating to other travelers and agents themselves. These people aren’t the only ones in a hurry; everybody would love it if they moved through the security check as quickly as possible.

Most importantly, don’t pressure any TSA agent to accommodate your schedule. In most cases, your lateness is your fault, so roll with the punches.

Asking Dumb Questions

In the world of airport security, there is such a thing as “asking too many dumb questions. Asking TSA agents anything that can be answered by looking at posted signage or using common sense will earn you a sarcastic answer at worst and an eye roll at best. Please refrain from asking questions about your upcoming flight; they have no idea why it’s delayed, so don’t ask.

Don’t be a jokester, either. Making inappropriate jokes about TSA, airport security, or the agents themselves won’t go over well.

Being a Bad Parent

This message is for all parents and parents-to-be: keep your family, especially your children, under control while moving through airport security screenings. It’s not rocket science. Nobody expects your kids to be experts at going through security checkpoints. Still, at the very least, you should have a handle on your kids.

Parents should instruct children beforehand on what to do. TSA agents are not babysitters or teachers, so don’t get upset at agents when they speak sternly to your kids.

Showing Them Invalid Identification

Please show TSA agents a proper government-issued ID when asked for identification and boarding passes. No, your Costco membership card or school ID does not count as appropriate identification in the eyes of the TSA security team.

Always have your driver’s license, state identification card, military ID, or passport ready when it’s time for an agent to scan your boarding pass and verify your identity. Be prepared and be amazed at how fast you’ll move through security!

Source: RD.