Don’t make these mistakes if you want your experience with airport security to go smoothly.
While these might seem like normal, common behaviors by flight passengers, if you commit these actions, transportation security officers (TSOs) may be on high alert and slow down your trip.
The owner of Leading Edge Strategies, an airport management training company, Price shared a variety of everyday behaviors that will raise flags for TSOs.
Price noted that it typically is not just one type of behavior that may alert TSOs.
Rather, he said, “you look for clusters of those activities. It’s typically never just one thing.”
He added, “There are really three things that you look for when you’re doing suspicious awareness training or suspicious awareness activities.”
“You establish the baseline.”
Price went on, “You have to look at what’s normal. That’s the baseline … Then you’re looking for deviations from our baseline.”
Everyday Behaviors That Raise Suspicion at TSA
Everyday behaviors that serve as red flags for TSA encompass a range of actions from dressing inappropriately for the climate to displaying nervous physical signs. Price noted that one common trigger is when travelers wear weather-inappropriate attire at either their departure or arrival locations.
This discrepancy can make security personnel pause, leading to further scrutiny, as it raises questions about the traveler’s intent.
Another behavior that piques TSA’s interest is excessive yawning.
“Exaggerated yawning, lots of yawning — that might attract attention,” declared Price. “When stressed, individuals unconsciously seek additional oxygen,” he explained, painting a picture of how nervous travelers might appear as they navigate the stressors of air travel.
One might find it curious that a lack of eye contact, often termed “the thousand-yard stare,” can also be a sign of anxiety or discomfort.
The aviation expert emphasized that while some people feel at ease avoiding eye contact, clusters of these indicators create a narrative that raises suspicion.
Price describes a practical training method: sending personnel out into the bustling airport environment. Observing travelers allows security to build a solid sense of what constitutes normal behavior, which in turn helps them recognize unusual patterns.
The expert added that frequent conversations with TSOs can also draw attention.
“That can be perceived as a distraction,” he said, especially for those in charge of screening technology.
When faced with frustration during security checks, it’s easy to consider venting, but this can lead to misunderstandings.
“It might just be that you’re upset with the whole process.”
Interestingly, little acts like an overwhelming use of perfume can raise eyebrows too. While it may seem harmless under other circumstances, security might interpret it as an attempt to conceal an undesirable odor.
Traveling often invites a whirlwind of emotions, from excitement to irritation. During this turbulent journey, aggressive behavior captures undue attention.
“Expressing anger or making threats will definitely grab the security team’s focus,” cautioned Price.
One’s irritation, perhaps stemming from waiting in long security lines or underprepared travel plans, can shift the narrative from simple frustration to an unnerving encounter.
As travelers meander through security into the vibrant world of departure lounges, it’s best to center on the practical aspect of catching a flight.
“Stay mindful of your purpose at the airport,” Price advises, shedding light on this often-overlooked element.
“Ultimately, you want to board your flight and reach your destination on time. Purpose and focus can help mitigate anxiety,” he added, encouraging travelers to engage positively with security staff instead of letting annoyance fester.
He stated that although security processes may prove bothersome at times, they serve a critical role in maintaining a safe environment for all.
“It can be exasperating at moments, but that’s part of the security framework,” he reflected thoughtfully.
In the midst of travel, a curious fact emerges—airports, like Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, play a vital role in connecting people, sometimes serving over 107 million passengers annually. Such efficiency underlines the necessity for security measures, as they protect not only the travelers, but also the myriad of stories intertwined in transit.
