When passing through airport security, it’s every passenger’s goal to do so as quickly and efficiently as possible. But some flyers end up making the screening process more of a time-consuming headache for everyone involved. Take a look at eight of the rudest passenger behaviors in the TSA line.

Being Unprepared To Unpack

The TSA asks travelers to remove laptops, tablets, game consoles, and other similar electronic devices from their carry-on prior to screening. Travelers are also advised to place all liquids into a small clear plastic bag and remove the bag from their carry-on. But one common mistake people make is tucking their electronics and liquids at the bottom of their luggage, meaning they have to unpack the entire bag in order to remove these objects. 

This holds up the line, but it can easily be avoided if you pack your bag strategically to begin with. Put any electronics and liquids toward the top of the bag, or in an easily accessible pocket, which allows for quicker removal at the security checkpoint.

Another issue is flyers forgetting to remove metal objects from their pockets, such as a phone or keys. This triggers the metal detector, requiring the person to step back, remove those metals, and step through again. Even if being unprepared is unintentional, this lack of awareness holds up the entire line.

Standing in the Way of Other Passengers

Once you’re past the X-ray scanner, try to be respectful of your fellow passengers when repacking your carry-on. Gather up all your belongings and move further into the terminal. This way, you can take your time without standing in other people’s way. If you’re repacking your luggage right next to the X-ray machine, you may be impeding other people from reaching their luggage and making their way into the terminal.

Additionally, if you had to remove any clothing such as a jacket or belt, don’t get redressed in the way of your fellow passengers. Take your clothing and step further into the terminal before putting it back on.

Displaying Poor Line Etiquette

These days, cutting in line is a far too common occurrence, and yes, it even happens at the airport. Jumping the queue at the security checkpoint causes confusion and anger and may lead to unnecessary arguments. If you’re in a rush to catch a flight, consider asking politely if you can jump ahead of your fellow passengers, who are likely to understand your situation. (If not, accept “no” as an answer.)

Other ways that travelers may display poor etiquette include bumping into the person in front of or behind them, which shows a disregard for personal space, or talking loudly on the phone during the security screening process, which can drown out important information being relayed by the security staff.

Ignoring Instructions

Even worse than not hearing instructions? Blatantly disregarding them. TSA officers have the final say at the security checkpoint, whether you agree with their policies or not. If a TSA officer tells you to stand in a certain line, for instance, go to that line. You’re not going to change their mind by ignoring them, and if anything, you’ll just end up causing delays for yourself and your fellow passengers.

Acting Aggressively

Having an aggressive attitude at airport security isn’t going to win anyone over, and it may even result in supervisors or additional security staff being called to deal with the situation. Remember, TSA officers are just doing their jobs. Always maintain a calm and collected attitude while going through airport security, as doing so is the surest way to prevent unnecessary conflict or delays.

Making Ill-Timed Jokes

Joking about bombs, knives, guns, or other weapons is extremely taboo anywhere in the airport, but especially at the security checkpoint where officers are looking for those hazardous objects. It’s not witty or funny — it’s rude, as ill-timed jokes will only lead to increased security measures and longer wait times.

Being Immersed in Your Phone

Sure, waiting in the security line may not be the most exciting process, but it’s also no time to keep your eyes glued to your phone. If you’re looking at your phone, you may not realize the line is moving in front of you and you’re holding it up for other passengers. The security line is also no place to play videos or music at full volume (yes, listening without headphones in public spaces is a growing issue). It’s bound to annoy everyone within earshot. Once you’ve made it into the terminal, there’ll be plenty of time to use your phone while waiting at the gate.

Not Knowing What’s Permitted

The TSA provides a helpful “What Can I Bring?” feature on their website and in the MyTSA app, which clearly explains all of the items permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage. By doing a bit of research beforehand, you can easily determine if objects are allowed in your luggage before arriving at the airport. This ensures a smooth security screening process for everyone.

When your luggage is scanned at the airport checkpoint, there are certain items that tend to catch the attention of TSA officers. It’s not that these items are necessarily hazardous or prohibited; in fact, it’s quite often the opposite. But given the limitations of X-ray scanners, some innocuous objects are frequently mistaken for something more dangerous, so they require additional visual inspection to ensure everyone’s safety. Here’s a look at five common items that the TSA typically flags and why.

Books

The TSA’s website states that books often require additional screening. Part of the reason for this concerns the fact that books contain paper, an organic material that appears as an orange block on X-rays. When viewing an X-ray image, an officer may see limited detail and have no way to discern harmless organic material from something possibly hazardous (such as a block of explosives or drugs hidden inside the book).

Larger books or several books stacked together may also be flagged. This is because the more pages there are, the denser the X-ray image will appear. Those dense images may obstruct the officer from being able to clearly see everything inside your luggage, so further visual inspection may be needed.

Spices

When you’re traveling abroad, it’s tempting to pick up local spices that may be hard to acquire at home. And while the TSA permits powdered spices and dried herbs, these items also may raise eyebrows at the security checkpoint. Their granular and powdery consistency may be difficult to discern from illicit drugs or explosives, so an officer may pull you aside to visually inspect them.

This guidance also applies to protein powder, ground coffee, powdered makeup, or any organic objects that X-ray scanners detect. For this reason, it’s a good idea to keep dried or powdered items inside separate clear bags that you can remove prior to sending your luggage through the scanner.

Certain Medications

The TSA permits unlimited amounts of medications in pill or solid form, both in carry-on and checked luggage. The agency does not require you to show a prescription or to keep your medicine in pill bottles (though some states may have individual laws concerning this). All medication will be X-rayed, but passengers can request a visual inspection if they prefer. 

As for liquid medications, the TSA normally imposes a strict 3.4-ounce liquid limit, but some liquid medications are actually permitted in your carry-on, even if they exceed the limit. However, you must declare any medically necessary liquids, gels, or aerosols to the agent prior to screening — or else your bag will be flagged.

Wrapped Gifts

When traveling with gifts, you may be tempted to get all your wrapping done at home before you head to the airport; however, this isn’t always a good idea. Many common gifts may trigger concerns at airport security, such as battery-powered toys, candles, perfumes, or electronics. While all of these objects are allowed past the checkpoint, they occasionally require further inspection. And if you’re pulled aside, you’ll have no choice but to unwrap any suspicious gifts to prove what’s inside, thus ruining your hard work.

To avoid these hassles, a TSA press release encourages passengers to use gift bags, which can be easily opened, or gift boxes with removable lids. The agency also singles out snow globes as a popular gift that people mistakenly pack in their carry-ons — many snow globes exceed the TSA’s 3.4-ounce liquid limit, so they should always be packed in checked luggage.

Unsealed Food

Many travelers bring homemade meals in their carry-on luggage, so that they don’t have to worry about expensive airport food or mediocre airplane meals. While solid foods are permitted by the TSA — especially if sealed — unsealed food can raise concerns because it could conceal prohibited items. For example, if a person is trying to smuggle drugs past security, they could potentially place them inside a sandwich, which would appear as a single mass of organic material on the X-ray scanner.

To make things easier when traveling with unsealed food, keep each item inside a clear plastic bag. This allows for easy access, making it simpler and quicker for TSA agents to inspect the food in question and clear it. Avoid wrapping food inside aluminum foil if possible. While foil is permitted by TSA, the metal may obscure the X-ray scanner and require an additional inspection.

Featured image credit: Wavebreak Media/ Adobe Stock 

Crowded concourses and crying kids — not to mention last-minute gate changes or delayed departures — can make taking to the skies seem anything but friendly these days. Enter the airport lounge, where flyers can relax away from the chaos of the terminal with plush seating, abundant chargers, and complimentary food and cocktails.

Like many businesses, today’s airlines are competing for the wealthiest travelers, particularly those buying first-class tickets and holding top-tier credit cards. For these deep-pocketed passengers, a conveniently placed electrical outlet, a cup of coffee, and a comfortable chair don’t cut it. As a result, airlines (and their credit card partners) are one-upping one another with amenities that would feel right at home in a five-star hotel, like museum-quality artwork, chauffeurs, celebrity chef-curated cuisine, pool tables, private butlers, and rejuvenating spa services. With perks like these, it’s a wonder passengers ever want to leave. Here are just a few of the most over-the-top airport lounges in the world.

Air France La Première Lounge – Paris, France

Trust the French to offer lounge luxuries that are worthy of King Louis XIV himself. Royalty — or those fortunate enough to be flying La Première (first class) on Air France, anyway — will feel right at home here, from the moment they step through the private entrance at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport to the time they’re chauffeured in a Porsche Cayenne straight from the lounge to their plane. 

Passengers at the La Première Lounge can enjoy menus created by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse, take a shower or head to the Sisley spa for a complimentary massage or facial, or simply sip on some 15-year-old Veuve Clicquot while relaxing on a private patio. 

Turkish Airlines Business Class Lounge – Istanbul, Türkiye

Considering Turkey’s affinity for coffee, it’s no surprise that the coffee service at the Turkish Airlines Business Class Lounge in Istanbul is amazing. But visitors to this enormous — more than 100,000 square feet, in fact — lounge will also find cooking stations where they can watch chefs create local delicacies such as pide (flatbreads) and manti (dumplings), along with dozens of varieties of dishes prepared fresh throughout the day. In addition to the complimentary culinary delights, there are marble-clad baths with private showers; golf, racing, and flight simulators; and roaming therapists offering shoulder massages.

Lufthansa First Class Terminal – Frankfurt, Germany

Who needs a lounge when you can have an entire terminal? That’s the situation at Lufthansa’s First Class Terminal at its Frankfurt mega-hub, where first-class passengers enjoy 20,000 square feet of elevated experiences. These include a private entrance and security, a cigar lounge, shower suites with full bathtubs (snag the souvenir first-class rubber duckie), and a personal chauffeur to ferry flyers across the tarmac directly to the steps of their plane. At the bar, there are more than 130 varieties of whiskey and rare bourbons, while the sit-down restaurant offers multicourse meals highlighting delicacies from many of the cities Lufthansa flies to.

The Windsor by Heathrow – London, U.K.

When you’ve booked Heathrow’s VIP Windsor Lounge, another private terminal, a private chauffeur will whisk you from your doorstep to the airport, where you’ll pass through private security and be escorted (by your butler) to your personal suite. (Prince William and Princess Kate might be in an adjoining apartment; do give them our best.) 

As you wait, your personal shopper can arrange for last-minute purchases from the airport’s luxury boutiques, or you can just buy one of the pieces of high-end (Andy Warhol, David Hockney, Tracey Emin) artwork displayed on your walls. Michelin-worthy meals are curated by celebrity chef Jason Atherton and include quintessentially British treats along with — naturally — unlimited Champagne. Unlike the other airline-operated lounges on this list, the Windsor Lounge is available to those flying any airline, as long as you’re booked in first or business class — and willing to pay the considerable fee for access, starting at 3,177 pounds (about $4,266 USD) for up to three guests. 

Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Class Lounge – Doha, Qatar

Travelers could be forgiven for mistaking Doha Airport’s Al Safwa First Class Lounge for a museum, as the design was inspired by Qatar’s Museum of Islamic Art. Soaring ceilings, a floor-to-ceiling waterfall wall, and stunning art and architecture make the space grand, but the sleeping rooms (featuring double beds and en suite baths) are intimate and as relaxing as a boutique hotel. Reserve a private (complimentary) soak at the spa’s Jacuzzi (other treatments at the spa are available for an additional fee), enjoy top-notch dining, or score a few bargains at the lounge’s private duty-free store.

Florida has long been considered the ultimate retirement destination in the U.S., thanks to its warm weather, abundant sunshine, favorable tax policies, and senior-friendly communities. In fact, more than one-fifth of the Sunshine State’s population is over the age of 65. While Florida continues to attract thousands of retirees each year, it’s certainly not the only place older Americans are choosing to settle down. Recent data suggests that retirees are increasingly branching out, drawn to more unexpected cities that offer affordability, access to health care, cultural activities, and active lifestyles. Here are five U.S. cities that have quietly emerged as retirement hot spots.

Lacey, Washington

According to a five-year study conducted by Go Banking Rates from 2018 to 2023, Lacey — a suburb of Olympia, Washington’s state capital — had the highest growth rate of retirement-age residents on the West Coast. During that time, Lacey’s population of residents 65 and up increased by 40%. 

What makes Lacey so desirable? It boasts many big-city amenities, including access to health care, while also offering a slower pace and ample opportunities to enjoy nature, including parks, lakes, trails, golf courses, and a large wildlife refuge. Plus, the nearby Capitol State Forest and Olympic National Park showcase the unparalleled natural landscapes of the Pacific Northwest wilderness.

Lacey is also more affordable than other major Washington metro areas, making it an excellent choice for retirees looking to stay on budget while enjoying their golden years. And in light of the evidence that forming social community bonds improves longevity, Lacey offers plenty of opportunities for socializing, including an annual county fair, summer concerts, a jazz festival, and holiday markets.

Mesa, Arizona

Like Florida, Arizona has long been a retirement haven for its reliable weather, number of 55-plus communities, and relative affordability. But one Phoenix suburb is gaining ground with retirees: Mesa. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s latest data on retirees, this desert city had the highest inflow of out-of-state retirees, welcoming more than 2,000 new residents 60 or older.

Mesa boasts all the perks of a major city, including a robust health care network and an international airport in Phoenix. Yet, it has a more laid-back feel, with plenty of walking trails, museums, golf courses, and desert scenery. Plus, it offers more affordable housing than nearby retirement hot spots like Flagstaff and Scottsdale. 

There’s no shortage of recreational activities in Mesa, either, such as the Mesa Arts Center, where visitors can see Broadway musicals, take art classes, and explore exhibitions and festivals. On the eastern edge of Mesa is Usery Mountain Regional Park, boasting miles of trails, desert scenery, and camping sites.

Annapolis, Maryland

Maryland’s capital city has plenty to offer retirees, which is perhaps why it has seen a 33% increase in residents age 65 and up in recent years. This makes Annapolis one of the most popular retirement destinations on the Mid-Atlantic coast. Situated on the Chesapeake Bay, within an hour’s drive of Baltimore and D.C., this city blends coastal and city living, offering the best of both worlds for retirees who don’t mind chilly winters. Home of the United States Naval Academy, Annapolis also welcomes many veteran retirees.

The financial publication The Motley Fool ranked Maryland as the third-best state to retire to in 2025 (following Florida and Nebraska), citing a combination of quality health care, low crime, housing availability, and quality of life. In Annapolis, the colonial architecture gives the city a historic feel, while its coastal recreational opportunities — this is “America’s Sailing Capital,” after all — ensure there’s always something to do, from sailing regattas to festivals and live entertainment.

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Idaho ranks among the fastest-growing states in the country, and Coeur d’Alene, a scenic city known for its namesake lake, has welcomed more retirees in recent years than any other city in the state. Nearly one-fifth (19.9%) of the population in Coeur d’Alene is 65 or older. The city is popular among retirees looking for a peaceful yet affordable escape into nature that allows for an active lifestyle.

Located on Lake Coeur d’Alene in the Rocky Mountains, near the Washington border, Coeur d’Alene is ideal for those who enjoy pursuits such as boating, hiking, fishing, skiing, walking trails, or scenic drives. Downtown “CDA” boasts art galleries, antique shops, and unique boutiques. Nearby, the famous Floating Green at the Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course draws in golfers from around the world.

Another plus: Coeur d’Alene’s housing market is relatively affordable compared to other metro areas in neighboring states. Moreover, Idaho does not tax Social Security benefits at the state level, giving seniors a little more room in their budgets. And while Coeur d’Alene may feel remote, Spokane, Washington — home to an international airport, a robust health care network, and other big-city services — is a 40-minute drive away.

Rio Rancho, New Mexico

Rio Rancho, a suburb of Albuquerque, is known for its scenic high-desert views. One of the fastest-growing cities in New Mexico, it’s home to a burgeoning tech economy and was ranked the sixth-best city to retire to in 2026 by U.S. News and World Report. Boasting a lower cost of living than both the state and national averages, Rio Rancho is the most popular city in New Mexico for recent retirees, with a 32.9% increase in the 65-plus population from 2018 to 2023.

For those seeking culture and entertainment, Rio Rancho offers plenty of options, from a growing local craft beer scene to wineries, diverse culinary options, and seasonal community events and festivals. Residents enjoy ample time outdoors, with year-round low humidity and an average of 330 days of sunshine annually. The community maintains a focus on accessibility for all, including in its parks, through the Rio Rancho Prescription Trails Program.

Less than a 30-minute drive away, Rio Rancho retirees have access to the largest city in the state, Albuquerque. It’s home to the International Balloon Fiesta, a major airport, and cultural highlights including the historic Old Town.

Remember what flying was like in the pre-TSA era? Before the agency was formed in late 2001, you probably walked loved ones through security and right up to the gate before wishing them a fond farewell — and then heading right back out the exit. But as airport security measures tightened after the 9/11 attacks, this practice of letting nonpassengers past the security checkpoint largely became a thing of the past. Recently, that’s begun to change. Certain airports are now allowing people without a boarding pass beyond security checkpoints once again, but there are a few hoops to jump through first. Here’s a look at which airports are embracing this change and how you can apply.

How Visitor Pass Programs Work

As of early 2026, there are over a dozen airports (more on that below) around the U.S. that permit nonticketed individuals to apply for a visitor pass. You can apply for these one-day passes online, generally as far out as seven days before your planned date of visit. The process differs slightly at each airport — some may allow you to apply same-day, while others require you to apply in advance. It’s also worth noting that these day passes are often limited, so the earlier you apply, the better your odds are of being granted access.

Typically, the way it works is that online applicants provide their full name as well as the preferred day and time they would like to enter the airport. In some instances, applicants will be asked for a scan of their valid government ID (such as a Real ID or passport). Each application is then submitted to the TSA, and the approval window varies by airport; with some you’ll hear back right away, while others may not notify you until the day before your visit. If approved, you’ll be given instructions for when and how to enter the standard security screening like any ticketed flyer, after which you’ll be free to proceed into the terminal.

Participating Airports

While guest passes aren’t yet widely available, the list of participating airports is growing. Here are 19 popular U.S. airports where you can apply for a guest access pass, even without a plane ticket:

• Albuquerque International Sunport: ABQ FlySide Pass
• Capital Region International Airport (Lansing, Michigan): LAN Visitor Pass
• Cleveland Hopkins International Airport: Hopkins Hangout Pass
• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport: DTW Destination Pass
• John Wayne Airport (Orange County, California): OC AirPASS
• Kansas City International Airport: MCI Guest Pass
• Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport: MSY Guest Pass
• Nashville International Airport: BNA PASSport
• Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport: OAK Guest Pass
• Ontario International Airport (California): ONT+ Visitor Pass
• Orlando International Airport: Experience MCO Visitor Pass
• Palm Springs International Airport: PSP Stay & Play Pass
• Philadelphia International Airport: PHL Wingmate Pass
• San Antonio International Airport: SAT Pass
• San Diego International Airport: SAN Pass
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport: SEA Visitor Pass
• Tampa International Airport: TPA All Access Pass
• Tri-Cities Airport (Washington): PSC Pass
• Tulsa International Airport: TUL Visitor Pass

As mentioned previously, the application process is different at each airport, so be sure to carefully read the instructions before submitting an application. 

Also be aware of time limits. Airports such as Philly International and Kansas City International cap each visit at six hours, while airports in San Antonio and Detroit are more lenient and allow access until 9 p.m. (no matter what time of day your visit began). And it’s also a good idea to check the number of passes that are available each day. For instance, Tri-Cities Airport offers only 10 daily passes, while larger Sea-Tac Airport makes 300 daily visitor passes available.

What’s Behind the Change

Allowing nonpassengers into the terminal offers benefits to both the visitor and the airport itself. On the visitor side, it allows you to walk friends or loved ones right up to the gate so you can see them off, or greet them when they arrive. For example, this can be reassuring if you’re a parent whose kid is flying alone, as you can ensure the child safely boards the plane.

But you don’t need to know someone who’s flying in order to apply for guest access. Anyone looking to shop, dine, or even just stroll around the terminal can apply as well. Increasingly, we’re seeing airports revamp their offerings to include high-end or unique shopping experiences and local restaurants that you may want to take advantage of, even if you have no plans to step foot on a plane.

For the airport, more visitors can mean more revenue, which is one reason these visitor pass programs have been gaining steam. However, one potential drawback is the fact that each visitor needs to go through airport security. The more guests there are, the longer security lines may be, which is why most airports participating in the program have limited the total number of guests passes to reduce crowding concerns.