Airport security measures can be vexxing, but they are part and parcel of flying in the 21st century. Baggage and personal screening procedures were introduced to help keep us safe while in the air, aimed at detecting dangerous items such as concealed weapons before they’re able to be carried on board an aircraft. For most passengers, these checks are routine. Occasionally, however, TSA officers may pull you aside for a follow-up physical screening known as a pat-down. But is this an optional step in the security process, or are you required to comply? And are there any alternatives? Find out about your rights if the TSA pulls you aside for a pat-down. 

TSA Screening Procedures

In U.S. airports, the Transportation Security Administration uses a variety of methods to screen passengers. The most familiar is advanced imaging technology (AIT) — colloquially known as a body scanner — which uses nonionizing millimeter-wave radio waves to detect metallic and nonmetallic concealed items. Two antennae rotate around the person’s body to capture an image of a generic human outline (which looks more like a gingerbread figure or paper doll than a real person). 

For a small percentage of people, prohibited or forgotten items can show up as they pass through the body scanner. The rules permit TSA officers to then carry out what’s known as a pat-down screening to confirm that nothing’s amiss. Some travelers may actually ask for a pat-down instead of the body scanner if they have any concerns, though the CDC confirms that these machines are safe and not detrimental to people’s health.

What Happens During a Pat-Down?

A pat-down is a manual inspection that typically happens if a traveler doesn’t pass through the body scanner successfully. If the screening technology flags an anomaly or something that’s not right, the TSA officer may have a brief conversation with the passenger about what it could be, such as a forgotten set of keys or loose coins. Even sweat can produce a false alarm, as moisture can impact readings.

A pat-down screening involves an officer of the same sex inspecting areas of the body such as the head, neck, arms, torso, legs, and feet, applying sufficient pressure to feel if anything is being concealed. The officer may also request that head coverings are removed. In rare cases, officers may need to do a pat-down of more sensitive areas using the back of their hand.

What About Young Children or the Elderly?

For children under 12, different rules apply. While parents can (and should) carry infants in their arms as they pass through the scanner, other youngsters have to pass through alone but can leave headwear and shoes on. Modified screening procedures such as multiple passes through the body scanner aim to identify anomalies and remove the need for a pat-down. 

Travelers over 75 aren’t exempt from a pat-down should something be flagged; however, if you find it painful or tiring to stand for any length of time, you are within your rights to ask for a chair during the process. You should also inform the officer of any medical conditions or areas that are painful to touch. 

On the other hand, travelers of any age who have medical conditions that make AIT or metal detector screening inadvisable should inform a TSA officer at the start of the screening process, as a pat-down may be the most suitable method in such cases.

What Are Your Rights?

If you’re advised that a pat-down is required, simply put, you have two choices: oblige or leave the airport. Failure to comply means you can’t continue with your journey, though if you remain polite, you’ll simply leave with your possessions and no further action will be taken. Arguing with officers, however, may land you in trouble with the law for causing a disturbance and failing to comply with instructions. 

If you don’t wish to undergo a pat-down in front of other travelers, you can request that the inspection be done in private. This must be carried out by a TSA officer of the same sex, and another officer must be present in a supervisory capacity. Additionally, you can ask for a witness of your choice to be present.

What About TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is a popular option for frequent travelers, as it enables them to skip the long lines in favor of a priority lane, expediting their progress through the security hall. According to the TSA, 99% of PreCheck travelers pass through security within 10 minutes.

Once approved, you’ll be able to pass through security without taking off shoes, belts, and light jackets, and electronics and liquids of allowable quantities can remain in your bag. However, you can still be selected for a pat-down at the officer’s discretion — TSA PreCheck doesn’t exempt you.

At the end of the day, the TSA officers are only doing their job, and you can make it easier — and hopefully avoid the need for follow-up screening — by following instructions. Remove items such as belts, hats, and coats, and check to ensure your pockets are empty. Also try to dress for the temperature inside the terminal rather than outside to avoid breaking into a sweat. But if you’re told you’ll need a pat-down and you want to fly, there’s no getting around it.

Whether you regularly commute to work in your car or enjoy the occasional road trip across the country, gas prices are an important financial consideration. As things stand, the average price for a gallon of gas exceeds $4 nationwide — the first time that’s been the case since 2022. Unfortunately, you won’t find affordable gas anywhere in the U.S. right now, though there are some states where the cost is more prohibitively expensive than in others. Using data provided by the American Automobile Association (AAA), here’s a look at 10 U.S. states with the highest gas prices on average. (Editor’s note: Prices are accurate as of May 7, 2026, and are subject to daily fluctuations.)

10. Michigan

Regular: $4.781
Mid-Grade: $5.384
Premium: $5.939
Diesel: $5.982

The first state to crack the top 10 is Michigan, where the cost for a gallon of regular gasoline is more expensive than in 80% of the country. Statewide, the average is around $4.75 per gallon if you’re filling up a tank of regular, but Michigan is even more expensive for premium gas, ranking No. 5 in the country.

9. Ohio

Regular: $4.782
Mid-Grade: $5.313
Premium: $5.823
Diesel: $5.933

Like in many parts of the country, gas prices in Ohio have spiked considerably in recent weeks, with gas in most areas approaching $5 per gallon for regular. The Buckeye State also ranks in the top 10 for mid-grade and premium gasoline.

8. Arizona

Regular: $4.842
Mid-Grade: $5.209
Premium: $5.532
Diesel: $5.786

The cost per gallon of regular gasoline in Arizona is around 30 cents higher than the national average. Prices are notably high in Scottsdale, where the current cost is around the notorious $5 mark. Arizona’s gas prices have jumped more than $1.30 year over year, so be sure to save up some extra cash if you’re planning a family road trip to the Grand Canyon in 2026.

7. Illinois

Regular: $4.997
Mid-Grade: $5.541
Premium: $6.024
Diesel: $5.992

The Land of Lincoln has the seventh-most-expensive gallons of regular gasoline in the country. Prices are highest in the city of Chicago, where the cost per gallon is roughly 35 cents more than elsewhere in the state. And expect to pay a pretty penny if you rely on premium gasoline, as Illinois ranks fourth-highest in the nation in that specific category. One reason for the high prices? Illinois imposes the second-highest tax on gasoline in the country at 67 cents per gallon.

6. Alaska

Regular: $5.213
Mid-Grade: $5.409
Premium: $5.665
Diesel: $5.935

While Alaska produces some of its own gasoline, that isn’t enough to keep prices down. The current cost of regular gas is more than $5 a gallon — over a dollar higher than the price this time last year. Expect to pay even more in remote areas of the state, such as the western part of the Aleutian Islands, which have the highest average price in Alaska.

5. Nevada

Regular: $5.239
Mid-Grade: $5.537
Premium: $5.841
Diesel: $6.172

Nevada is one of six U.S. states where the price for a gallon of regular gasoline currently exceeds $5 on average. There’s little reprieve in other higher-quality categories, as Nevada also ranks in the top 10 for mid-grade, premium, and diesel gasoline. Reno has some of the highest gas prices in the state — you’ll currently pay nearly a quarter more per gallon of regular gasoline here than in the rest of Nevada.

4. Oregon

Regular: $5.346
Mid-Grade: $5.551
Premium: $5.832
Diesel: $6.243

The price for regular gasoline in Oregon has jumped over a dollar year over year, resulting in costs that currently exceed $5 per gallon. This sharp rise in cost is partially attributed to a closure of the Olympic Pipeline this past fall, which caused prices to spike long before the ongoing conflict in Iran.

3. Hawaii

Regular: $5.662
Mid-Grade: $5.904
Premium: $6.158
Diesel: $7.139

Despite levying the second-lowest gasoline tax in the country (19 cents per gallon), Hawaii has the third-highest average gas prices nationwide. This is due, in part, to the high shipping costs for delivering gas to the Hawaiian Islands, which are isolated from the rest of the country. In Hawaii, gas prices are currently highest on the island of Kauai, where they are approaching $6 for a gallon of regular gasoline.

2. Washington

Regular: $5.763
Mid-Grade: $6.002
Premium: $6.26
Diesel: $6.845

Washington has the second-highest cost per gallon of gas in the country, particularly in the western part of the state. The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is now approaching $6 per gallon in the Seattle-Bellevue-Everett metropolitan area. While prices have risen higher during the past few tumultuous months, Washington also levies a year-round gasoline tax of 59 cents per gallon — the third-highest of any state.

1. California

Regular: $6.165
Mid-Grade: $6.397
Premium: $6.585
Diesel: $7.493

Aside from the ongoing turmoil in acquiring gas from the Middle East, Californians regularly pay the highest prices at the pump of any state due to a combination of factors. These include the highest tax on gas in the country at 71 cents per gallon, requirements for a special blend of gasoline designed to reduce pollution and improve air quality, and additional environmental compliance costs. California is the only state in the country where the average price of regular gas exceeds $6 per gallon.

Air travel can sometimes feel overwhelming or exhausting — but don’t let that stop you from embarking on your next adventure. Thankfully, there are a few insider airport strategies for older adults who may need a little extra time, support, or comfort along the way. Below are seven helpful tips for navigating busy terminals, avoiding long security lines, and taking advantage of free perks and discounts.

Take Advantage of Preboarding

Seniors can preboard an airplane if they need extra time or assistance getting to their seats — in fact, airlines encourage it because it keeps the aisles less congested. Whether you’re traveling with a mobility aid or medical equipment, or simply prefer a slower pace, boarding early is available as long as you self-identify to a gate agent before boarding begins and explain that you need additional time — no doctor’s note needed.

If you need special assistance from gate staff, such as a wheelchair, be sure to ask for it before boarding begins. Most airlines allow one travel companion to preboard with you as well.

Skip the Walk with Courtesy Carts

Courtesy carts or shuttles are found in airports across the country. Airport staff drive these golf cart-like vehicles to pick up passengers who need extra assistance or have tight layovers, ensuring they arrive safely and on time at their next stop.

Policies for these carts vary widely, so check the airport’s website or call your airline ahead of time. Some larger airports offer them at no additional cost, and they can be booked by calling your airline’s customer service number. If free transportation isn’t available, some airports work with contractors to provide cart services for a fee.

Airporteo is one such service operating in more than 40 U.S. airports and many other international destinations. Their cart services can be booked online for passengers with mobility needs, those with tight layovers or terminal transfers, or those who just need a little more support.

Find Senior Discounts on Airfare

Some airlines offer special discounts for seniors, typically for those over 60 or 65 years old, though these discounts are rarely advertised.

For example, when flying with American Airlines, you can use the website’s “Advanced Search” to select “Senior (65+)” under the “Passengers” section during booking. This may trigger discounts to appear on certain routes when available. Delta, United, and JetBlue also offer senior discounts on certain routes, often ranging from 5% to 15% off. Passengers on those airlines must call customer service to inquire and book, as these rates aren’t available online.

Discounts on international travel may also be available. Air France, for example, offers a Senior Pass with benefits for travelers 65 and older, including flexible tickets, free checked baggage, and special discounts (up to 30% off) on flights around Europe and to other destinations.

Bring a Companion to the Gate

If you’re traveling alone but you’d like a little extra help from a family member or friend, you can obtain a free gate pass for someone to accompany you throughout the airport. Many major U.S. airlines — including Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, Spirit, Southwest, and United — offer these passes to nonpassengers assisting minors, seniors, passengers with disabilities, or military members. These passes are issued at the airport ticket counter at the TSA’s discretion.

United Airlines, for example, allows up to two people to obtain a security pass from the ticket counter. This allows your companions to go through security with you, accompany you to the gate, and wait for you to board.

As an alternative, some airports allow nonticketed guests to apply for a visitor pass online. This allows access to gate areas regardless of airline. For instance, the Philadelphia International Airport “Wingmate Pass” can be reserved online one to seven days before your visit. Nonticketed passengers must still go through security, but they can drop off or pick up a senior at the gate at no additional cost.

Check Your Mobility Device for Free

Under the Airline Passengers With Disabilities Bill of Rights, all U.S. airlines must permit passengers with disabilities to check their wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, or other medical devices at the gate for free. This allows you to use your own personal mobility device from airport drop-off to your boarding gate. This is in addition to the standard luggage allowance; it does not count as one of your checked bags.

If you’d rather travel light through the terminal, you may also check your personal device at the ticket counter and order wheelchair services at no cost.

For example, United’s website states that manual wheelchairs (typically 18 inches wide) are available for use at all airports the airline serves, and you can also request an aisle wheelchair at the gate for free. These are designed with a narrower seat to fit in airplane cabins, allowing you to remain seated throughout the boarding process. You can request this service when booking online, or if you have already booked your ticket, the option should appear under “My Trips” in your online airline account.

Contact TSA Cares for Extra Support

TSA Cares is a program that offers support to travelers with disabilities, medical conditions, or other special needs — helping them and their families through airport security screenings at no additional cost. Travelers are directed to call (855) 787-2227 at least 72 hours before their flight for any questions or to request on-site assistance.

After you make a request, a TSA passenger support specialist (PSS) will be assigned to you and meet you at a designated area at the airport. They will assist with your luggage if needed and stay with you throughout the screening process. Whether you are traveling with medical equipment, have hearing or mobility issues, or simply need extra time or support navigating the terminal, a PSS is a great tool to have at your disposal.

Hire an Airport Concierge

If you’re seeking premium, personalized assistance throughout your airport travel, consider hiring an airport concierge. Often used by seniors or those traveling with young children, a concierge will streamline your airport travel itinerary, offering support with baggage, lounge access, and even priority security checkpoints.

Several private companies, as well as airlines, offer this service for a fee. United Airlines offers its Signature Service at several major U.S. airports and more than a dozen international locations. The service features all the benefits of a personal concierge, plus access to the United Club and Group 2 boarding. You can book this service online up to 24 hours before your flight. Similarly, CLEAR Concierge offers assistance from airport drop-off to takeoff, with all the perks and amenities needed for a smooth and predictable journey.

Air traffic controllers play a vital role in aviation safety, but how much do you really know about what goes on in the control tower? The people who do this job ensure the position of each plane doesn’t impact the flight path of another at any time and organize takeoffs and landings so that our airports can work as efficiently as possible. We spoke to air traffic controllers to go behind the scenes and find out what a day in their life is really like.

The Role of Air Traffic Controllers

Air traffic controllers focus on keeping aircraft safe during takeoff and landing, and while taxiing or in the air. It’s their responsibility to ensure safe separation of aircraft, instructing pilots about where a plane needs to be and adjusting flight patterns as a response to unexpected events and emergencies. 

As Nicky Patterson, tower and approach controller at the U.K.’s busy Manchester Airport, explains, “Think of it like this — a pilot is paid to get their passengers from A to B as fast and as safely as possible, and a controller is paid to ensure that as many planes as possible get from A to B safely. We bring order and efficiency to the skies. It is a team effort.”

Structure and Organization

You might assume all air traffic controllers work in the control tower you can see as you transit the airport, but that’s not always the case. In fact, some airports have a remote setup in which controllers are not physically present on site at all — their jobs are done from an off-site facility relying on cameras.

Broadly speaking, air traffic controllers work in three areas: tower, departure and approach, and en route. Each looks after the plane within a defined area, formally passing responsibility over to the next controller at its limit. On a long-haul flight, the pilot will liaise with many different air traffic controllers and experience many handovers as the plane continues its journey.

Air traffic controllers are employed by aviation authorities such as the FAA. In the U.S., there are 22 Air Route Traffic Control Centers (ARTCCs), which control aircraft at cruising altitude in precisely defined airspace areas. Within approximately 30 to 50 miles of the airport, air traffic controllers at TRACON (Terminal Radar Approach Control) facilities guide departures and arrivals. They hand over planes to ATCs in the airport control tower, who get the flight safely on the ground and around the airport. 

Across the pond, the setup is similar but more fragmented, with multiple aviation authorities involved. For instance, NATS (National Air Traffic Services) is responsible for civil aviation traffic in the U.K., regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority, while the pan-European Eurocontrol is one of more than 40 bodies that cover the continent’s airspace. 

How It All Works

A single air traffic controller can deal with as many as 30 to 40 aircraft at cruising altitude at once. Each is identified by its own unique call sign, the aircraft type, route, and altitude. Traditionally this has been done using paper strips, but upgraded EFPS and EFS (electronic flight progress strips and electronic flight strips) are replacing the low-tech method. This is already in place in much of the U.K. and Europe, as well as some centers in the U.S. (part of the FAA’s ongoing NextGen modernization program). 

At the airport, the control tower houses a visual control room that gives air traffic controllers a 360-degree view of the airfield, though at larger airports — or when visibility is reduced (such as at night or in foggy weather) — it may not be possible to see everything. In such situations, surface movement is tracked by a combination of radar, multilateration, and satellite data. Known in the U.S. as Airport Surface Detection System Model X (ASDE-X), this tool helps prevent potential runway incursions and conflicts. 

At the TRACON center, instructions are relayed to departing and inbound aircraft, including important positioning information such as headings to fly, levels to ascend or descend to, and permitted speeds during this part of the journey. This is what enables planes to line up and land in a controlled fashion, reaching the runway at safe intervals one after the other. Technological tools are utilized where available, but direct verbal communication via radio is also crucial.

A Day in the Life

A typical day for an air traffic controller starts with a briefing. Those beginning their shifts will be brought up to speed on anything that might impact flights, such as weather forecasts, local fireworks displays, runway or taxiway closures, or planned industrial action that might temporarily close airspace. 

Shift patterns vary from airport to airport and from country to country. Ryan Lupton, watch supervisor at London Southend Airport, the U.K.’s fastest-growing airport, is contracted to work 50 hours over five days, followed by three days off. 

“We cannot do more than two hours before a break of at least 30 minutes, though it’s more common to work 1.5 hours and have an hour off,” Lupton says. “We can’t work at all during a break; instead we read a book, play video games, or go for a walk — whatever we find restful.” 

However, he confirms that the air traffic controller role is highly regulated wherever you work. Rest periods are strictly enforced because it can be a stressful job that requires intense concentration. In the U.S., for example, ATCs may not work more than 10 hours during a shift (including breaks), and must have 9 hours of rest before their next shift. 

ATCs are different from flight dispatchers, who work for an airline and take various steps to ensure a safe and efficient flight, such as reviewing the crew, calculating fuel requirements, and putting together a flight plan that takes into account factors such as weight, altitude, weather conditions, and airspace restrictions. 

Priority in the Skies

No matter where in the world it flies, Air Force One — the name of any plane the U.S. president is traveling aboard — has top priority over everything except an aircraft broadcasting a mayday message. In the U.S., airspace must be temporarily cleared to all other traffic to allow the president unhindered passage. In other circumstances, air ambulances, search and rescue teams, police helicopters, and flights carrying royalty or government officials can also take priority over scheduled passenger services or privately owned light aircraft.

Active military areas can impact the work of an air traffic controller managing civil aviation, too, particularly where these are located close to a large, busy airport. Though significant buffer zones are employed to keep aircraft around 1,000 feet or 5 miles apart, sometimes active communication is necessary to avert an incident.

Qualifications and Skills

In the U.S., the role of an air traffic controller is open only to citizens, and you’ll need to be younger than 31 years old if you’re just starting out. Becoming an air traffic controller is a multistep process. First, apply and qualify; next, pass an aptitude test (the Air Traffic Skills Assessment, or ATSA), then clear medical and background checks. Once you’ve reached that stage, you’ll receive an offer and be able to begin your academy training.

Though a solid grounding in math and English are essential, higher-level qualifications such as a university degree aren’t a prerequisite. You don’t even need to be interested in aviation, though it’s an asset for any air traffic controller working in an airport tower to be able to identify the type of aircraft they’re handling. Being a team player is a must, however, as is the ability to communicate effectively. And as conditions can change rapidly, the ability to stay calm under pressure and think on your feet are also vital attributes of any air traffic controller. 

Most travelers go through airport security without much of a second thought: laptops and liquids out, pockets emptied, jackets (and sometimes shoes) off. But on the other side of the conveyor belt, screeners are performing the difficult task of spotting prohibited items in a quick glance while keeping lines moving.

Since its founding after the 9/11 attacks, the Transportation Security Administration has grown into a workforce of about 61,000 officers, who have screened over 906 million passengers. But have you ever wondered what it’s really like to work as a TSA officer? From the physical toll it takes to the surprising ways passengers actually help fund the system, here are a few of the lesser-known realities of life behind the checkpoints.

The Job Can Take a Major Physical Toll

From the outside, it might appear that being a TSA agent is rather routine or stationary, but on the contrary, the role can be quite physically demanding. In the agency’s early years, screeners had one of the highest rates of job-related injuries among federal employees.

Back injuries from lifting heavy luggage are among the most common issues, but they’re far from the only risk: TSA screeners can also suffer cuts from sharp objects inside bags, as well as bumps, bruises, or even broken bones from shifting or falling luggage. Many transportation security officers (TSOs) are also on their feet most of the day, which can take a major toll on the body.

However, TSOs do move around frequently during their shift, switching from checking tickets to operating the X-ray machine to helping with traffic flow at security checkpoints. Officers can shift locations as often as every 30 minutes to help avoid employee fatigue that may lead to errors.

TSOs Undergo Regular Testing

Becoming a certified TSO requires lengthy training that involves both classroom instruction and weeks — sometimes months — of supervised on-the-job experience. The training focuses heavily on the core requirements of the job: recognizing prohibited items, operating screening equipment, and following security procedures under real-time pressure. But because technology and protocols continue to evolve, TSOs are required to complete annual proficiency reviews and evaluations to maintain their certification.

These reviews often include image recognition tests, such as spotting dangerous items in X-ray scans, as well as any procedural updates. Officers who fail the review will be allowed additional testing attempts and will also be supervised on the job until they’ve received sufficient coaching and have completed necessary testing.

Restricted Items Aren’t Always Caught

Even with advanced scanners and layered screening procedures, prohibited items do occasionally slip through security. In 2015, the Department of Homeland Security sent undercover agents armed with prohibited items into some of the busiest airports in the U.S. In 67 out of 70 tests (about 95% of the time), weapons and mock explosives were missed in screening. 

However, the TSA provided further context that these tests were designed not for the average passenger, but to defeat the system using highly advanced concealment methods. Nonetheless, the TSA responded by strengthening training, increasing manual screening measures, and making sure equipment was up to standards.

Random Searches Aren’t Always Random

It’s probably no surprise that the random extra screenings we sometimes get from TSA aren’t actually always random. Officers themselves acknowledge that the process can be a little mysterious — even for them. According to one former agent’s account, passengers might receive a bag check or pat-down not just for security reasons, but for the simple reason that they were rude in line. 

Some selections are, of course, genuinely random, while others are triggered by factors like having booked a one-way ticket, paying with cash, or anomalies in identifying information. If your boarding pass gets marked with an “SSSS” (Secondary Security Screening Selection), it’s usually due to one of these factors. 

The Price of Your Airfare Helps Pay for the TSA

You may not have realized it, but every time you book a flight, you’re actually helping to fund airport security. That’s because there’s a passenger fee known as the September 11 Security Fee included in your ticket price. The charge (like the TSA itself) was introduced after 2001 to help cover the cost of regular passenger screening. 

As of 2026, the fee is set at $5.60 per one-way trip for a flight originating at a U.S. airport, and it’s capped at $11.20 for a round trip. The airlines collect this fee when you book a ticket before passing it along to the government. A portion goes to TSA operations, with a portion also diverted to the U.S. Treasury. 

They’re Looking for Some Weird Stuff

In addition to the list of standard prohibited items, TSOs are trained to catch some strange and very specific things: Reborn baby dolls, prosthetic pregnancy devices, coin knives disguised as currency, and even novelty items like a burning Bible or walking weights that double as pepper sprayers have appeared as items to watch for in TSA training materials. In 2024 alone, agents seized snakes from a man’s pants, illegal substances hidden inside a pair of crutches, and a firearm inside a boot inside a Lego box.

Despite this, TSA officers maintain that they are not looking for drugs such as cannabis. Unless it’s a real threat, the agency maintains, marijuana and other contraband aren’t part of the daily scan. If it is identified, however, the TSA is required to notify law enforcement.

They Don’t Keep Your Confiscated Items

Whether they’re accidentally forgotten or surrendered for security reasons, checkpoints accumulate a lot of left-behind items — upwards of 90,000 to 100,000 items per month, according to the TSA. While some prohibited items such as gels and aerosols are disposed of, many are turned over to the state. 

From there, items often end up for sale on auction sites such as GovDeals, where everything from tools to jewelry to unopened toiletries can find a second life — and often at a great price. Of course, before surrendering an item, passengers are given choices. They can leave the item with someone who may be at the airport with them but is not traveling, return the item to their vehicle, or go to the airline ticket counter and have the item checked. TSOs are prohibited from taking items left behind by passengers.

They’re Watching More Than an X-Ray Screen

Airport security isn’t just about what shows up on a scanner. TSA officers also closely observe passenger behaviors both subtle and obvious: Nervous fidgeting, avoiding eye contact, or even sweating may warrant extra attention, as could aggressive or overly talkative passengers.

This approach, sometimes referred to as behavior detection, is meant to add another layer of security beyond physical screening. But it hasn’t been without controversy: Critics have raised concerns about its ineffectiveness and the potential for making unfair judgments, but the TSA maintains that officers are trained to focus on specific, observable behaviors rather than any kind of personal characteristic.