The Rudest Things Travelers Do in the TSA Line

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.