TSA agents face daily challenges that go beyond just screening bags and passengers. Improperly packed items or travelers who are not prepared for security checks, slow down the line and create frustration. Small oversights like these can lead to longer wait times and a more stressful experience for both travelers and agents.
Disorganized Documents
Passengers who approach security checkpoints without readily accessible identification create unnecessary delays. This disorganization forces TSA agents to wait while travelers frantically search through bags and pockets. The extra time spent locating essential documents leads to longer queues and increased frustration for both agents and other passengers.
Transporting Prohibited Items
Packing forbidden items in carry-on luggage leads to time-consuming bag searches and potential security threats. In 2023, TSA seized over 6,000 firearms at security checkpoints. These incidents necessitate the involvement of law enforcement. It creates significant disruptions to normal security operations and increases stress for TSA agents.
Improper Liquid Packaging
According to the TSA, passengers need to abide by the 3-1-1 rule. As per this rule, passengers can carry limited liquid in 3.4-ounce sized containers. Failure to adhere to this regulation can cause significant disruptions at security checkpoints. This noncompliance results in time-consuming bag searches, disposal of restricted items, and potential rescreening of luggage. All of these strains are TSA resources and waste more time.
Wearing Complicated Outfits
Wearing intricate outfits with multiple layers, numerous accessories, or complex fasteners significantly slows down the screening process. These clothing choices often require additional time for removal and re-dressing, creating bottlenecks in security lines. TSA agents must then manage the extended wait times and potential irritation from other travelers
Neglecting to Empty Pockets
Forgetting to remove metal objects and electronic devices from pockets before passing through metal detectors triggers alarms and necessitates secondary screenings. This oversight increases the workload for TSA agents. They need to conduct additional pat-downs and inspections after this. The resulting delays impact the overall efficiency of the security process.
Contesting Established Protocols
Passengers who challenge or argue against well-established security measures create tension and waste valuable time. These confrontations divert TSA agents’ attention from their primary duties and can escalate into more serious incidents. Such behavior undermines the authority of security personnel and disrupts the screening process for other travelers.
Wearing Impractical Footwear
Wearing shoes with complex fasteners or excessive ornamentation hinders the efficiency of security screenings. The extra time required to remove and put on such footwear causes delays in processing passengers. TSA agents must then manage the resulting bottlenecks and potential frustration from other travelers in line.
Failing to Separate Electronics
Not removing laptops and other large electronic devices from carry-on bags for separate screening causes delays and additional work for the TSA agents. This oversight often results in re-runs through X-ray machines and manual bag checks. The extra steps required to slow down the entire screening process and increase wait times for all passengers.
Uncooperative Behavior During Screening
Refusal to follow basic instructions or comply with standard screening procedures creates unnecessary complications for TSA agents. More than 300 passengers tried to evade proper check-ins in 2023. This non-compliance often leads to additional questioning, secondary screenings, and potential involvement of supervisory staff. The delay caused by this impacts the overall flow of passengers through security checkpoints.
Transporting Gift-Wrapped Items
Bringing wrapped presents through security checkpoints often results in unwrapping for inspections. This is why TSA recommends bringing gifts in unwrapped condition for the ease of security check-ins. Otherwise, it creates additional work for agents, generates waste, and potentially damages gift presentations. Travelers should instead opt for gift bags or wrap items after clearing security.
Excessive Carry-On Luggage
Attempting to bring multiple or oversized carry-on bags through security slows down the screening process considerably. The weight of these bags is required to be less than 35 pounds. When this is not met, it results in additional X-ray scans, manual searches, and potential bag consolidation. TSA agents must then manage the resulting bottlenecks and assist passengers in reorganizing their belongings. This diverts the resources from essential security tasks.
Bringing Large Quantities of Cash
Carrying large amounts of cash through airport security often raises red flags and can lead to extensive questioning by TSA agents. Although it is legal to travel with significant cash sums, large quantities may lead to agents verifying the legitimacy of the funds. This is done to prevent illegal activities such as money laundering. This slows down the screening process as agents have to thoroughly check the cash and interview the passenger.
