Navigating airport security can be a breeze or a burden, often depending on passenger behavior. While seemingly innocuous actions might appear commonplace to travelers, certain behaviors can trigger heightened scrutiny from Transportation Security Officers (TSOs). Jeff Price, an airport security expert with over three decades of experience, sheds light on these often-overlooked actions that can slow down your journey through TSA.
Price emphasizes that it's rarely a single behavior that raises alarms, but rather a combination of actions. “You look for clusters of those activities,” he explains. “It’s typically never just one thing.” He outlines three key elements of suspicious activity awareness: establishing a baseline of normal behavior, identifying deviations from that baseline, and considering the context of these deviations.
One common red flag is attire that doesn't match the weather at either the departure or arrival city. Excessive yawning, often a sign of stress and increased oxygen intake, can also draw attention. Similarly, avoiding eye contact, while potentially a natural behavior for some, can be perceived as suspicious when combined with other unusual actions.
Price also notes that excessive conversation with TSOs, especially those operating screening equipment, can be misinterpreted as an attempt at distraction. Overuse of perfume, potentially masking other scents, might also raise eyebrows. Finally, aggressive or threatening behavior, even stemming from travel frustrations, will undoubtedly attract unwanted attention.
Price advises travelers to focus on their travel goals and cooperate with security personnel. While security procedures can be inconvenient, they are essential for safety. Being mindful of your actions and maintaining a calm demeanor can significantly improve your airport security experience.
