The Adventure Begins: Bypassing The Airport Rush

There are many reasons why someone might be stopped at the airport. While some people seem to breeze through security, others are consistently flagged for additional screenings. From carrying banned items to exhibiting suspicious behaviour, there are numerous potential pitfalls. Even something as simple as a water bottle or nail clippers in your carry-on luggage can cause delays. The way you dress or act can also influence whether you're stopped, with anxious behaviour or tank tops for men potentially raising red flags. Ultimately, it's important to be prepared and stay calm when navigating airport security to minimize the chances of being stopped.

Paying in cash

Paying for your ticket in cash is one of the most common reasons travellers are flagged for additional screening at the airport. While it may be perfectly innocent, it is one of 92 behaviours identified as suspicious by the TSA and other airport authorities around the world.

If you pay in cash, you may be deemed a "Secondary Security Screening Selectee" or "SSSS". This means you will be subjected to extra baggage screenings, pat-downs, and special x-rays.

To avoid this, it is recommended that you pay for your ticket by credit card or another traceable method. This is also safer, as carrying large amounts of cash can make you a target for thieves.

If you are flagged as a "SSSS", it is important to remain calm and polite. The TSA can make you miss your flight if you are rude or aggressive towards their staff.

Nervous behaviour

Body Language

Fidgeting, pacing, and acting in a rushed or anxious manner can be interpreted as suspicious behaviour. This includes looking around nervously, coughing and clearing your throat frequently, and looking down at the ground most of the time. Maintaining eye contact and a calm demeanour is important to avoid raising suspicion.

Verbal Communication

Being overly talkative or using certain words or language can be red flags. Engaging in casual chatter, using vulgar or threatening language, or discussing topics that could be misinterpreted or raise concerns may lead to additional searches. Keeping conversation minimal and avoiding trigger words is advisable.

Appearance and Attire

Improper attire, such as wearing too many layers, metal accessories, or inappropriate clothing (e.g., tank tops for men) can trigger further scrutiny. It is recommended to dress simply and avoid wearing items that may draw unnecessary attention.

Actions and Behaviours

Some actions can be misinterpreted as suspicious. For example, changing lines frequently, having too much cash or medication without proper labelling, or carrying generic bottles of prescription pills can raise red flags. Staying in one line, using credit cards or exchanging money at the destination for large purchases, ensuring proper labelling of medication, and keeping pills in their original bottles can help avoid these issues.

While nervousness and anxiety are common when travelling, maintaining a calm and composed demeanour, being mindful of one's actions and words, and adhering to recommended protocols can help reduce the likelihood of being flagged for additional screening at airport security.

Inconsistent or suspicious travel history

Booking Patterns

Booking a one-way ticket out of the country, last-minute bookings, or travel to and from high-risk countries can be red flags for airport security. These booking patterns may indicate suspicious travel intentions and increase the likelihood of being flagged for additional screening.

Payment Methods

Paying for tickets in cash can also be a reason for suspicion. In today's digital age, cash payments are less common, and using cash may suggest an attempt to avoid leaving a paper trail or using traceable payment methods.

Travel Documents

Behavioural Indicators

Behavioural indicators play a significant role in assessing suspicious travel history. Security personnel are trained to observe passengers' behaviours and mannerisms, such as nervous or suspicious mannerisms, including darting eyes and frequent throat clearing. Acting in a rushed or anxious manner, pacing, or exhibiting signs of stress and fear can also trigger further security checks.

Carry-on Items

The items passengers carry can also contribute to inconsistent or suspicious travel history. For example, carrying nail clippers in carry-on luggage, forgetting to remove laptops from bags, or failing to keep prescription medications in their original bottles can all lead to additional scrutiny. Additionally, having too much cash on hand or carrying generic bottles of pills may raise suspicions.

Screening Procedures

Airport security employs various screening procedures to identify suspicious travellers. One common method is the "Screening of Passengers by Observation Techniques" (SPOT) programme, where security officers observe passengers' behaviours and mannerisms. If a passenger is deemed suspicious, they may be subjected to secondary security screening, which includes additional baggage screenings, pat-downs, and special x-rays.

Intoxication

It's important to note that intoxication can also make you more likely to exhibit other behaviours that may raise red flags, such as looking or acting suspiciously. Trying to hide something, being anxious or agitated, or exhibiting stress and fear factors can all be interpreted as suspicious behaviour and may lead to additional screenings.

To avoid issues with intoxication, it's best to refrain from consuming excessive amounts of alcohol or other substances before your flight. If you do find yourself intoxicated at the airport, it's important to remain calm and cooperative with TSA agents. Causing trouble or being impolite will only increase suspicion and may result in missing your flight.

Inappropriate attire

While there is no formal dress code for airports, wearing inappropriate attire can cause delays at security and even result in being removed from a flight. Here are some guidelines to ensure your attire is airport-appropriate:

• Avoid wearing clothing that is too casual or revealing. While comfort should be a priority when travelling, it is important to maintain a certain level of modesty. In particular, it is recommended to avoid crop tops and bare midriffs as they may be deemed inappropriate by fellow passengers or flight attendants.
• Opt for comfortable and practical clothing. Slip-on shoes, for example, can make it easier to get through security without the hassle of laces. Additionally, dressing in layers is advisable as airport and plane temperatures can vary.
• Be mindful of the climate at your destination. If you are travelling from a warm to a cold climate, for example, consider carrying a light jacket with you.
• Avoid wearing sandals or flip-flops. In an emergency situation, such as an evacuation, these types of footwear could become hazardous.
• Refrain from wearing shiny or sparkly clothing with sequins or beads. The Transportation Security Authority (TSA) has warned that such clothing can cause security issues and may result in additional screening.
• Avoid wearing shorts or skirts on the plane. This is a recommendation from a flight attendant who suggests that wearing pants will reduce your exposure to germs on the seat.
• In general, it is advisable to dress conservatively at the airport. This can help you avoid unwanted attention and ensure a more comfortable journey.

Frequently asked questions