Photo: Eric K Warncke (Shutterstock)
Flying can be annoying, especially during the holidays, and it’s even worse if you’re flagged by the TSA. Even if you follow all of their many rules, you can still end up being flagged, which can be uncomfortable at best, and day-ruining at worst.
The TSA has, apparently, grown a slight sense of humor, which means they put together a handy resource titled “How not to be “That Guy” at the airport checkpoint.” Some of their advice on how to avoid being that guy includes getting there early; checking in bags if possible; organizing the contents of your carry-on, or at minimum, not overstuffing it to the point it explodes the moment a TSA agent opens it; knowing the rules on liquids that can go in your carry-on; and having all of your necessary documents on-hand during the screening process.
These are guidelines for a smoother experience at the airport. However, there are still a few more things you should definitely avoid doing, if you aren’t a fan of getting singled out for extra screening.
Packing coffee beans in your luggage
Although there are no rules against packing coffee powder or beans in your luggage, you may want to avoid doing so, as this can get you flagged by security due to coffee being used to cover up the smell of other illicit substances.
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If coffee happens to be a souvenir that you want to bring back from your travels, and you want to avoid the hassle of flying with it, one solution may be to ship it back. I’ve done something similar in the past, when I bought food items that weren’t allowed in my carry-on, and paying to check my baggage ended up being more than the cost of shipping it back home.
Carrying a lot of cash
If you’re flying internationally, there are rules on how much cash you can carry with you. If you are flying domestically, although these rules don’t apply, the TSA reserves the right to ask you about how much money you are carrying and why. They can also get law enforcement involved if they think the cash is due to criminal activity. If you’re carrying a lot of cash with you while flying, be aware that this might get you flagged for extra screening.
Not following the dumb-but-clearly-stated rules
TSA rules are weird, arbitrary, and liable to change. That’s a given. However, as odd as some of them may be, not following them is a good way to get pulled aside for more screening.
Whether it’s not following the rules on what can go in your carry-on versus your luggage or not following the directions at the security checkpoint, this is a good way to get flagged. Some of the rules aren’t fun, but getting pulled aside isn’t either, so before you get in line at the airport, be sure to skim those signs with the rules.
Looking a little too stressed
Again, traveling is stressful, especially when you have to factor in all of the odd, ever-changing rules. However, if you let your stress show too much, this is also a behavior that will get you flagged for screening. So, as frustrating as the process may be, be chill.
Complaining too much
Complaining about the TSA screening process is a pretty normal instinct for many of us. However, according to a confidential TSA document that was acquired a few years ago by the Intercept, excessive complaints about the screening process happens to be one of the behaviors that can get you flagged.
Keep those (incredibly valid) complaints about the process to yourself, at least until you get through security. Then, vent away, as long as you are out of earshot of any TSA agents.
Whistling, exaggerated yawning, and more
In the same TSA document, it lists “whistling as you approach the screening process” as a red flag, along with “exaggerated yawning” and “wringing of hands.” One can only assume they assembled these red flags after watching Saturday morning cartoons. That said, if you feel the strange urge to whistle while going through security, do your best to avoid doing so.
If you do end up getting flagged in spite of doing your best to follow all the rules, just realize that most of the reasons they might pull you out of line are total bullshit, and that you probably didn’t do anything wrong. Unfortunately, that’s just part of flying.
