8 TSA SECRETS They Don't Want You To Know
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- Опубліковано 8 лют 2025
- 8 SHOCKING Airport Security secrets exposed and tips to get through TSA airport Security fast in 2024. From SSSS on your boarding pass to secret code words TSA agents use for passengers, these are the secrets TSA agents will never tell you. Learn how to avoid having your stuff stolen by airport security agents, how to avoid setting off an airport security alarm and having a pat-down, and what they can see on the body scanner.
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🐶 Chapters
00:00 TSA Secrets Exposed
00:15 TSA Can't do THIS
00:45 Know your rights
01:16 TSA 'SPOT' training
01:34 Behavior that gets you flagged
02:16 TSA secret codes
02:48 SSSS on your boarding pass
03:18 Inappropriate codes for passengers
03:40 TSA facebook group EXPOSED
04:08 It's impossible to get an agent fired
04:48 Body scanner shows you naked
05:23 Who is responsible for theft/damage?
05:50 Tips to avoid theft
06:24 Checked luggage at risk
07:02 How to know if suitcase was searched
07:45 Prevent theft from checked luggage
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Like everything else today, flying has become more complicated. Thanks for making it a bit easier.
The United States is a horrible s******* country. anyway. it's a terrible place to live. Hope I did not offend you I just don't like this country. it's just a dictatorship. Long before any of the politics that we have in power.
I got nervous because I've always get fingered.. So when I have to go tru any kind of search situation I got prepared clear bags sun dress sandals g string in know im too old but im scared n don't need the bully bullshit that some (rookies) like to pull when thay asked me to go in that cordoned off area I did freak but once in privet area I lifted my long dress they can see everything I have nothing please leave me alone how already have an x-ray of my guts let me go in peace 😅😢😂
I remember the days of no screening and your family could walk to the gate to see you get on airplane. How times have changed.
You can thank the freakin’ muslims for this nonsense 😢
The pilot would come up to me and take my hunting rife into the cockpit at the gate when flying to a hunting trip .
Yes, and buy a ticket at last moment with cash and no ID.
Thank ISLAM for that.
ISLAM ! YOU KNOW ?
Nervous? No. Annoyed by the whole process? Yes.
In Chicago I had a tsa agent fired and sued in court over stealing prescription medication.
@@MrDejast Dang, good for you!
Hard to prove. I wonder if your demographics helped you. Sorry someone stole from you and glad you were able to get some justice.
How? What's the process?
Yep she is right
@@ekdaufin1485his demographics??
Several years ago, I flew cross country to attend a cousin's wedding. When I got to my hotel room and opened my suitcase, there was one of those TSA notices that my suitcase had been searched. I have no problem with them searching it. But I did have a serious problem with the agent(s) STEALING the blouse I was going to wear to the wedding. I had to run to some stores, frantically looking for an appropriate top to go with my skirt. In the overall scheme of things, I know it was just a small, first-world problem, but apparently the US government couldn't care less if their TSA agents are also THIEVES.
Unfortunately they aren’t hiring honest people. Just because someone can pass a background investigation doesn’t mean they’re trustworthy, they just haven’t been caught with anything serious enough to be disqualifying.
And it’s NOT a little thing!
@@C.E.A.B. Thank you!
Sorry to hear that this happened to you. I always get my luggage back with a check tag. Maybe my curling iron sets something off? You would think they could put luggage through a machine like you walk through, so they can see inside clearly. I have been fortunate that no one wants my things. Going to try to put my curling iron in husband luggage to see if I still get tagged.
It’s definitely not a little thing!
If you’re trying to catch a flight and falling behind, you will be exhibiting all manner of stress.
I always get there early, take a deep breath and be organised and patient. Works most times helped by being pleasant and smiling.
I agree ☝️
And that’s the double truth, Ruth- Seńor Love Daddy
Imagine that I usually do things or travel by myself. Rushing things, walking fast, being alert always my habit and now this habit falls into the category of looking suspicious or dangerous. Story of my life then. Fit the song 'Ordinary World' of Duran Duran or Joy Williams. Beautiful but sad.
the way things are run at most airports is more than enough cause to jack up your stress level!!
Although not legal, I get profiled a lot because I look Middle Eastern. In the waiting room I was standing alone and stared at profusely by a TSA agent. I knew I was going to be approached. Announcement came over that we are about to board and that you may be asked for secondary inspection. As I walked , the TAA agent came right to me as I anticipated. I cut her off after “excuse me sir” when I flashed my badge and said “armed Federal Agent.” She excused herself with a hang dog look.
Nice!
You definitely entered the checkpoint. Which is for civilians.
You should have gone to the correct entrance for armed officers. There you would have presented your credentials and immediately been on your way.
You must be in your rookie year.
I was “profiled “ because I lived and worked in the Middle East. I’m European 😅
@@GGTanguera I spent 4 years being profile for extra bullsheat. I guess because I spent almost a month in Belarus. My GC wife had no problems, but oh my I got it evey time.
I bet TAA stands for Transportation
A$$h0le Administration.😄
I have had things stolen several times with the TSA note left in the suitcase. If they can take stuff out, they can put stuff in. We are not any safer than we were on September 10th.
I'll let you in on a little secret. After your luggage is screened by the TSA. Your bags go to the airlines to be put on the plane. A simple pen is all that's needed to get into any zippered bag.
The next time I see my checked in luggage is thousands of miles, a different country, and many hours later when I open it, typically in a hotel, away from any airport office. 😢
Don't want them in your checked luggage? Use a quality hard sided gun case (eg Pelican) and pack an UNLOADED gun with your clothes. Now you can use a real lock. Make sure to declare the gun when checking your bag.
And now we know it was an inside job, not foreign terrirusts.
I no longer check bags. You are just providing free gifts to your "Lil" TSA Bros. Let them buy their own electronics.
thanks for the info. The TSA lost my passport when i went thru the screening, they told me to put everything in a bin. when i got on the other side my passport was missing. i was upset and and just as i was walking away to file a complaint someone found my passport on the ground under the screening table stuck between 2 bins. . I will NEVER let my passport out of my hand again while going thru a screening.
Tsa tried to take it and when you complained the thief tossed it under the table.
@@mocifus13absolutely not, it was the guy fault. You should keep your documents inside a bag.
@@anchoranchor3495 I see TSA has entered the chat… so are you saying his passport jumped out of the bin, or that he deserved it, like a woman who gets robbed because she was carrying a purse?
@@mocifus13
@@mocifus13
I had a few experiences with TSA agents that were bad. The most notable happened to me 8 to 10 years going through the TSA checkpoint in the San Francisco International Airport. I wore a money belt around my waist under my clothes since I was flying internationally. The TSA screener asked me what I was wearing under my clothes and I told him it was a money belt. He immediately notified his supervisor where I was questioned. They demanded I take my money belt off in front of everyone going through the checkpoint. I would have to take off my pants I responded. I was immediately taken to a small room where two TSA agents demanded I take off the money belt. I took off my pants and stepped out of the money belt. However, they left the door open and other people passing through the security checkpoint could see me standing in a shirt and underpants. I felt embarrassed. In my opinion this was totally not warranted.
They didn't take your money? How much was it?
giving ppl authority without responsibility is always bad.
When I turned 60, I decided that the next time I was asked to disrobe, I would take it all off immediately in the public area. How better for travelers to start their trip than by seeing a smiling naked portly old man!
@@donie5780
The allowed amount,...
@@northernbohemianrealist
I always take a jacket with zippered pockets, some hidden. I put everything into the zippered pockets prior to screening, then put the jacket into the bin under my carryon backpack. The important stuff goes into the hidden pockets. A decoy wad of one dollar bills and my library card go into the easily accessible regular pockets. Once I'm through, I never take my eyes off of that jacket's progress.
I may hand carry my passport next time I fly; never knew that was allowed. Thanks, Megan!
I usually hold my passport with my teeth when going through the scanners.
You can carry your money too.
Hi could you tell us the brand of the coat with the hidden pockets please ? Are the pockets somehow shielded from being screened ? Thank you so much for your help
I got the SSSS 8 times in a row when the US Army booked me and 8 short notice flights it was soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much fun, haven't had my junk fondled so much since the high school prom
Let me guess. The women were all fat and ugly and couldn't get a guy if their lives depended on it!
I'm a Veteran with PTSD and high anxiety and absolutely hate how the power hungry staff herd people through. It always makes me super anxious and I get so many stupid questions! If they're trained so well why don't they understand anxiety?
I’m an inexperienced flyer and after a disastrous process returning a rental, was minutes from missing my plane. I went through security sweating and on the verge of panicking. And yes, the TSA officer commented and I explained my dilemma. He passed me through and I did barely make my flight.
A smart scanner damaged my iPad (it got crushed when something else caught on the belt of the scanner and rolled over it in my backpack). I filed a claim which was a huge process. A year later, they offered me $99! I fought that claim and two years later finally recouped the appropriate amount to repair the ipad. You can win on a claim, but you really have to fight hard. There was even one TSA agent on scene that tried to deny it even happened, but a couple others did see it happen, as well as myself. Terrible experience!
I got travel insurance just in case!
aww..... so they have the on-duty Plausible Deniability Officer hanging around to conflict with the honest officers evidence? Geez.
I’ve had my nail file taken from me , a few minutes later about 20 young girls walked right up to the checkin with the trophies they had won for sport, these were approximately 300 mm high with a heavy base and a huge star on top with 100 mm spikes sticking out, ridiculous
Hah, we've seen people denied tape but allowed charging cables
Had a tiny 2" blade swiss army knife taken from me. Then a lady on the plane whips out her 10" knitting needles and starts crocheting beside me.
All TSA is, is the illusion of security! They allow potentially dangerous Items through while taking your nail clippers from you!
Yeah, it's all "security theater."
I think my favorite was a police officer friend who was escorting a prisoner. He had all the required paperwork from both TSA and his agency to carry his firearm on the plane. TSA allowed him to pass through with his firearm but confiscated his nail clippers.
I travel a lot and was always getting peeved that they seemed to pick on me. It dawned on me that they likely noticed I was always in a hurry and tense so now I relax, don’t hurry, empty my pockets, into my shoulder bag while in line and smile and talk to the bag checkers. Now I seldom get picked on.
I'm never nervous at airport security but I'm almost always irritated by their bad organisation and queues.
It's designed like that on purpose to get you agitated. Just relax enjoy the process you're probably going on vacation where you won't have to think about it 10 minutes after you arrive. Life is too short to stress about the little things like that.
Difference of opinion, but I’ve always found the screening process to be very organized. Guess it depends on the airport.
@@truckn Actually its designed for just the Opposite. The TSA is not their to "agitate" you. If you are not prepared for the screening process, that's on You!
it was terrible just after the pandemic when they had not enough people, but now things are going quite smoothly, at least in the airports I visit. Sometimes there's a bit of a wait if you arrive at a busy moment, but that's why you have to be there in advance.
Most of the time it is a pleasant experience 😊
You missed : TSA agents don’t want you to know that the whole security screening is mostly for show and they are for the most part grossly incompetent at their jobs.
Good point. Security theatre. Unfortunately no bureaucrat or politician will say there are more efficient ways to do the same thing so we are stuck with the theatre until another catastrophe changes it and we get something worse…
I've been surprised a few times by the things I accidentally left in my bag and it wasn't caught.
Yes,! TSA is a complete joke. The quality of people they hire couldn't be much lower! I guess you just need a pulse to work at that pathetic federalized agency!
@@deepg7084 exactly, water bottle was missed several times at New Airport
Agents let a lot of things slide by especially when lines are long.
Seems we need protection against the TSA.
I fly multiple times a week. I never have any issues with the TSA agents. I'm not saying they are total pros or anything, but they generally aren't trying to bother passengers if they don't have to.
@@gameface6091I suggest you read all the comments.
@@wilhelmernst7660 Yeah people are posting stories that are completely detached from reality. Talking about strip searches and so forth, which DOES NOT happen. Try not to fall for unsubstantiated BS on the internet.
You have good reason to fear the TSA and Homeland Security. When I travel abroad, I take great pains and expense to avoid stopping in the US. I remember one time I went through the US on my way to Manila. When I opened my bag at the hotel, there was an oh-so-friendly note from the TSA telling me they had searched my bags without my presence. Don't carry cash, they will steal it if they find it on you, or in your bag.
This is why you must never travel to South Africa, where they break open your suitcase, if you have costly equipment the people who check your suitcase then they phone people standing outside the airport and give them your details and they then follow you home or to the hotel, here on UA-cam is a video about how this happened of an Indian family bringing in valuable items in South Africa, my ex brother in law had three pawnshops back in South Africa and he sold of these stolen items privately and in his pawnshop back in the 1990s ,this is how I know t
TSA actually conducts ILLEGAL, AND UNCONSTITUTIONAL SEARCHES, AND SEIZURES, AND VIOLATE THE 4 TH AMENDMENT OF THE US CONSTITUTION !!!!! THE DEPT OF "HOMELAND SECURITY"' IS ALSO A SCAM !!!!! LONG BEFORE THE TSA WAS EVER EVEN PUT INTO EFFECT, AMERICA ALREADY HAD ITS OWN BUILT IN DEPT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, IT IS STILL IN EXISTENCE TODAY, AND IT'S WHAT WE KNOW AS THE UNITED STATES MILITARY !!!!!
@billwhitis9997 NAIA in Manila is even worse. They had the laglab bala scam known as the bullet scam. They also have too many checkpoints removing shoes and laptops causing stress and confusion. And when you travel on Philippine Airline they open up all your luggage and check it right outside the area where you hand over your luggage for check in. They waste a lot of time going through that airport. What you can do in the US you can ask the airline ground crew where their screen the bags they put through the x-ray. You can go stand there then when they get to your luggage you are there in person if they open it you can see.
I STILL can't believe they let people on with Skateboards! I've personally seen it three times. What a great weapon and shield in one!! But, by all means take my Shampoo.
Yes, very ridiculous
as well as stupid
They also won’t let you go on with a old skool flip-top lighter, but they let you take a Bic one. 🤔
Perhaps they thought you could have a bubble attempt 😂
😂
Just the other day a man was beaten to death by one
DENVER is where the scum of the TSA ends making a living. Had a female TSA agent get upset after I proved that the souvenir snow globe my wife bought had the ounces allowed to pass. The, out of spite, the agent then proceeded to say "Okay, so now you're not passing your perfumes, shampoos and creams", items which had passed through all the TSA checks on the way to Denver. I got her supervisor involved, who did allow our personal items again but in order to not make her agent look like a total ass, they still kept the snow globe. If I ever have to go to Denver again, I'll drive there before having ro deal with those glorified idiots again.
All your liquids, gels, etc MUST be in the *same* quart-size ziploc. If you have a snow globe with up to 3.4oz of water, then where will your shampoo and toothpaste fit? Think about that.
I've had more than one confrontation with a TSA agent about keeping my passport on my person at all times. No one should EVER let their passport out of their sight when traveling. Stolen US passports are a very hot commodity, and anyone who calls themself a security professional should understand that. Outside of the US and Canada, I've never had a security officer at any airport or international cruise terminal insist that I have to relinquish my passport when I go through the body scanner.
I always wear pockets and my passport goes into my back pocket. If I am outside the US, that passport is going to be in my person!
100% correct! You are 100% allowed to carry your passport in your hand at all times through the security process.
If you must, put it inside one of bags or jacket to be screened so nobody sees it.
When passing through France, Charles de Gaul airport, I was told to put my passport in the bucket to go through the machine. I was very uncomfortable with that but they told me I had to. Anyone could have grabbed it.
Do you think some of the tsa members outdoors be criminals themselves? They could steal passports and sell them to people. There are a lot of people in the world with no statehood.
TSA agents are also NOT allowed to hurt you during a pat down, or physical exam. This means that if you have any physical issues, you should make them aware of this and ask them to be careful not to hurt you with their touch. I had a situation like this happen once, I was being patted down and I advised the female agent that I had medical condition with my lower abdomen area and that she needed to not press hard or it could trigger my chronic pain, before she could reply her male supervisor (who was standing right next to her) said “she will use the amount of pressure she needs to”. To which I turned to him and said “No, she won’t. She is not allowed to physically injure me in this search and if she uses too much pressure she will.” He did not reply to my very firm statement. The female agent, was actually very nice and asked if it was ok to very light pressure and I said yes. Nothing came of the search.
YES! If You have a sensitive area, its up to YOU to notify the Officer of that!
One security lady
Hurt me. I said OUCH!!!
She apologized for hurting me.
But to late I was in pain 😡😡
They think they own the people
The only time I’ve ever made it through TSA since their inception is when I heard a few agents openly complain about “the system just went down”. Every other time I’ve been flagged, I’ve had my entire luggage searched, usually taking an extra 15 to 45 minutes per occasion.
I now budget 4 extra hours (repacking takes time) to ensure I make it through security and to my next connection and in general avoid stopovers in the US due to this. When I confront TSA agents about always being flagged, they just keep repeating “it’s random, sir’. When I bring up the fact that the ONLY time I’ve ever made it through security without having my luggage searched was when their system was down; “it’s random, sir”.
I had a side gig helping an antique and art dealer in Beverly Hills conduct estate sales. After a sale ended we were flush with cash and would often take a short vacation somewhere to decompress. On one trip from LAX to Hawaii my business partner had a $1,600 wad of cash in his coat pocket. The TSA agent made him take off his coat and put it through the x-ray scanner in plastic bin. Meantime we were briefly detained on the other side as it passed through. When we got to the other side the cash was gone. Since the TSA agent operating the scanner never moved it had to be a team effort!
I always put my jacket and hat in the first bin and my backpack in the second. Even when im talking to the TSA guys im still watching my stuff like a hawk.
TSA strip searched my 68 year old neighbor lady on a 'random' choice. She's an abuse survivor and was traumatized by it. Everyone who works for TSA should be ashamed of themselves.
TSA doesn't do strip searches. Nice try troll.
Liar!
They're so brainless! I met someone who missed their flight because security insisted they undress their wheelchair bound, 90+ year old Holocaust survivor father who takes an hour to dress. 🙄
When I turned sixty, I decided that the next time I was asked to disrobe, I would do that immediately in the public area. What better way to start a trip than by seeing a smiling naked portly old man!
@@northernbohemianrealist I'll bet the people at the doctor's office are pleased for the laugh, as well.
I can remember boarding flights in the 60s and 70s with ease. Proof that society did not improve as human beings.
Society has gone so far backwards it's crazy.
I never flew in those times, but I
did get on a plane in the late 90s
There was a world of difference,
and all the security circus is ma-
king flying way too stressful. I'll
be relieved when my travelling
days are over. not to mention no
checking in of bags because I
often have to take more than 2
connectiog flights and it's way
too stressful as it is.
I remember when air travel was a pleasure and a privilege, our governments have killed that off too now!
EXACTLY !!!!!
Yes, by causing the bogus 911 event. It was a master piece to fol us conducted by CIA and Mossad collaboration. They did the same thing called COVID-19. More schemes are being planned.
Compliments of GW Bush
The hijackers and bombers wouldn’t have had anything to do with that or the passengers expectation of a safe trip?
My wife goes through first without anything on the belt. I follow with all our stuff in the bins so there's no chance of anything getting "lost".
Great idea when travelling with someone!
I found out about tip #3 for myself a few weeks ago. I was in Greece visiting my partner for the first time, and 10 days later it was time for me to go. I was extremely distraught at having to leave him and I was an emotional wreck. I had been crying most of the day and it showed. I noticed one of the TSA agents was sitting at a terminal outside of the security line, and he was watching me like a hawk as I made my way through it. Nothing in my carry-on luggage set off the scanner and I went through the body scanner with no problems, but another agent pulled me aside for a "random screening". She took a small plastic tab and swabbed the backs and palms of my hands, and swabbed my carry-on luggage. It came out clear after a few seconds when she inserted it in a blue box that was bolted to the wall behind the conveyor belt, but it took me a moment to realize why that happened. Being a young-looking woman traveling alone while visibly distraught was likely a red flag for them, and they might have suspected that I was either being trafficked against my will or forced to traffic illegal substances. Thankfully they were pleasant throughout the encounter
Don't thank them. They were screening you for what they call "bomb residue". Real bomb residue gets on you if you have had a bomb explode on you. It is 100% bs. They targeted you because of your tears/trauma. They are not looking for trafficking victims.
This happened to me in Sweden. I was stopped and searched at every single screening. As I was about to board, the woman at the gate wanted me to go through a search. The gate required a search before one could enter and I never left. Instead of agreeing to the search I requested the American Consulate. Learned later that the airline would have to wait for the American Consulate people and would have had to hold the entire flight. Go figure, the gate woman tore off the bar code.
The TSA is in US states and territories. Not foreign countries.
@@rickarcher6976all countries have their version of TSA.
Each country that we have ever been too, has something like TSA. We were in Germany, and as we were boarding, I was pulled aside for an additional search. I was assured that the plane could not take off without me, ( that’s the law) they were very nice and only checked my shoes and asked me a couple of questions. So, it can happen to anyone at anytime you fly, no matter if you are in the states or another country.
@@duchess0816 I was unable to load our return tickets in our airlines app, so we had to go to the ticket counter to get them. I soon learned why... I had been SSSS tagged! Hubby's ticket was fine. So I left my carryon with him and went for my screening. It was short & easy. and too darned bad that they didn't get to screen my carryon. I didn't have anything in it, I was just trying to speed up the process.
@@duchess0816I'm in the US, and got stuck in TSA because I was in a wheelchair. My plane took off without me.
TSA has absolutely nothing to do with flight safety, but purely about training masses to be controlled in their movements.
Right on the head. It is a show of government power and force. Air travel is not one bit safer than it was pre TSA!!
Been saying that for years.
Yep, it's about control, nothing else.
None of the 50 hijackings around the world after 9/11 have occurred in the US. Hijackings in general, once very common, are no longer a regular occurrence. This is due to a combination of physical and digital security measures including TSA screening.
@@decidocisum It's entirely because of locked cockpit doors, period.
The TSA is a massive imposition on the public and a waste of funds that would best be used anywhere else.
The only time I feel anxious at TSA screening is if I can’t clearly hear what they are asking me to do. Sometimes this is nothing more than a regional accent, and sometimes it’s due to increased ambient noise. I hate having to ask them to repeat what they just said, but sometimes it’s necessary.
I have a TBI that causes difficulty with auditory processing. I'm flying to see my parents soon, but I'm not thrilled about the trip.
@@freethebirds3578 Go with a positive attitude, try to relax…..and enjoy your visit❣️
It helps a lot to announce often that you’re hard of hearing. I do. I’m barely hard of hearing but the ambient noise gets me sometimes
Margaret you may be deafer than you think. Because it happens gradually you start doing more and more mental detective work to put together what people are saying from less and less auditory information. If you’re clever, you can be really good at that.
I am so glad i was kept safe from my toothpaste on my last trip.
🤣🤣🤣
One of my favorite UA-camr channels deals with border security regardless of which county they're covering. Awesome way to learn how to go through secondary inspection with knowledge of what you should and shouldn't do. The one thing that amazes me the most is people traveling with large sums of money but don't declare it. You are allowed to carry as much as you want as long as you declare it and can prove it's not from illegal activities. Also people who claim they have no food and end up having suitcases full of it. To stay out of trouble just declare everything. If you're not allowed to have it they'll just take it away from you. Hiding it only gets you into trouble. Travel safe everybody.
I wish had HAD large sums of money to travel with. Daydreaming....
I see you are not up on the current status of "Civil Forfeiture Seizires" everywhere in the country ... if you carry large sums of cash and do declare it ... they will seize it anyway !!!
The thing with the food amazes me. Other than snacks to eat on the plane why would anyone bring suitcases full of food. Newsflash!: Wherever you go they are going to have food. it's a thing you know. LOL!
“Can prove it’s not from illegal activities” that’s how it works but it’s not supposed to be that way. That liberty tree is dehydrated…
@@beachbumsailordude You would be surprised. I was at the Auckland, New Zealand airport and they had a separate screening for anyone arriving who was carrying any food and anyone who planned on hiking. Several Asian groups had suitcases full of food, some packaged and some not. Hikers have their boots and packs examined to make sure they aren’t bringing any non-native flora into the country.
The worst part I found is when the first agent you encounter says "A", the next one says "B" and then the last one yells at you because they believe you should have done "C". When you tell them the first agent told you "A", you then get lambasted, they shake their heads and they strut back with you to the beginning of the screening process and have you do it "their way." When we got back there, the original agent saw me and mouthed "sorry" and did the "birdbrain" sign with their finger referring to the agent.
That inconsistency of agent behavior and standards is what causes unnecessary steps in the process and hence delays.
Sad to say I have too have encountered that scenario!
On the lighter side.... Some years ago I waited quite a while for my backpack to come down the conveyor. The guys at the x-ray machine were running it back and forth and mumbling at each other. Finally they released it, and I picked it up. "That yours?" asked one guy. "Yes." "Flute?" "Yes." Guy turned to his co-worker and said, "I TOLD ya!"
Last year my backpack had a repeat slow trip past the x-ray. Hoping to speed things up, I hollered at the guy, "It's a flute!" He said, "Yes, I know, and that's a really nice camera!" He was drooling over my big ol' DSLR.
Funny, but annoying at the time lol.
Yeah my DSLR and lenses always got a lot of attention when I flew with them, almost never carry them now.
So one agent wasn't sure and the other one trusted you when you agreed with him that it was a non-issue item. I'd have preferred that they had taken a look inside. That's what they're there for.
TSA staff used to be hired with only a GED diploma. Now they have dropped even THAT requirement That’s how in Atlanta when they test the system 70 percent of dummy threat items are not discovered.
Does this suggest that they are the dummies?
@@crimestoppers1877 well not all. However a 70 percent fail rate in detecting test threats does not inspire confidence
What does have to do with education? You are clueless and ignorant!
I have a very simple method of dealing with the TSA. Don't Fly and you don't need to worry about them. If I can't get somewhere by car, train or ship, I stay home. I did more than enough flying before the TSA was even created, and I prefer to travel by car or train anyway...
I was searched in Memphis before the bus left for Little Rock. I asked the deputy why, he said that drugs come into town on the busses. Great, but this bus was LEAVING town.
@@northernbohemianrealist Typical morons.
My checked bag used to always be checked by TSA physically as I would always get a note in the bag because I would pack my tripod and usually an empty water bottle, which obviously may come up as a concern on a scanner). What I do now is just put a zip tie on the bag if I'm going to secure it (which I Don't always do, and they just cut it off, which tells me they went into the bag). I wouldn't even put a TSA lock on the bag anymore because I have seen cases where they will also cut those off so it's almost no point so the ziptie works. Thankfully I haven't received my bag which has been opened that didn't have a note so that's good so far at least. The key to keeping stuff secure is to NOT pack anything valuable in your bag. My tripod is probably the most expensive thing I put in a checked bag (as it's a $200 tripod) but I can also replace it if I have not. I would not put things like jewelry or other expensive electronics in your checked bag ever -- either wear them, put them in your carry-on or ideally, leave them at home.
Heck yeah TSA makes me nervous. Sometimes they are not well trained and it seems that the bar is very low to hire people to work as TSA agents.
I still get anxious everytime. Most agents are polite and professional but I have also encountered those who are rude and disrespectful. So glad when I am on my way to the gate.
Most TSA agents wanted to be police and weren't able to get into the academy.
I’ve encountered some stunningly stupid TSA folks! If you can’t make it at McDonald’s or Walmart, the TSA views you as perfect for working with them!
@@HariSeldon913 I can assure you most TSA Officers do not want to be police Officers. I can tell you that many retired police have worked for the TSA.
Honestly I’ve come to believe TSA hires from the pool of McDonalds rejects…
TSA screening is kabuki theatre! I inadvertently had a hunting knife in my carry on - didn’t realize it until I unpacked at the hotel of my destination city.
TSA picks on 12 year old girls, toddlers and older grandparents, while avoiding those walking around covered from head to toe who may very well be hiding something. I still remember when they decided to body search my 15 year old daughter, who looked 12 at the time, for having greasy hands and carrying her bottle of contact solution in her carry-on. Too many are jerks!!!
Had my carry on searched a few years ago because my hair dryer "looked like a pistol". Appreciate the thoroughness but it was a bit silly. Maybe a trainee?
So, instead of teaching your daughter that some rules, like liquid limits while flying are important to follow you claim they “decided” to search her. Of course they searched her! Have you never payed attention to who the Vietcong, Palestinians, and Taliban used to bring explosives into the midst of groups of people (soldiers specifically)?
@@SharonRepici I read his comment as "we are white people, there is no way we could be bad and no matter how much we don't follow the rules we shouldn't be searched, the brown people should be". lol
Yeah we should definitely be checking those nuns more. On a sidenote idiot, those people covered head to toe go through the same scanners everyone else does which would show anything that was hidden. 🤦♂
TODDLERS? Come on.
I always feel nervous at the airport. The first time I flew after several years, and after 9/11 the lovely TSA gentleman took one look at me and said, “first thing, smile”. His kind comment helped me relax immediately.
Yea, I've met some cool TSA folks. Their job isn't that great and the line is practically endless. I kinda plan on them being torqued up BUT, occasionally, I meet some really positive and laid back people 👍
I’ve also been through TSA screening at least 100 times and, like you, I’m still always a little bit tense.
Right?! There is something special about the TSA experience! Safe travels, David!
My husband went on a plane the day after the 4th of July. He was flagged because of the firework powder , a dog had alerted on him, so he got a deeper search and questioned.
The day after the 4th would be the 5th.
@@majorhavoc9693 the 4th of July is big in the US they use lots of fireworks
Here’s a tip for not getting your keys, wallet, or anything valuable: put those in your carry one bag before you get in line for the checkpoint. This way, no one can see it and you can just pickup your carryon bag and go.
I wear a jacket with zippered pockets. same principle.
That’s what I do. Never allow it to become visible. I always check for them immediately after clearing the screening.
Keep your wallet with you, without coins. Just like your passport.
True. It's what i do on international flights. Everything in my pocket, wallet, phone and keys goes into my bag and the only thing i place onto the tray is my laptop. So far no one's really questioned me.
@michaelatherton826yes!
before getting on screening line take wallet belt keys money etc and put them in your small carry on .. so they are not just sitting out in the open .. then once thru you can put them back in your pockets ... neat clean and less stress ...
Great tips Megan. Personally I never let my passport and travel documents of my hands. Sure you give it to an agent or customes officer for inspection but thats it. I use a RFID neck wallet to avoid scanning hacks and a travel vest to avoid displaying my belongings and making myself a target.
I found a note in my suitcase when I got home telling me I was randomly selected for a luggage inspection, but that everything was cool! Then when they introduced those scanner booths of course they made me go through that, no one else! I put flying on par with entering a prison and only do it when I have to and can’t get out of it.
I recall when we spent a holiday in Florida, flew from Canada. My parents drove down, used our return flight tickets (same initials) and we drove back. Imagine trying that now?
You wouldn’t get very far😂. Safe travels, Jeff!
As an audio tech who carries equipment in my suitcase and/or carry-on, I often have TSA rummage through my stuff. I’ve never had them be rude about it. I even forgot to take my Leatherman knife out of my backpack once, and they let me ship it back to myself. The key is to be relaxed, kind, and cooperative. Be quick to smile, and slow to anger. Apologize if you do anything that catches their attention, even if it was their fault for not being clear. There’s a time to stand up to tyrants. Standing up to the goons of the bureaucrats of the tyrants is always counterproductive.
I will say, though, hot chicks almost always get singled out for a thorough pat-down, unless the TSA is in a hurry to get a big crowd through quickly. Sad reality. Take it as a compliment, I guess?
I fly all of the time. In The State's and out. Did not know of some of these things. Well done!
Glad to be helpful! Happy travels!
@@PortableProfessional Sadly I can tell you from experience, many of the things you stated are very outdated and some are flat out wrong.
@@rickarcher6976 I noticed that, too.
I have an autistic spectrum disorder, and avoidance of eye contact is a common characteristic. For my upcoming trip, I plan to ask for assistance offered by the Canadian TSA and let them know this so I'm not flagged as suspicious because of it.
Safe travels, Linda!
I stopped flying once this got going. If I can not get there by train, bus or vehicle I do not need to go. Retirement is nice.
I’m jealous
@jonathanleonard1152 What did Mark Twain say about travel? "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime."
@@ontheroad5555 Mark Twain was not critical of those who had traveled long distances, and then years later opted to travel shorter distances by other means. He was also surely aware very few people could afford travel, and was promoting the next best thing in this book about travel.
@@collectorguy3919 I never said Mark Twain was critical of those who had traveled long distances. I'm responding to @jonathanlonard1152's comment not traveling if he can't get there by train. bus or vehicle. Unlike the people in the days of Mark Twain who could not afford to travel long distances people in this era we live in could most likely afford to travel if they buy less gadgets to play with and go travel and help broaden their minds.
the ONLY thing that makes me nervous is the TOTAL incompetence of these bogan staff
OMG first hand experience here: These guys are numb, bored, burnt, incompetents by design.
@@slackleashdogtraining3598and at some airports, look more like thugs you would avoid in public.
What's a bogan staff?
Is it what gandalf used in Lord of the rings?
That's the problem when you give all sorts of power to stupid people, look at trump...
I fly often and one time there was a lady that had a cat in a pet carrier . TSA told her she had to take the cat out so they could scan the carrier. I made a joke and said what are you going to do give it a cat scan. people in line laughed. for my 3 flights I was pulled of and my backpack searched ! Lesson learned dont give TSA a hard time.
Jokes like that won't cause your bag to be pulled in the future. They don't care about your future flights.
One of my cats would get lovey-dovey with the agent. The other would scram so fast that you could hardly see it, disrupting the whole area for hours.
How would any TSA understand anything that is not on a rap song?
I've had great friendly agents and some that just seem to hate their job. Once flying with a firearm to another State, after declaring the firearm I was directed to a TSA agent who checked things over, had me place the item in my checked bag. She was quite pleasant and helpful and made the process seamless.
😢 After I had put my possessions into the trays on the conveyer belt, they asked all who had metal implants to move over to a separate line of people to be x-rayed. So with knee implants, I had to comply. Meanwhile, my purse, iPad and camera had gone thru and had been x-rayed and were sitting at the far end of the belt for at least 5 minutes before I could get back to them. I couldn’t even see them from where I was in line. I was scared to death they wouldn’t be there. Anyone could have walked off with my stuff!
One time a woman in suit looked very professional put her hand on my laptop in the bin trying to steal it. I caught it and grabbed my laptop telling her that’s my laptop. She didn’t say anything.
More Learning with The Best Travel Guide Megan!!! 💖
Yay! Thank you!
Airport security is a training to the public to behave like sheep. It was useful knowledge during covidfaschism.
The main thing they don't want you to know is that nothing they are doing is making air travel any safer than it was 25 years ago. Their budget is overly bloated without any tangible benefit!!
I wholeheartedly agree with you. I traveled a lot in the 80's and 90's for my job and will not travel any more by plane. Thank goodness I have retired and do not have to be abused by TSA.
Sure makes a hell of a lot of sense.....with the damn borders wide open !!
How many hi jackings you hear about now? how old are you. World’s bigger than LA to New York.
But they get a lot of free goodies to sell on EBay.
I feel so sorry for travelers these days. I did all my globe trotting LONG before any "security" had even been invented ( in the 60s ).
I went from Montreal - Toronto - Vancouver - Honolulu - Suva - Auckland - Sydney - Melbourne - Manila - Tokyo - Hong Kong and many other places - NO VISAS - and I was asked to show my passport ONCE than I can remember... when entering Australia for a job I had lined up. I could still be there if I wanted.
The world has gone NUTS and I'm sure glad I don't have to be part of the insanity any more.
So far, I've visited all 3 countries in North America, 1 in South America, 5 in Europe, 1 in Africa, 8 in Asia, and 2 in Oceania. Five of those prior to 9/11 and 15 after and you're absolutely right about what a major pain in the ass traveling has become. Especially with the limits on liquids you can take aboard a plane. Just crazy!
Here’s an idea, since everyone is upset with losing their privacy maybe do away with the Gestapo.
My passport hung in a lanyard around my neck which also had my driver’s license and credit card. I Never was separated from those while traveling!
Some cash as well...
Warrant less searches are so much fun!
Good 👍 info. Last year travelled overseas to Fiji, when arrived at the hotel just found out that my expensive lock was cut off, it was very disappointing as the little hotel had no supermarkets around to buy a new lock for departure. But was lucky got a lift to nearby petrol station and they had a little shop where I could buy really good quality lock. With today’s turbulences many people are nervous. Once before a trip I burnt my hand & at the check point the officer was pressing my bandage area, it was not pleasant at all. We pay for our journey a lot and it should be more pleasant time. Honestly I prefer now trains and cruise ships. I always wondered why I am seperated from my passport & boarding pass, good to know 👍 they can not do it. Thank you, all the airports should be more welcoming. greet passengers with a smile 😊
I think putting valuables in the middle would be best. If you put them last, the person behind you has easier access to them and often the belongings lag behind the people. Also put things like the wallet inside zippered pockets and make sure your phone isn't unlocked before you put it in the bin.
Thanks for tips! Safe travels!
I put my personal stuff ( passport ID CP watch ring etc) inside personal bag & never on the bin….i’ve no problem & nobody can pick it up….
@@Lynnromesa what kind of personal bag? I'm flying soon for first time in 32 years to another state and I'm concerned about putting money, ID etc.in my carry on or in little back pack. How do I keep them from going in a bin?
@@beverlyp480Keep it safe in your carry-on, no problem, or inside your small backpack but everything goes in the bin. Just relax, keep an eye open and enjoy your trip
@@beverlyp480 just put in a little makeup bag,then zipped it..then put the bag in the middle of ur personal carry on bag… u don’t need to put ur cellphone in the bin…I lost my ID when I put in the bin…it wasn’t recover..so I called my credit card companies that I lost my ID, just in case someone apply for credit card…it’s new rules now..u don’t need to put in the ur 3 oz. Liquid in the bin..All u put in the bin is ur whole closed carry on, personal carry on, shoes jacket. I don’t wear my jewelry while going thru inspection…I put that in my little makeup bag. Once I’m cleared, then I wear my watch, ring later…if u don’t have a little makeup bag, use quarter zip lock bag….i did that too.i hope this helps. You can also put ur money in that little bag too. Everything very important stuff that u don’t want to lose, goes to that little bag or zip lock bag…
I am a Sikh and I am pulled out everytime for extra security checks . EVERYTIME
A convenient solution I have been using at TSA screening queues is a security bag, made by Travelon, attached to my carry-on day bag. When closed, the bag resembles a chunky luggage tag with a buckled strap. Unfold the zippered mesh bag and I have storage for my loose items: passport, boarding pass, wallet, keys, pocket change, etc. The mesh bag is black; making its contents difficult for would-be thieves to spot.
This sounds interesting but can’t find anything by travelon that matches,
@@DH-ec6zv Hello. I purchased this security bag back in 2005 for a European holiday. It is possible Travelon no longer makes it.
@@jerryhorn4697 well, darn! Thanks for answering!
@@DH-ec6zvmaybe the Travelon RFID Classic Deluxe Boarding Pouch? I found at scheel’s and Amazon for $20.00
I have a Nomatic travel backpack that has a lockable interior RFID section. The TSA agent even remarked he's never seen anything like it. I keep money, passport etc in it.
Thanks for the tip! I will be going on my first flight in the next coming days! I'm very nervous, never flown before! 😀
The main reason for random check is the room monitors detects hi body temperature. I traveled with my 19 yr old son, who’s a power lifter and his was stopped every time going through international screenings.
Airports are nightmares,
I am retired so with a little planning I prefer to drive even if it takes a few days!
I take my time and get to see the country!
I always put my pocket contents in a quart size ziplock and put that in my carryon. Makes it easier to find and put back into my pockets after security check, plus harder for anything to happen to them.
The only thing that comes out of my carryon is the laptop.
I have never had any trouble with the US TSA, and officers have assisted me very professionally on two occasions when I made a mistake.
I never understood why people put there money/passport in the tray. I carry mines in my hand and was never asked to put it in the tray. People keep your money in your Hand
I don't put money because I never carry, but they've twice asked me to actually put my passport in the bin. I may complain in a question form: "My passport too?!", and they've always angrily answered affirmatively. I'm not about to complain so I miss my flights, but boy will I get crazy if I ever lose my papers doing so. I hate it when they do ask me too, all fears start to creep in.
I just put that stuff in my jacket and watch go thru the scanner
I had a connecting flight from Dallas to Ottawa, the flight was initially delayed due to maintenance and then it was cancelled. When I politely asked in a insist way to the airline boarding desk person that it should be airline responsibility to cover my hotel stay since my next flight was next day, that person issued me a boarding pass with extra security once I go through TSA. I hate that person and never travelled with that airline. I also avoid taking connecting flight via USA now.
I carry a large ziplock bag to put the contents of my pockets and my watch in. I use two pieces of Scotch tape to seal the top of the bag and then put it into my carry on backpack. In order to steal anything, the Scotch tape seal has to be broken so I know right away on the other side if any of my stuff has been tampered with since I open the bag and put everything back into my pockets at the same time I put my shoes back on before I leave the screening area.
Very smart --- never in their white bowls ..😮
Good tip. I place those in a zipper compartment inside my personal item backpack
I had MCL surgery late last year and wore a huge black knee brace with metal hinges for about 8 months; walked with a cane for the first couple weeks. So, I flew out of the MAJOR SE airport around Thanksgiving and told the TSA screener that the brace would set off that alarm, which it did. So, he told me to take it off as well as dropping my cane for a wand search; I joked could he help hold me up, and he called a supervisor over because, I guess, I was being a smart ass! So I hopped on one leg to the screening area, stood on one leg to be wanded, then hopped to the chair where I could put my brace back on. I was able to flip off the TSA supervisor as I walked away; he just laughed!
I walk through the checkpoint with cash and ID in hand. I no longer leave them in the bin.
Good to hear! Safe travels!
That's the one tip I'm going to take with me from now on I didn't know that, I thought you had to put everything in the bin.
@@truckn Take your wallet without coins with you. It has forms of id in there. Just like your passport and boarding pass.
Recently, I had my 2 checked in suitcases open and searched by TSA. Later, I discovered some stuff missing. At first, I thought I had forgotten to pack it. But when I returned from my vacation, I didn't find it. They need to do the searching in the owner's presence.
Another informative video - I hope your advice helps nervous flyers feel more comfortable with the process
I hope so too! Thanks for watching!
I do NOT get nervous at all while going through any check point at any airport. I have experienced twice the racism of two different individuals working for TSA, so I have learned to scan them as I'm standing in line and if no line, I stand there for a few minutes watching their behavior. I did have a tablet missing from my checked suitcase once, but they told me I had to prove it had been stolen by one of the airport employees.
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Having read the comments, I made one time more my conclusion that I’m happy that TSA exists, it’s MY safety.
My thanks to those who work for TSA.
Thank u !!! I have TSA pre- check, never bothered & travel USA weekly 😊.
🐑
If a suitcase has to be opened then I believe the owner should be the witness when they do it so that nothing can be stolen or put in
TSA is a jobs program. It's not security It's theater.
How many times have you seen the x-ray screen unmanned or the guy on his phone?
@@fivishNever.
Oh so very true.
100%!
Like ‘recycling’
I'm grateful to TSA for trying to keep us safe. Forgot a wedding ring once in a cart. The agents found it. I returned 10 minutes later when I realized it was missing it and they gave it back to me. Also on another occasion a TSA agent strongly advied me to never place any jewelry in those carts. Personally, I've never had a bad experience with TSA.
Nice to hear of a positive experience! Happy travels, Constantin!
Come to think of it, I don't take my wedding ring off at airport security. I honestly forget it's a removeable metal accessory attached to my finger, but I don't recall setting off the metal detectors either and needing a manual handheld scan or pat down. One time I was wearing a thick titanium collar around my neck (which I didn't take off) and while one agent questioned it, his colleague then gently admonished him advising not to challenge travellers like that - just leave it to the body scanner.
I quit flying because I got tired of being treated like a criminal by $20/hr moron on a power trip.
So you no longer travel? Got it.
@@shaunaboo961 Psst. I’m going to let you in on a secret! We still travel by cars! Also, there are busses, trains and ships! 😊
@@shaunaboo961 road trip instead
I fly multiple times a week and have never been treated like a criminal.
I worked with a guy that also worked part time as an airport baggage handler. TSA and the baggage handlers go through your stuff ALL THE TIME and they simply take whatever they want. They even have lookouts for what others want. You have no recourse. They're just criminals in matching uniforms.
And you’re forced to pay them for their ‘service’ -making it double theft.
Had this happen to me in Anchorage - my nice warm down jacket and a pair of pants did not show up at my destination.
The TSA baggage screeners absolutely do not go through your stuff
“all they want". Every single interaction the baggage officers have is recorded from multiple angles. Your friend in full of it.
@@bomguy999999 When they took my carryon on the jetway, I guess that my Bose headphones were stolen by ghosts. Thanks for clearing that up.
@@northernbohemianrealist TSA has nothing to do with luggage that the airline takes on the jetway. Hope that cleared that up for you.
Yes, I always feel like a criminal every time I go thru the screening. I rarely fly, but for some reason I am frequently asked to step aside to be checked a second time.
We avoid airline travel through US at all cost due to TSA’s zealous enforcement when going from Canada to South America. It’s way more pleasant flying through Central American countries.
I find CATSA worse than the TSA at least in Vegas and San Diego. YYC really has it's moments at times.
Yep...many people in Australia and New Zealand will only fly to Europe via Asia because the do not want to go through TSA in the USA
O please, i UNFORTUNATELY have to go to Canada often, it's worse than the United States
Yes, I always feel uneasy when going through TSA checkpoints, even though I was not carrying anything illegal.
If you can carry your passport through the detector, can you also hand-hold your driver's license if you don't need to bring your passport? What about your wallet with all of your case, credit cards and other IDs?
Not sure about the drivers license as a single piece of ID as I have always travelled with a passport. The wallet will definitely need to go in the bin.
@@PortableProfessional Thank you.
They always pull me to the side, because I'm a white male and a veteran. One time, they even made me take off my flip-flops, and I just laughed out loud.
I remember, just after 9/11, flying home from Ukraine. I get off my plant in Amsterdam on one side of the airport and the screens are stating that my plane to America is boarding on the other side of the airport. I literally ran all the way, only to find that they were just screening passengers into the waiting area. The screener commented that I was sweating, and I irately told him why and he let it go.