Back in the golden years of air-travel, flying was a glamorous mode of transportation reserved
for well-heeled holiday makers and international business jet-setters.
A trip to the airport was a holiday in itself.
Nowadays, as the cost of flying has dropped considerably and security levels have mutated
beyond imagination, we find ourselves passing through what amounts to a tactical cold war
zone rather than a simple transit hub.
Everyone is a potential suspect and everyone is in danger – or so they like to have us
think.
But just who are these agents luring around and pulling god-fearing American folks aside,
and what exactly do they want?
That’s what we’ll find out, in today’s episode of The Infographics Show – What
are the TSA Agents looking for at airports?
So, first up, just what is and who are the TSA?
Well, the Transportation Security Administration is an agency of the US Department of Homeland
security that has authority over the traveling public within the United States borders.
The agency was created following the aftermath of 9/11.
The first administrator, John Magaw, was nominated by President Bush on the 10th December, 2001.
Agency proponents such as Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta argued that only a single federal
agency would be in a position to protect air travel.
From February to December 2002, 1.7 million applicants for 55,000 TSA positions were processed.
Prior to the formation of the TSA, private security firms managed air travel security.
The TSA uses a combination of well-ironed techniques using trained technicians who are
skilled in communications, customer service, and document fraud.
They use a range of equipment including metal detectors, scanners, CCTV, X-Ray machines,
and chemical sensory devices.
To make sure you get from point A to point B without any major delay, you should avoid
drawing attention to yourself while in transit.
But what exactly is TSA actually looking for?
Guns.
Never talk about weapons.
Even a friendly joke overheard by an officer could have you pulled to one side and thoroughly
searched.
If you like to jibber jabber about guns or gun laws, then an airport is not the place
to do it.
Even browsing through a copy of popular US publication Guns and Ammo may alert suspicion.
Coffee.
Avoid taking coffee with you as a souvenir.
Coffee beans are routinely used by drug smugglers to overpower the smell of the illegal drugs
they have stashed alongside it.
So if you’ve been on vacation to Costa Rica and you’re looking to bring back a jar of
Monte Crisol, consider mailing it back to yourself rather than slipping it in your carry-on
luggage.
Large amounts of cash.
This is a red flag for the TSA.
It’s always a smart move to take only what you need for transit through airports.
With technology as it is nowadays, you should never be too far away from an ATM machine.
The folks who carry large wads of cash could well be connected with shady commerce, and
the TSA are alert to those types.
Medicines without prescription.
Laws on drugs and medicine differ from State to State so to avoid any confusion, make sure
all medicines are accompanied by an RX prescription.
Also make sure that your prescriptions at your point of departure are legal at your
destination.
Stressed passengers.
Don’t let your stress levels show.
We know it’s difficult when you’ve missed that connecting flight and the next one is
in seven hours, but try not to let your anger show.
Agents are trained to pick up on suspect behavior and that includes edgy and stressed looking
passengers muttering obscenities under their breath.
Line jumpers.
In a hurry?
Well, wait your turn.
Cutting the line at the airport is not only impolite, it may also result in you being
singled out as a potential security threat.
And if you appear angry while cutting the line, you will be doubly suspicious.
Unusual items in luggage.
If you’ve seen our other video on airport security, then you’ll remember that some
of the most unusual items found by the TSA include a cannonball, live snakes, human skull
fragments, and a samurai sword.
If you can live without items such as these during your travels, consider leaving them
at home.
Unchecked baggage.
Especially kids baggage.
Yes, that’s right, those agents might be under the impression that you’re using your
nearest and dearest to smuggle drugs from state to state, or worse, hide a bomb.
Liquids in carry-on.
Trying to get away with smuggling an extra bottle of shampoo or can of coke?
Well think again, as TSA officers have this paranoia about liquids after a plot to blow
up a 2006 transatlantic flight using liquids was allegedly foiled.
No such plot has been attempted since.
In the event that you are pulled aside and patted down by the TSA, you should remain
quiet.
Never make crude jokes about being touched by the security agent, as they will consider
it sexual harassment and that could lead to more screening.
Don’t pet their dogs, and under no circumstances offer the agent a bride to let you pass.
These people are not allowed to have a sense of humor.
Be calm, polite, and considerate, and your travel plans should continue to run smoothly.
So, do you think airport security has gone too far, and do you think better safe than
sorry?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Also, be sure to check out our other video called 10 Most Dangerous Cities in the World!
Thanks for watching, and, as always, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe.
See you next time!