These Are the Most Annoying People at Airport Security, According to the TSA

Here’s how to make sure you aren’t one of them.

Frequent fliers will tell you the airport experience is akin to an art form. With proper preparation, the right tools (yes, TSA PreCheck is worth it), and a bit of luck, traveling can be relatively seamless. It becomes frustrating, though, when you aren’t physically or mentally ready for a trip to the airport. If that’s the case, you risk becoming the visibly stressed passenger who loses their wallet, can’t find their passport, or, worst-case scenario, misses their flight.

No one has more experience with situations involving an underprepared or flustered traveler than a TSA agent. Responsible for protecting passengers and keeping the checkpoints moving, the members of this government agency come face to face with all temperaments (pleasant or otherwise) and levels of organization.

That said, some passengers are more bothersome than others. To ensure you don’t wind up being the most annoying person going through airport security, Travel + Leisure spoke with Eric Guthier, a uniformed advisor at TSA headquarters, to get the inside scoop on the passengers who slow down the whole process.

Long story short, if you want to earn or keep the self-proclaimed title of “expert traveler,” don’t be these six people at security checkpoints.

The Rule Breaker

If you’re bringing prohibited items to the checkpoint, you’re “at the top of the list,” says Guthier. Pocket knives, oversized liquids, and even bottle openers can cause a bag search. “More bag searches [mean] slower lines for everyone,” he explains. Firearms, on the other hand, can result in the “temporary closure of an entire screening lane.” No one will appreciate that.

To avoid breaking any of these rules, Guthier suggests doing a once-over before heading to the airport: “Travelers taking a few minutes to methodically go over what they have in their bags would go a long way toward ensuring they have maximum efficiency in getting through the checkpoint.”

The Flier With Faulty Luggage

When asked about the type of luggage that can cause havoc in security lines, Guthier says, “[Those with] missing zipper tabs may cause problems.” Opening a broken and particularly full suitcase can be time-consuming. Sometimes, however, carrying a broken bag is unavoidable. As an easy fix, he recommends using zip ties as temporary pull tabs.