8 things boomers do at airport security that hold up the entire line behind them

We've all been there, haven't we? Standing in that snaking security line at 6 AM, watching the minutes tick by as your boarding time creeps closer.

The smell of overpriced coffee wafts through the terminal while the monotonous drone of announcements fills the air. Just when you think the line might actually move, everything grinds to a halt. Again.

After years of frequent flying for work conferences and now for writing assignments, I've noticed some patterns. And let me tell you, certain behaviors at airport security checkpoints have become almost predictable.

While I try to practice patience (those morning trail runs help with that), there are definitely some habits that test even the most zen among us.

Look, I get it. Flying can be stressful for everyone, and security procedures have changed dramatically over the years.

But when you're watching someone hold up an entire line of anxious travelers, it's hard not to notice the generational patterns that emerge.

So let's talk about what's really happening in those security lines and maybe, just maybe, we can all get through them a little faster.

1) Waiting until the last second to prepare

You know the scene. Someone reaches the conveyor belt and suddenly realizes they need to take off their shoes, remove their belt, and empty their pockets. As if the giant signs and repeated announcements for the past 20 minutes were in a foreign language.

I watched this unfold last month at O'Hare.

A gentleman ahead of me seemed genuinely surprised when asked to remove his shoes. He then proceeded to untie them with the care of someone defusing a bomb while 50 people waited behind him. Meanwhile, his wife started digging through her purse looking for... well, everything.

Here's what helps: Start preparing while you're still in line. Slip off your shoes if they're easy to remove. Put your phone, wallet, and keys in your carry-on bag.

Have your liquids ready in that clear bag. Simple prep work that takes two minutes in line saves everyone precious time at the belt.

2) Arguing about the liquid rules

• "But it's almost empty!"
• "This cost me $80!"
• "I've flown with this before!"

These are actual quotes I've heard in security lines. The 3-1-1 rule has been around since 2006, folks. That's nearly two decades of the same regulations. Yet somehow, every week I witness someone trying to negotiate their way through with a full-size bottle of shampoo or that expensive face cream.

During one particularly memorable flight to Denver, I watched someone argue for ten minutes about their jar of homemade jam. Ten. Minutes. The TSA agent remained remarkably patient, but the collective sighs from the line behind could have powered a small wind turbine.

The rule is simple: Containers must be 3.4 ounces or less, they must fit in one quart-sized bag, and you get one bag per person. No exceptions for special jam from Aunt Martha.

3) Keeping everything in their pockets

Coins, keys, phones, tissues, candy wrappers, pens, pocket knives (yes, really), and mysterious metal objects that require three trips through the metal detector.

Why do some people treat their pockets like portable storage units? I once counted seven trips back and forth for one person who kept "forgetting" items in various pockets.

First the phone. Then the keys. Then loose change. Then a money clip. Then cufflinks. Then another phone (who carries two phones in separate pockets?). Then a pack of gum wrapped in foil.

The metal detector isn't playing hide and seek with your belongings. Empty those pockets completely the first time. Your fellow travelers will thank you.

4) Bringing prohibited items and acting shocked

"What do you mean I can't bring my pocket knife?"

Every. Single. Time. Despite clear guidelines available online, at airport entrances, and literally everywhere, some folks still pack their Swiss Army knives, full-size scissors, or that souvenir sword from their vacation.

The shock and indignation when these items are confiscated would be amusing if it wasn't holding up everyone else.

I've seen people demand supervisors, threaten complaints, and even try to mail items to themselves from the security checkpoint. Meanwhile, flights are boarding and connections are getting tighter for everyone behind them.

5) Wearing complicated outfits

Lace-up knee-high boots. Multiple belts. Layers upon layers. Jewelry that sets off every alarm. I appreciate airport fashion as much as anyone, but there's something to be said for practicality.

I learned this lesson myself years ago when I wore my favorite boots with a million buckles to the airport. After struggling to get them off and back on while balancing my laptop bag, I vowed never again. Now? Slip-on shoes and minimal metal. It's not a fashion show; it's a security checkpoint.

Watching someone spend five minutes removing various accessories while the bins pile up behind them is an exercise in forced meditation. Save the complicated outfits for your destination.

6) Not understanding technology requirements

• "Do I need to take out my laptop?"
• "What about my tablet?"
• "Is my electric toothbrush considered electronics?"

These questions, while valid for first-time flyers, become less charming when asked by someone who clearly flies regularly.

Especially when they're asked after standing in line for 20 minutes next to multiple signs explaining exactly what needs to come out of your bag.

The confusion often continues at the scanner. Laptops placed still in their cases. Tablets buried under clothing. Power banks hidden in side pockets. Each discovery means stopping the belt, backing it up, and starting over.

7) Treating TSA agents like personal assistants

Have you ever watched someone ask the TSA agent which gate their flight leaves from? Or request restaurant recommendations? Or engage in lengthy small talk while people are literally missing flights behind them?

TSA agents are there for security, not concierge services. They're dealing with thousands of travelers daily, trying to keep everyone safe while maintaining efficiency. That lengthy discussion about the weather in Florida can wait until you're through the checkpoint.

I witnessed someone recently ask a TSA agent to watch their bag while they ran to the bathroom. The agent's expression was priceless. That's not how any of this works.

8) Reorganizing at the belt

Here's the scene: Someone gets through security, their items come through the scanner, and instead of grabbing their belongings and moving to the designated area, they decide right there at the belt is the perfect spot to put their shoes back on, reorganize their entire bag, and check their phone for messages.

Meanwhile, bins are piling up, other people's belongings are getting mixed together, and the entire system grinds to a halt. There are benches and spaces specifically designed for putting yourself back together. Use them.

Final thoughts

Flying is stressful enough without adding unnecessary delays to everyone's journey. We're all trying to get somewhere, whether it's for business, pleasure, or to see loved ones. A little awareness and preparation go a long way.

I'm not suggesting we need to speed-run through security like we're competing for a medal. But basic consideration for fellow travelers and understanding the process can make everyone's experience better.

After all, we're all in this together, standing in our socks on that cold airport floor, just trying to make our flights.

Next time you're in line, take a moment to prepare. Empty those pockets. Have your liquids ready. Know what needs to come out of your bag. And please, for the love of all that is holy, save the shoe-tying for the benches past security.

Safe travels, everyone. See you in the friendly skies.