From forgotten water bottles to jewelry removal ceremonies that rival archaeological digs, these time-honored airport security traditions have been turning 10-minute lines into 45-minute adventures for nearly two decades.
Ever had one of those moments at airport security where you're watching the line move at a glacial pace, and you start wondering if you'll make your flight?
Last month, I was flying out for a trail running retreat (yes, those exist, and they're amazing). I'd gotten to the airport with what should have been plenty of time, but found myself stuck behind a gentleman who seemed genuinely surprised that he needed to remove his belt and shoes.
After fumbling with his laces for what felt like an eternity, he then remembered the water bottle in his bag. Then the iPad. Then another water bottle.
I made my flight, barely. But it got me thinking about the patterns I've noticed over years of frequent travel. And honestly? There's a particular generation that seems to struggle most with modern airport security protocols.
Now, before anyone gets defensive, this isn't about age-shaming. Many older travelers navigate airports like pros. But there are some common behaviors that tend to slow things down for everyone, and understanding them might help us all get through security a bit faster.
1. Not preparing for the security checkpoint until they're at the conveyor belt
You know the scene. Someone reaches the conveyor belt and only then starts emptying their pockets, as if the whole security process is a complete surprise. They're digging through multiple pockets, pulling out keys, coins, tissues, candy wrappers, and that receipt from 2019 they've been meaning to throw away.
Meanwhile, the rest of us have been mentally preparing since we joined the line. We've already moved our phone to an accessible pocket, loosened our shoes, and gotten our laptop ready to slide out.
Here's what works: Start organizing yourself while you're waiting in line. Those 10-15 minutes of shuffling forward? Perfect time to consolidate pocket items into your carry-on and get mentally ready for what needs to come off.
2. Arguing with TSA about liquid rules
"But it's just shampoo!"
I've heard this exact phrase at least a dozen times, usually followed by a lengthy discussion about why a 6-ounce bottle of moisturizer isn't allowed through security. The 3-1-1 rule has been in place since 2006. That's nearly two decades, folks.
Yet somehow, there's always someone who packed full-size toiletries and wants to debate the logic of liquid restrictions with the TSA agent. While they're having this philosophical discussion about whether toothpaste is really a liquid, the rest of us are watching our boarding time tick closer.
The solution is simple: either check a bag with your full-size products or invest in travel-size containers. They sell them literally everywhere, including the airport gift shop you passed on the way to security.
3. Wearing complicated outfits with multiple metal accessories
I once stood behind someone wearing what I can only describe as their entire jewelry collection. Multiple necklaces, stacked bracelets, rings on every finger, a bedazzled belt, and boots with more buckles than a pirate's treasure chest.
Watching them slowly remove each piece was like witnessing an archaeological excavation. Each item carefully removed, examined, and placed in a bin. Then they went through the metal detector and, surprise, had to come back for the ankle bracelet they forgot about.
When I fly, I've learned to dress like I'm going for a run (minus the actual running gear). Simple clothes, slip-on shoes, minimal accessories. You can always put your jewelry back on once you're through security.
4. Packing prohibited items and acting surprised when they're flagged
"What do you mean I can't bring my pocket knife?"
A friend who works for TSA tells me this happens daily. People pack swiss army knives, full-size scissors, or that multi-tool they got for Christmas, then seem genuinely shocked when security won't let it through. The ensuing discussion about whether they can mail it to themselves or have someone pick it up adds precious minutes to everyone's wait time.
The TSA website literally has a search function where you can type in any item and find out if it's allowed. Takes 30 seconds. Maybe check it before you leave home?
5. Not understanding how the scanner works
The full-body scanner has been standard at most airports for over a decade. Yet I regularly see people trying to bring their carry-on through with them, or standing there with their hands at their sides wondering why the agent keeps repeating "hands up, please."
Then there's the opposite problem: people who freeze in the scanner like they're being held at gunpoint, taking forever to step out when instructed. Or those who step out too early and have to do it all over again.
Watch the people ahead of you. The agents give the same instructions hundreds of times a day. By the time it's your turn, you should know exactly what to do.
6. Bringing oversized or overpacked carry-ons
We've all seen it. Someone wrestling with a bag that clearly won't fit in the overhead bin, trying to force it through the X-ray machine. When it inevitably gets stuck or needs additional screening because it's too densely packed to scan properly, the whole line grinds to a halt.
I learned this lesson the hard way during my financial analyst days when I tried to pack a week's worth of presentation materials into one bag. Now I pack light and strategic. If it doesn't roll smoothly through the scanner, it's too full.
7. Getting flustered with technology
Mobile boarding passes aren't new anymore. Neither are the automated kiosks for checking bags. But watch someone struggle with their phone brightness while trying to scan their boarding pass, or stand confused at a kiosk asking them to input their confirmation number, and you'll add another five minutes to your wait.
I get it. Technology moves fast. But if you're not comfortable with mobile passes, print your boarding pass at home. If kiosks confuse you, go straight to the counter. Know your limitations and plan accordingly.
8. Reuniting with bins like they're long-lost friends
After clearing security, some folks treat the bin collection area like a dressing room. They're slowly putting their belt back on, carefully re-lacing their shoes, reorganizing their entire bag, checking their phone, and basically setting up camp right where everyone needs to grab their belongings.
Grab your stuff and move to the benches that airports specifically provide for this purpose. Those of us behind you are trying to catch flights too.
Final thoughts
Look, we all have our airport moments. I once forgot I had a water bottle in my bag and held up the line while my bag got searched. Another time, I was that person fumbling with my phone brightness at the scanner.
The difference is learning from these moments. Air travel has changed dramatically over the past two decades, and security protocols aren't going back to the good old days of meeting people at the gate.
If you recognize yourself in any of these scenarios, consider it an opportunity to travel smarter next time. Download your airline's app. Pack your liquids in an easily accessible clear bag. Wear simple clothes and comfortable shoes.
Most importantly, pay attention to what's happening around you. Security is stressful for everyone, but a little preparation and awareness go a long way toward making it smoother for all of us.
Because at the end of the day, we're all just trying to get where we're going. And the faster we all get through security, the more time we have for the important stuff. Like arguing about whether that middle seat armrest belongs to you or your neighbor.
