Getting consistently selected for additional screening and pat-downs at the airport can be frustrating and seem unfair. However, there are some common reasons why certain passengers seem to attract extra attention from TSA agents.
You Fit a High-Risk Profile
The TSA has developed risk-based targeting systems that flag passengers exhibiting behaviors or traits associated with high risk. This includes things like:
- Flying alone
- Making last-minute reservations
- Paying cash for tickets
- Only having carry-on luggage
- Traveling on a one-way ticket
- Having a name on government watchlists
These factors don’t necessarily mean you are a threat. But they do match profiles of previous high-risk passengers, prompting additional scrutiny.
You Set Off the Scanner Alarm
The full-body scanners used at airport checkpoints are very sensitive. Even small items like keys or loose change can trigger an alarm, signaling the need for a manual search. Other things that commonly lead to pat-downs include:
- Underwire bras
- Prosthetics
- Oversized jewelry
- Thick belts
- Gel shoe inserts
If something about your body or what you’re wearing repeatedly triggers the scanner alarm, you’ll keep getting pulled aside for extra screening.
You Decline the Scanner
Passengers have the right to opt-out of the full-body scanner screening and request a manual pat-down instead. However, exercising this right means you’ll automatically receive additional physical screening every time you fly.
You’re Selected at Random
The TSA randomly selects passengers for enhanced screening, regardless of age, gender, or appearance. This introduces an element of unpredictability to discourage potential terrorists from trying to evade security measures. Being randomly chosen does not indicate you are under suspicion.
You Appear Nervous
TSA agents are trained to look for signs of nervous or erratic behavior. Things like heavy sweating, acting belligerent, or avoiding eye contact might lead agents to pull you aside for further screening. Of course, many innocent travelers show such signs due to a fear of flying or frustration with the process.
You Have a Cast, Brace, or Medical Device
Passengers with medically necessary devices regularly undergo extra screening. Casts, braces, prosthetics, catheters, colostomy bags, and more can appear suspicious on an x-ray or metal detector. Pat-downs allow agents to confirm what triggered the alarm and that there are no prohibited items hidden.
You Appear Disheveled or Unclean
While appearance alone should not determine scrutiny, sloppy or unkempt clothing with stains or odor can prompt additional searches. The concern is such individuals may be trying to conceal something underneath dirty layers.
You Have a Common Name
Sharing a name with someone on a government watchlist often leads to enhanced screening. Without identifying information like date of birth, TSA systems cannot definitively eliminate you as the person of concern. Extra checks provide that manual verification.
You Have Controversial Printed Messages
Clothing with provocative slogans or images related to controversial topics might spark suspicion and extra searches. TSA agents can pull aside anyone displaying what they deem to be offensive material that could provoke confrontations.
You Were Rejected for Expedited Screening
Applying for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry but getting rejected will make you ineligible for expedited screening lanes. You’ll have to use the standard security lanes where pat-downs are more common.
You Traveled to High-Risk Countries
Visiting countries the U.S. government considers high-risk terrorist zones will get you flagged in TSA systems upon return. This often means enhanced screening to verify you didn’t pick up any prohibited items abroad.
You Have Prior Security Issues
Getting caught with prohibited items or behaving suspiciously previously means you’ll be flagged for extra scrutiny moving forward. TSA maintains records of past security screening problems.
You Share a Name with Someone Banned from Flying
The No Fly List contains names of people banned from commercial flights for security reasons. Passengers who share names with banned individuals often get selected for additional searches until agents can confirm they are not the same person.
Conclusion
Being repeatedly selected for pat-downs and extra screening can seem excessive and frustrating. But in most cases, it does not indicate you are under suspicion. TSA agents are just following protocol based on your traits matching certain risk profiles. Understanding the various factors that trigger enhanced security checks can help explain why you may experience more scrutiny than other passengers at airport checkpoints.