7 TSA SECRETS They DON'T Want You to Find Out

[@ProjectUntethered]

👉 Grab my FREE Long Flight Essentials Checklist to survive you next flight: bit.ly/40GFPdc 👉 And here's a helpful Anti-Scam Cheatsheet to avoid sneaky travel scams (free): bit.ly/3us3JhM

[@billneeriemer6471]

Several years ago we were seeing our daughter off on a domestic flight. She forgot that she had a pocket knife in her carry on bag. The knife was a gift from her recently deceased grandfather. The TSA agent removed the knife. She explained to him what it was and pointed to us viewing her departure. The agent had the decency to motion to us and gave us the knife. I'm sure he violated protocol, but what a good hearted soul.

[@ProjectUntethered]

That was nice of them! My knife was an heirloom as well and I was so happy they let me get it back

[@janinecutaia5667]

Where do you work? Let me come to your job. Alot of what you have stated here is totally incorrect. Worked tsa for 20 years. We are doing our job, rules have to be followed whether we like them or not. I could write a book on the crap we put up with. I love my job, and have a great record of compliments from passengers. Listening to you talk about tsa saying, oh but they have a hard job like that's going to make up for slamming tsa. Quit spending misinformation.

[@MrByco2]

I travel quite a bit. I find most TSA agents very pleasant to deal with. They sometimes seem to be almost waiting for someone to briefly connect with them during a long, hard shift. Treat people with humanity, kindness, and respect, and you often get it in return. There are exceptions with the TSA, but they exist everywhere.

[@ritabianchitobler6192]

Happy ending for your daugther. Last year similar story at Narita Airport, simply forgot my old Swiss Army pocket knife when switching hand luggage at check in due to weight restriction. Result: Knife conviscated by 2 Police Officers who were called by security personel. No discussion, a report was established, my passport fotographed further action not explained (in spite of being fluent speaker of Japanese), Japan at its best, all by the rule book.😢

[@JulieNoel-td3nl]

You must be white.

[@MrByco2]

***** A fact I learned in the corporate world. Just because someone has passed a background check and is bonded does not guarantee that they are honest. It could just mean they have never been caught.

[@themiddleones11]

My favorite TSA story actually comes from flying out of Frankfurt I had accidentally left my water bottle full and it got flagged. The TSA officers there were chanting chug as I downed my water 😂😂😂

[@ProjectUntethered]

Hahaahaha!

[@endriagodenoche]

I don't travel a ton, but the last few times i've flown, i've found the TSA agents to be really personable and kind! This last time around, i was traveling with an arm brace, and the agent kindly asked if i was able to take the brace off to send through the scanner (actually caring about my safety/health). They all seemed to brighten up with some kind social interaction. I think most folks are just scared/anxious going through there, and don't make conversation, but the agents are just doing their jobs keeping us safe. I make sure to thank every agent I come into contact with during that process. :)

[@tedwalford7615]

Going through a checkpoint at a London airport, the agent said that the x-ray couldn't see into a small box I was carrying, that I'd have to open it for inspection. I was surprised, I said, because all that was in it was cremation remains. They waved me right on. (I did have the paperwork. Always have official paperwork.)

[@wngimageanddesign9546]

To prevent your belongings from being stolen by TSA agents, your either use nylon wire ties or better, S.S. ties for all your valuables in your bags. Loop watches, jewelry, rings.... camera gear, electronics. Keep zippers closed too. I usually prepare for the screening by packing my items, prior deep under other items like clothing, in closed containers, zip tied to straps internal of the bag. They would have to cut through several nylon ties and then dig out the items from beneath layers of clothes, documents, and other hard items. A good deterrent for any potential thieving TSA agent. This includes my wallet, cash can be kept in your pockets through the scanner.

[@carolynbeck1760]

I agree, only theft we have ever had is by TSA agents not baggage handlers.

[@janettesinclair6279]

What I hate about these security checks - I put my carry on and valuables (eg iPad, phone) in the tray. Tray goes through the scanner and carries on down the line. Meantime, I have been called out for a pat down search and can only watch my things disappearing into the distance where any random person could take something!

[@WellMichele]

I used to go to London every year and every year they would leave a note advising they checked my bag. I no longer even bother locking my bag. I never put anything of real value in my checked luggage.

[@abcdef-cf9zv]

I ride horses. I flew for a seminar and during security for my return flight, they had an issue with my spurs in the carry on. No rowels, no pointy bits, just short blunt ends. Zero value as a weapon, a pen is more dangerous. Keeping us safe.

[@ProjectUntethered]

So dumb!!

[@kathrynmerrill3184]

A couple years ago it took us 2-1/2 + hours to get through Berlin TSA. It's finally my turn and the agent is a quiet talker so I had to ask him what he said several times. He finally says loud enough for me to hear to stand with my legs farther apart. For a 5' 2" woman it wasn't easy but I complied. As payback he sent me to be patted down by his female coworker who looked annoyed at having to do it. So many people nearly missed their flights - they were holding some flights (thankfully ours). Fortunately my husband went through first so I told him to run to the plane and hopefully he could still get us on board. The plane was waiting for a bunch of passengers stuck at TSA.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Wow, I wonder what the hold up was?

[@ye6207]

Classic Berlin Airport, probably the worst organised airport in Europe.

[@benjamindover4033]

@@ye6207We always found it to be one of the most efficient and could count on making a connecting flight (with luggage) with only a 45 minute layover.

[@southbound1969]

I've a friend that was a TSA agent here in Las Vegas. He said the bar is very low to get hired and many of the "agents" thought of the job as a joke. His words, not mine.

[@truepeacenik]

My son’s father somehow got a job. And it was TSA. So, two surprises. (And substitute teacher…after some legal issues, and multi year unemployment) TSA isn’t so picky.

[@laarnisoriano2393]

not trusting any TSA from USA specifically one in Vegas after she or pronoun maybe they/them who cut my bag strap. Just tripping? RIP TSA Vegas

[@cijmo]

I always said that if they want to see my naked body, I'm not paying for their therapy.

[@OTatime]

I have security clearance at one of the largest airports in the world. Background screenings are now not only conducted at the time of employment. Continuous screening is being used for all current employees and contractors to determine if they remain qualified for continued employment and security clearance.

[@tedwalford7615]

As should be. Thank you!

[@ValerieAwesomeAdventures]

In 2014, I was going through TSA at John Wayne Airport in Orange County. I have a lot of severe allergies, and would carry an Epi-Pen with me at all times. TSA said they were confiscating my Epi-Pens(I had a double pack) because they could be used as a weapon. I said "No, they are life savers if I have an allergic reaction at 30K feet!" I had them call for their supervisor, who never showed, and I was going to be late for my flight if I had to wait any longer. I wrote several letters to TSA in OC and Washington DC, never once heard back from anyone... A week after getting home, I went to fill my epi-pen prescription and the price had skyrocketed from $60 to over $600!!! This led me to think that the TSA agent stole it from me cause they could not afford the co-pay or were going to resell it for $300 and make a profit. I still can't believe their comeback that my epi-pen could be a weapon!! Absolutely ridiculous!!!

[@jeffdriver3000]

An Epi-pen is a medical item just like insulin that is allowed

[@sallyintucson]

Write to your elected officials in DC. I’m sure they would be interested to hear that people’s lives are being put in danger by TSA.

[@jenelleprins5306]

I do have a question. Did the epi-pen have the prescription attached or attached to the package? If so, they are required to let it through, just like they have to put through insulin pens, needles, fingersticks, etc. I had a similar type of pen for migraines. I never got the hang of the contraption that made the injection happened, so I would just take the syringe and jab the needle into my thigh without using the stupid contraption that injected the medicine without the user having to see the needle or inject it on their own. (I can’t tell you how many $90 injections I lost to that stupid thing.) So long the box with the needles and the plastic injector had a prescription label on the box, they let it through. If the epi-pens were not in a box with a prescription label, they have the right to confiscate them. It’s not just that it can be used as a weapon to cause an excess of adrenaline in a person not experiencing anaphylactic shock, there is also no guarantee that the pen actually contains adrenaline. It could be a way to convey illegal drugs. If it did have a prescription label, TSA was very much in the wrong.

[@LeanneWilcox]

Lacking attention and human touch - opt for a pat down 😂 You crack me up 🤣

[@ProjectUntethered]

Sometimes you gotta get it wherever you can! 😂

[@rhondagover9237]

Thanks for all your info. I have a knee replacement and every time they pull me out and do the wand thing. I always tell them ahead of time too.

[@planelvr07]

I just had both hips replaced this year & am worried about going through a TSA check. I will make sure they know about it & sure that I will have to be wanded.

[@JulieAldige]

Same thing with the titanium femur I have due to a hip replacement.

[@kevwwong]

In a previous video, you mentioned using small carabiners on double zippers as protection against pickpockets with carry on luggage. That also works when going through airport security - it's easy for them to detach if necessary, but it also prevents sticky fingers from grabbing valuables while they're on the belt.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Very smart! I'll have to try that on our next trip where we check luggage. Sounds a lot easier than wrapping with saran wrap 😂

[@kevwwong]

​@@ProjectUntethered I think it's the same basic principle that we need to take with pickpockets, right? Just make it a little harder to take something and they'll find an easier target.

[@VirginieQUESNAY]

One of the nicest encounter I had with TSA was a few years ago. I was going to La Reunion to run a very hard ultra trail. I was so stressed thas my check-in would be lost that I packed everything for the race in my carry-on, including the electrolytes gels and antishaft cream tubes... Completely forgot about it being "liquids". When came the bagage control, the woman doing the control did open my pack and told me they would never go in 1l transparent bag. I think my honnesty when I said I totally forgot and was so sorry must have been visible on my face and the lady was really empathetic. She told me to keep everything and to not forget in the future. I was so grateful. I was able to run the race without having the added stress of untested products. 8 years later, I still remember her nice smile when she told me I could go.

[@margaretmathis4775]

I always refer to TSA personnel as “agents.”

[@chevelleflorida]

Congratulations on 100k subscribers!🎉

[@ProjectUntethered]

Thanks so much!! You’re the first person who noticed ☺️ we’re celebrating with a little Caesar’s pizza 😂😂

[@terrinewell3044]

I had a travel sewing kit in my carry-on, and the scissors were confiscated. They were three inches long, with blades only one inch. Meant for cutting thread, not committing crime on a flight!

[@Reed-2big]

Years and years ago, I was allowed to go back to checkin and check a pair of scissors - think those old long office desk scissors. They even gave me a bag to put it in, and they arrived!

[@ProjectUntethered]

I think I passed through one time by accident with a full pair of scissors as well without anyone noticing 😂

[@Reed-2big]

@@ProjectUntethered I totally forgot about them! The biggest problem I had was my chalk chuck. Assuming you’re old enough to even know what it is! Basically and handle for chalk. I learned to put a small piece of chalk in it, then when they pushed the button it fall and shatter at their feet and they’d just put it back!

[@THEDADDY7770]

I flew out of Daytona to La, my backpack got flagged on the x-ray, when they opened it, it was my bag of unopened Monk fruit sugar substitute, then they swabbed it and it flagged on the machine, due to there being Erythritol in the sugar, I was pissed, as that stuff ain't cheap.... live and learn..

[@flyer617]

TSA delayed the entire line trying to figure out how to put a couple of clear helium balloons my kids had through the x-ray machine. They got mad and called over the police when I held up a balloon with my hand behind it which you could clearly see. They had the police stand between my family and the agents. But they had to have their way and finally figured out how to send the balloons through one at a time between two of their bins. Please tell me those agents were at the bottom of their class and not the average intelligence.

[@davidm8657]

3:29 I see you’re taking a snooze in my home airport - PHL. If ever you are not just connecting, there is a lot to see in Philly!

[@HR-wd6cw]

When it comes to my wallet and passport and keys I just stuff them into the pocket of my laptop sleeve. They require you to take the computer out of the sleeve, but not the accessories, so it's a good way to keep someone from walking off with your valuables (granted it's not a "bulletproof" method but better than leaving them out in the open).

[@ProjectUntethered]

I like it!

[@createinspain]

The real theft is selling on 'lost' luggage' when it could be re united with owners, after going through it to remove expensive items to sell separately. There is so much of that going on that it can't possibly all be 'lost'.

[@stosito48]

I had a hip replacement surgery recently, is the titanium metal in my hip going to cause a problem?

[@jeffdriver3000]

Not in the body scanner, it's looking item outside the body. The metal detector will go off with metal body parts

[@davesanders9203]

You'll have to get naked to show that the metal is INSIDE your body!

[@jplum7708]

I have titanium plates and screws in my head. Never had a problem. You should be fine. Enjoy your travels.

[@valeriechramer1575]

No. I have titanium hardware in my back. Not a problem.

[@tommierodgers703]

I have a total hip. I get pulled aside about 75% of the time. Just plan on it and be early if at all possible.

[@Joe-lb8qn]

I had a TSA approved lock cut off (and put back inside my case), and a TSA approved strap, have the strap sliced (and put back inside my case), both instead of unlocking. That was Miami. I emailed TSA (really) and they replied saying someone else must have done it, it wasnt them. Dont know whether to laugh or cry.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Wow, that is so strange! Was anything missing from your luggage?

[@Sammiejomitchell]

The problem with the scanners is that they are ion scattering machines, basically an X-ray machine. Since they are not under the FDA the amount of radiation is unknown. I lost my husband to leukemia after these machines came to the airport. He traveled 2-3 times per week. No telling how much radiation he was dosed. Please do not run your babies through these machines. And the skinnier you are, the more concentrated the dose. I get the pat down. It’s NBD. they also have to carry all your stuff, so think of it as valet service. I researched this heavily when my husband was dying. This is not a joke.

[@jeffdriver3000]

The body scanner is not ion scattering or X-ray. It uses sound waves like the sensor the opens the doors on stores or used in ultrasounds

[@Sammiejomitchell]

@@jeffdriver3000 not unless they changed it.

[@somchaiwongma3813]

@@jeffdriver3000 That‘s what they want you to believe. In the 1960s they were still saying that smoking was good for the body, there were ads showing a doctor who recommended a certain brand of cigarettes

[@eleanorlaurent2303]

I started watching you and several other travel youtubers about 6 months ago in preparation for a recent trip. Love all of you still, but I just realized that yours are the only videos I still watch immediately, even with no travel in sight 🩷

[@ProjectUntethered]

I'm saving this comment to cheer me up whenever I'm having a bad day! 🥰

[@LeanneWilcox]

Ditto Usually a bit funny too Still smiling at the taped up brothers pants

[@holi-rx7gu]

How nlserabIe you are the one who decides how your days are... miserabIe ​@@ProjectUntethered

[@ProjectUntethered]

Hahaha what I left out of that story is that the dates were a total disaster. The girls were super picky and we kept paying cover charges for all of us to get into a club, then after 10 minutes they'd say they didn't like it and wanted to go to a different one 🙄

[@sasadinic5583]

Thanks to your tips amd tricks I was finished with TSA in about 10 minutes, even though it being my first time going to USA

[@OldTimeTraveler]

I feel for that Marine (Semper Fi). I was coming home from Iraq, on a 2 weeks leave, landed at Fort Campbell, then transported to Nashville airport for a civilian flight. I was still in uniform, carrying a patrol pack (daypack), I used every day overseas. TSA agent, at security point, used those wipes and wiped down my patrol pack and popped positive for gun powder residue. That’s what the agent told me. All hell broke loose! They went through my pack and its contents. The agent called his supervisor and supervisor called the airport police. The police officer shook my hand and thanked me for serving and turned around and called the TSA agents, a bunch of 1d10ts.

[@jenelleprins5306]

Now caveat - I am a white female, currently of a certain age. That said, back in the day, I traveled A LOT for business. I also traveled a lot as a child/teen of divorced parents. I still travel fairly often now despite more straitened circumstances. I have found that a smile, a pleasant attitude, and a few (emphasis on few) friendly words, such as “good morning” or even just a bright “hi” go a very long way. This goes for the airline counter as well. (Knock wood) I have never been chosen for extra security even when prohibited items have been located - nail scissors, nail clippers with the tiny nail file, Diet Coke, etc. I just express a bit of surprise and apologize. I also let them do whatever they are going to do without complaint. They confiscated the scissors, snapped off the nail file, and made me empty my Diet Coke 😩 (it was right after the new rules about liquids went into effect without my knowledge). There were even two times when TSA caused problems, for reasons I forget, and I got into their face a bit. I stayed polite, but I was pissed. Nevertheless, TSA did not give me a lot of trouble. I have traveled internationally a number of times - China, Australia, England - and still had no issues. Now I am probably courting trouble, since I’m traveling into Spain and out of Iceland next summer, but I will put all of these ideas, mine and the various KZbinrs I follow, into practice and hopefully will not face any issues.

[@krisvanallen]

Once when going through the full body scanner, the TSA agent on the other side told me to walk in, stand on the feet, and put my arms over my head "like when the Po Po shows up." laughing. I responded with "no, when the Po Po shows up I am face down on the ground with my arms outstretched!" we had a good laugh.

[@glorialee7505]

I use to work for TSA. Most TSA are honest. I think they are really doing a good job. I have been through security. In court and so on. You really can't pass a weapon. With TSA . But they are not perfect.

[@tracyarmstrong2953]

I accidentally left a couple of things in my purse before flying. When I got to my destination, I was shocked to discover those items in my purse and horrified that the TSA screeners hadn’t picked up on them with the scanners. I packed them in my luggage for the return flight, but I’ll never feel confident in TSA again.

[@Infiniteunion88]

Airport security are like mall security, used solely as a deterrent to scare people into doing the right thing. If someone really wanted to get something through, they could as per the article you shared.

[@TutoneEarthling]

i used to use the TSA padlocks on my luggage. Twice tho, the locks have been cut off and attached to a card and placed inside my luggage telling me my suitcase had been inspected. i quit using any locks for that reason. TSA lock or not, they will cut it off and ruin the lock.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Yeah it's so dumb! Was that in the US?

[@TutoneEarthling]

@ProjectUntethered left USA, arrival in bangkok. I know a layover in Hong Kong in one of them. The other I don't recall particulars.

[@madchatteress]

I detest those X-Ray scanners as most of the time, I get flagged for additional screening (despite my diligence in following protocol and not having any metal in my body). I don't mind the pat down necessarily as I allow extra time for that but the idea that my belongings are left unattended longer makes me nervous. I opted for TSA pre-check which allows me to go through the metal detector which makes the process smoother but occasionally, I fly with a foreign airline that does not participate in pre-check.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Yeah that's the big problem - your stuff unattended. Whenever I'm in an airport that has only x-ray machines (and no body scanners), I have to get a pat down because I have an implanted device that can't go through x-ray. If I'm traveling with my wife, I always make sure she goes through first so she can watch over the stuff while airport security gives me my daily dose of human contact

[@madchatteress]

@@ProjectUntethered I often travel solo so no one to monitor my stuff when I get my TLC pat down from TSA. At least I have the pre-check.

[@ScottyOutdoorAdventures]

On my way from Seattle to Houston, TSA Seattle confiscated my brand new in the package tire pressure gauge. Pissed me off for sure.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Whaaaat? Why??

[@ScottyOutdoorAdventures]

@@ProjectUntethered They were very vague and said it was too long. I asked for a supervisor and got told he was the supervisor (with attitude). He asked if "wanted to surrender the item voluntarily" I decided the $25 bucks I paid for it was not worth any legal troubles and I needed to get to Houston to pick up a new dually pickup truck that I planned to drive back to Seattle in.

[@ScottyOutdoorAdventures]

here is the same gauge I gave up Milton Dual Head Tire Pressure Guage, 10-160 PSI, Dually Chuck Pencil Tire Pressure Gauge, Truck, Tractor Trailer, RV & Car, S-976

[@ProjectUntethered]

That's so annoying. Sometimes it's tough to know whether it's worth it to argue and be "right", or to avoid problems (and potential missed flights)...

[@lauramarshall1082]

At Philadelphia Airport three times a female TSA agent tried to say I couldn’t board with my Chanel cosmetics , of course my drug store cosmetics offered no problem .

[@laarnisoriano2393]

My Balenciaga bag strap was cut off by TSA agent at Las Vegas 🥹. she’s or maybe pronoun is them/they tripping and saw my bag!

[@shana4604]

WOW 🤬

[@foziakhan7680]

I always get searched - the reason is my headscarf - I now except it as a norm to their protocol and don’t stress about it. I sometimes get anxious about my money n jewelry that is on the conveyor belt while I walk away to be searched . But I haven’t had anything stolen ever - I’m more worried about fellow passengers walking away with my belongings.

[@meganjames1034]

I went on a mission trip one time and was gifted a beautiful hand-painted seashell. It was confiscated by TSA in that country and someone overheard the agents talking as we were walking away saying they might give it to their daughter....

[@pattyyung]

I would just like to go through security without being treated like a criminal. I have an insulin pump and a continuous glucose monitor that can't go through the body scanner. I can take the pump off, but not the scanner. I've had TSA argue with me that it can go through the scanner and when I tried to show the pump company info showing that I can't TSA got very irritated and then just treated me rotten. And there is ALWAYS a pat down. I have had 2 agents be really good about it, but generally it is a huge stress to me because of the way they treat me. Believe me I would much rather go through that scanner, but don't want to end up in another country with a failed pump on the off chance the scanner causes a problem.

[@pattyyung]

@@danaeads919 I actually call TSA cares every time I fly and only twice have they been there to help (one was SOO good to me). When I asked the TSA agents to get in touch with the TSA cares people for me since they didn't show TSA didn't even know what I was talking about. It's been very frustrating.

[@alanc3948]

I have a small chain that connects to my wallet and clips to my belt loop. They made me take it off for a Gabriel Iglesias concert one time, but I have. *NEVER* had an issue getting it through airport security. I guess it’s OK to take on a plane, but not to a concert.

[@endriagodenoche]

we weren't allowed to bring water bottles with LIDS on them to a concert.. completely different security standards i guess. :) (we could remove the lids and have our water spill down the hill over and over)

[@tommierodgers703]

TSA Sidney, Australia randomly pulled me aside for extra screening. I was a youth club shooting coach so of course my belongings tested positive for explosives. They ended up confiscating my tiny, folding safety scissors. There was a Houston TSA agent who kept angrily yelling at me to put all my metal on the conveyor. The only metal I had was an artificial hip.

[@JulieAldige]

At times, I have to wear a back brace. It has aluminum stays.In The Vancouver airport they made me take it off. Fortunately, I was wearing a T-shirt underneath it . Several agents examined it thoroughly to make sure that those 12”metal stays hadn’t been fashioned into knives. I don’t know if it was because of the back brace, but it took them 30 minutes to go through my carry-on. And by golly they confiscated my bamboo back scratcher. #2 - in Nice I bought foie gras & a tin of olive oil in Duty Free. It was properly sealed in a transparent, unopened plastic security bag. The customs agent in Atlanta wanted to confiscate both these items! He insisted that it was impossible to identify what was in the tin. Secondly, he wanted that foie gras pretty badly. There was no doubt in my mind that he was confiscating both those things for his own personal use. I talked him into letting me keep the foie gras. But he gloatingly hung onto the $30 olive oil🤬🤬🤬 I am still pissed about that cavalier agent.

[@TroySwezey]

The TSA social media account is most likely NOT run by a TSA agent, thus TSA 'Officers' should likely not be given any credit for it. 9:42

[@ProjectUntethered]

Fair point, but I did want to make it clear that while some TSA are crabby and mean, there are just as many who are kind with a sense of humor :)

[@dudeleboski2692]

What about Orthopedic back braces that need to break kept on AT ALL TIMES for pain relief?

[@peterleibundgut2349]

You have a carabiner hook on your bag. I had one on my bag until it was confiscated. I witnessed the officer checking the screen of the X-ray machine fall asleep when my bags were scanned. He hit the display with his forehead.

[@lesliedaubert1411]

I had a pair of nail clippers taken.

[@jacklawer6389]

Unreal, what can a nail clipper do ?

[@traceyrusthoven2097]

I was in Buffalo NY airport about six years ago. My bag and purse went through fine…I however set off all kinds of alarms. I thought maybe I won a prize 😅 for being like the millionth person passing through or something 😂 However, they said my hands tested positive for explosives 😮. Now I respect TSA and I want everyone to be safe so I patiently stood there while they wiped down my hands, my luggage, laptop etc…next thing I know I got pulled into a back security room, meanwhile they told my husband he could not wait for me…at this point I will admit I was getting a tad nervous. When I got to the security room (locked door and everything) I received a major pat down and then they opened my carry on and dumped everything out. When they were finished searching it, they have a nice day and left all my stuff all over the table in a heap. By this point I had 15 minutes to get to the gate and had to repack my carry on and purse. Now mind you I was 55 at the time, I am pretty “fluffy” and I was about to have an anxiety attack. They found NOTHING on me or in my luggage/purse and couldn’t explain to me why I tested positive for explosives on my hands. When I got to my gate they were doing a last call for boarding…we arrived at the airport 2 hours in advance for a domestic flight.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Oh now that sounds super stressful! I'm glad you made it in time though!

[@firecat-dy9go]

I had a bracelet stolen from me at MCO. They stopped me coming through, made a big deal about my bracelet (leather with some sparkly stones set in) and when I got through, they started screaming at me to keep moving. Shook me up so badly that I kept moving. Moments later, I realized my bracelet was gone. I guess this was common practice at MCO (Orlando)

[@joyinthejourney001]

I made it through TSA security with my carry-on suitcase at Dallas/Ft. Worth airport, but on the way to my gate, an airport employee demanded that I return and checked my carry-on with the airline because it looked too big to her. When I returned to the airline desk, they had a device to check carry-ons and my suitcase easily fit into the device. One of the airline employees walked me through security and got me past the fore mentioned worker. Good thing I was at the airport early. Also, Cancun airport confiscated a little can of Bumblebee brand chicken salad because of bird flu. I don’t think they understand the sterilization process food goes through when it is canned.

[@vktravellog1242]

Always hide your valuables before you go through security and before the checkpoint

[@ProjectUntethered]

Good tip! I’m hoping by wrapping my fanny pack in my coat, it’ll be harder for sticky fingers

[@mfrancois5609]

I have food allergies and low blood sugar due to an allergy to sunlight (porphyria), so I like to pack meals that are tiny and liquid meds. I even verify that they fit the TSA liquid requirements. Never a problem! My last flight, a sealed, never before opened 3oz glucerna (which clearly states its use is blood sugar control) was confiscated. I shook my head and laughed. 😂

[@nbc911]

I have had my TSA locks riped off and zips broken in LA airport

[@alelitre]

I recently had a pocket Leatherman confiscated by TSA. I forgot I had left it in the bag from a previous road trip. Good for TSA catching it. Bad for TSA for not having caught it during 6 or so other flights where it had apparently been in my carry on bag all along. The officer that found it was cool and understanding. Only said, "I always wanted one of these." I guess he got one that day.

[@JulieAldige]

He certainly did 😡

[@Reed-2big]

I had a table knife confiscated, recently. I was told it was because it was serrated. This was sold as a children size knife so we are talking about those small little teeth that won’t cut much, mostly tears things. Lousy for cutting hard cheese. WTH.

[@somchaiwongma3813]

What you forgot to mention is that they have a secret button to set off the metal detector alarm: I paid for „TSA Pre“ which allows me to walk through the metal detectors without taking my shoes off. I have walked through metal detectors numerous times without setting the alarm off but at DFW the alarm sounded and I was told to walk through it another time. Again, alarm. Then I was told to take my shoes off and put them into the x-ray machine. I walked through the metal detector without the shoes and nothing happened. There is absolutely no metal in my shoes and since then I passed metal detectors with the same shoes numerous times. The only explanation is that TSA has a secret button to make it sound like there’s an alarm from the metal detector in order to force TSA Pre approved passengers take off their shoes. Total BS ! America will be a free country again if we don’t have to take our shoes off at airports to praise the God of air-safety…

[@TroySwezey]

I have TSA Pre-Check and am not supposed to have to take off my belt or shoes when going through TSA check. Recently the TSA agent at #SpokaneInternationalAirport in #Spokane, Washington made me take off my shoes when I set off the metal detector. They informed me I have metal nails in the soles of my shoes. I traveled through that Spokane airport again this past week wearing the EXACT SAME clothing, same shoes and all, and the detector did not get set off.

[@SunnySmile-fr5yg]

Great job 👍

[@michelleevans9869]

They work for us and should provide above and beyond safety and service .

[@Reed-2big]

If you want to read some horror stories about those scanners read the problems that people with hip replacements have had with the subsequent pat down! It’s brutal. Far better to just start with a regular pat down rather than the one going for something vague that the person reading the scan didn’t recognize as a replacement.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Oh man that sounds unpleasant 😔 when you say brutal, do you mean it hurts? Or that they grill you about what the metal is?

[@Reed-2big]

@@ProjectUntethered aggressive search of the groin area. Some complained it was painful too. One finally had another agent yell over its an artificial hip, as he’d seen the image --- geez. If you haven’t seen an X-ray of some hip repairs, they have screws and often a rod that would look like a pipe down a pant leg, maybe if it’s your first day in training!!! I got away cheap compare to they! I was forced through the metal arches after telling them I had a knee prosthesis and asking for their cane. She said didn’t matter and then tried to get me to go back through without the cane. I just kept saying it’s not going to change a thing, before a supervisor just looked at her and said, use your wand! Then she didn’t want to let me lift one arm at a time, I still don’t know why that matters, but I can’t easily do that.

[@maxineb9598]

Probably close to 20 years ago while travelling around SEA I stuck a table knife into my small pack I used for carry on and then totally forgot it. Between Bangkok and Auckland airports were a couple of others that never picked up the knife. Transiting through Sydney I was asked if I had anything in my bag that wasnt meant to be there when it went through the xray machine. " No". Then when they emptied my bag, there it was. It was only a small bag but the knife must have been tucked right in the bottom and I just shoved my few clothes on top without really looking. Knife just confiscated.

[@fm.pereira2753]

When spectacles had small screws I had a mini screwdriver with a screw cover conferscated. This was attached in a keyring with all my keys. Electric toothbrush was okay............ (sharp object if you remove the toothbrush).

[@nbc911]

I got stopped at security in US for having a mini post it note dispenser in my laptop bag. TSA thought it was a detonator!

[@stephanieroberts4474]

I go to Malawi and Tanzania in Africa 1-2 times a year. There is an airport in Africa we always have a layovers at. This airport always wants to see our (everyone, not just my group) boarding passes and passports. But there is one room, aka gate room, we seem to always go to for departing and this room alone wants to see the boarding passes and passports at least 4 times: 1, before going into this departing gate room, 2, right when you get in the room, 3 take 3 steps forward and someone is there to check it again, 4 after your bags go through the scanner. No one ever seems to know why this airport is so tightly wound, it's just the way it is. There is 1 other gated rooms for departures across the hall, but the other one is where we always end up being put in; only been in the other room once that I can remember lol. It use to be a hassle, but now I am just thankful that the security team is taking their job seriously and being thorough.

[@diannerodriguez1387]

I traveled with a stun gun in my purse ever since 2021. I have traveled by air multiple times with absolutely no problems then in Tulsa I got stopped for it and they confiscated it and asked me to stop telling them how many times I actually traveled with it through TSA. Now my name is in a ‘book’ and feel like I will be on a watch list from now on. I am 72 and have to have wheel chair service in the airport. I was just grateful I didn’t miss my flight. But it was a close call. Now if I want to travel with one I have been instructed to pack it in my checked bag.

[@alicedyment4219]

A Stun gun?

[@susanmeredith4957]

TSA once confiscated a key chain Swiss army tool that had a nail file, tiny scissors and a 1 inch knife. Ridiculous. I forgot I had it on my key chain. It came with a Swiss watch I got.

[@jeffdriver3000]

TSA did not confiscate your knife. You had the opinion to take it back to you car or put it in your checked baggage. You left it with the agent which means you abandoned it

[@jeffreyclinard2002]

I lost a special watch at TSA. It never came through, and was never found. I suspect it was lifted. The sad part is it required a a special charger so it was useless to whoever stole it. I've been "randomly selected" for additional screening in the United States, China, and the U.K. In China, I was the only white person on the plane. In the US, it was in the TSA pre line. The last two times I went through the U.K. I was picked. Both times, a large near-eastern man felt me up in places normally reserved for (female) sex partners. In all cases, I had no contraband. On an odd side-note, in Sydney, both coming and going, their automated machines rejected my entries and I had to see a border force agent. I was processed without fuss, but I have no idea what the issue was. These days I put all my pocket items into a zippered travel vest.

[@AnimeLoveFreako]

can I use zip tide to lock the luggage?

[@GilliMarieMoody]

Respectfully, I have complained ad nauseum about the unprofessionalism of American TSA agents. They are HORRID.

[@michaelngfinance]

$60 per hour for an actual bed? That is insane!

[@ProjectUntethered]

Yeah...it was ridiculous!!

[@George-W-Jenson]

Keep your most important stuff on your person !!!

[@peterkelly5672]

I got robbed from the tsa Orlando going through security got taking to secondary wouldn’t let me collect my valuables after 5 minutes they said you can go no explanation why picked my valuables up went to my hotel next day I discovered around $3700 missing from one of 2 wallets

[@ChronicSurfer]

I got my Airpod Pro 2s stolen when I pushed my bag through security at Austin in April.

[@buzzflyer6972]

Australia has thee most pedantic airport security. They confiscated a roll of clear tape as "it could possibly be used to restrain a person." WHAT a crock.

[@ProjectUntethered]

That is next level dumb 🫠

[@marieb5489]

I had to check my luggage or throw out all but 1 lipgloss!

[@carolynbeck1760]

Had a watch stolen from carry on bag, joke on them because it was broken. Also had passport taken out of bin. When we said ‘hay stop we were told too bad move along.” ‘

[@kessas.489]

0:58 I keep them in a lockable inside pocket of my jacket

[@danaeads919]

Background checks for any person, any profession, are worthless. They only reveal crimes for which you have been caught. They don't find the things you have done but weren't caught doing. They don't reveal the crimes you would like to commit, but haven't done yet.

[@Dmitriy.0]

On a flight from US to Dominican Republic once we landed in the DR, our suitcases were frisked by their version of TSA and they confiscated a bunch of our medicine because they were "expired". My wife (who is a medical professional) used random old empty medicine bottles to combine various pills in order to save on luggage space. For example, instead of bringing a box of individually wrapped Advils she packed them into a much smaller decade old bottle that used to have Tylenol. They refused to budge and confiscated almost all of our medicine. Morons.

[@BobbieJames-xt2cu]

My friend signed up for TSA while at airport and when she got her credit card got hacked. It was while she was paying her due for TSA. Who would think this would happen.

[@dianegoodman9186]

The TSA officer wanted to confiscate my husbands angina spray , only prevented by another officer intervening !!

[@bmiller949]

I was in full Star Fleet attire and they confiscated my communicator but let my phaser go through with no issues. WTF. 🤣

[@ramykhalil4283]

Maybe don't share that TSA failure rate in the future lol just saying there's some melicious ppl out there

[@AmandaP-or6op]

TSA tried to confiscate a roll of breast tape…stating item was a security risk…I stuck to my guns politely, requesting presence of manager. The look on the managers face mirrored my own when the officer explained why he wanted to confiscate my item. Needless to say I bordered my flight with my breast tape…🤷‍♀️🤦‍♀️

[@gtrs4ever]

I always carry my wallet, in my hands, with hands up, when going thru the metal detectors.

[@mgalison]

had a friend that his cigar punch was confiscated.

[@tmelendezmia]

Hum.. PHL -DFW (D terminal) w/ AA 😂

[@lifeonearth9261]

Let's cancel the TSA and go back to the way it was before. If they're missing dangerous items over 50% of the time it's not worth keeping them around. We still had security before the TSA and traveling was much less of a fuss.

[@jacklawer6389]

Good video thanks I always leave my money in my pocket, can't be detected..

[@tedwalford7615]

As a guy, if selected for a pat-down, I think I should have the right to insist it not be done by a male.

[@crystalc.8463]

I had my breastmilk bottles individually strip tested as dangerous liquid. Once I had a mini can of spaghetti-os taken. Bag dumped and searched because of a candle. Accidentally left a 3” pocket knife in my purse and it made it through security at both departure and destination airports.

[@germaninsider7890]

Fluids Are often a prpblem, noone could ever explain to me why two 100ml bottles are ok but one 125ml bottle isnt lol.

[@jlovesaimee]

TSA stole my daughters birthday cards

[@casaraku1]

Its all about personality...some people base personality is just mean. Maybe in some areas they are paid minimum wage and also could team up with others at the airport..