Fun Facts and Hacks For Your Next Flight and Trip Through Airport Security

Originally published on our site tettybetty.com

If you’ve ever traveled, especially through an international flight, then you know exactly how hectic it might be to get from point A (the airport itself) to Point B (through security) to Point C (your gate). Which means you know just how relieving it is to get to the other side of the security line as smoothly as possible. And thankfully, we’ve got some nifty tips and hacks to make your travels a little less nerve-wracking and little more pleasant.

From how to get through security quickly and saving yourself some bucks from the crazy airport prices to how you can adopt an adorable animal from the airport, we’ve got quite a few clever tricks up our sleeves to reveal!

Keep on reading to learn everything you need to know before your next flight!

Look for the Security Line with the Least Amount of Agents

One of the most important expert tips we can reveal is all about making your traveling as fast and smooth as possible. So, a pro secret when it comes to going through the security lines at the airport is to pick the line with as few agents monitoring as possible. If you can find a line with only one agent, then you’ve hit the jackpot! Why?

Because lines with multiple agents typically indicate that they are in training, meaning that they will purposefully examine more bags than necessary for practice and educational purposes.

Forgot Your ID? There’s a Solution

We all know that when we leave the house, every one of us repeats to themselves the “phone-wallet-keys” mantra. Right?

But when you’re traveling, you always need to make sure you have valid ID or passport – even if it might be in your wallet. But what happens if you accidentally did forget your ID once you get to the airport?

Instead of worrying about going all the way back home, according to the TSA official website, you actually are allowed to pass through without valid ID. However, while it might be faster to proceed without your ID than to go all the way back home to get it, you still need to go through an extensive process to prove that you are who you are. So we suggest keeping this option for emergent-cases only.

Airport Security Scanners Don’t Emit Harmful Radiation Waves

Airports in the United States now use millimeter wave unit technology for their body scanners. What does this mean exactly? It means that worrying about exposure to radiation from the body scanners isn’t a concern anymore. The FDA, CDC, and TSA worked together to transition and star using new form technological machines that emit such a low level of radiation, making it much safer to go through security without your health being affected.

TSA Might Think Your Chocolate and Cheese Are Explosives

The scanners that TSA members use when looking through your bags in the security scanner is like an x-ray, only identifying objects based on their size and shape. Until they actually open up your bag, they don’t have a clear visual of what exactly is in your bag. Because of this, it’s best to avoid object that might resemble a bomb, like a block of cheese. Yes, that’s right, we said cheese.

According to CBS News, food items such as chocolate and cheese sometimes set off a “false positive” for an explosive item in the scanner. Whoops!

TSA Might Pull You Aside if You Act Aggressively

We may think that TSA agents are just a group of people yelling at the top of their lungs to take out our laptops, remove our shoes and belt, and that no liquids over 3 ounces should be in our possession. However, this is just one part of what TSA agents do.

While going through security, agents are looking both at what it in your bags, as well as, how you are acting. In fact, sometimes the reason why they might be asking you a simple question – like where you’re traveling to today — is to see if you act with aggression, extra fear and stress, or anything else that might seem abnormal.

Don’t worry, TSA agents know and understand that traveling can be exhausting or stressful, just make sure to remain pleasant with them to avoid being pulled aside for extra questioning.

Over-Tired Travelers Might Set TSA Profiling Alarms Off

Acting aggressively and giving cold stares is one way to get the attention of TSA members, but another one is something that’s a little bit less in our control. According to Business Insider, “widely open staring eyes”, “too much yawning”, and “whistling” in line are supposed behaviors of terrorists according to the TSA Screening Passengers by Observation Technique (SPOT) program.

Again, TSA members understand that traveling can be stressful and exhausting, so their limits of “too much yawning” is obviously going to be more than the average tired traveler. Regardless, it’s always good to get some rest before your travels!

A Harmless Joke About Bombs Is Never Harmless

We all know that falsely yelling “fire” in a movie theatre is just as forbidden as saying the word “bomb” in the airport or on an airplane. But saying the word isn’t the only thing that’s bad, it’s joking about it in general that is not permitted by TSA agents.

There have been all sorts of inappropriate comments ranging from “You better check me close, I am about to blow” to straight up “I have a bomb” that agents have heard during their shifts at security – and none of them have been or will be tolerated.

An Up-do Hairdo Might Raise Some Red Flags

If your hair is tied up in a bun or pony tail or if you have a big beautiful fro, a TSA member might ask you to let it down while you walk through the body scanner. Why? Well there are actually two reasons.

One is because your hair tie or clip might set off an undesired alarm while going through the body scanner, which is why it’s important to remove any accessories from your body beforehand. In fact, hair extensions or wigs might also set off an alarm.

And secondly, because hiding items in a bundle of thick, beautiful locks is considered a threat to airport security. Upon further inspection, you might even need to do a hair pat down.

It’s annoying, we know, but it’s for everyone’s safety, including yours.

The Exotic Pets Policy

Did you know that no matter how well they’re packed, you can’t bring your exotic pets in your clothes? That’s right, there’s people who have actually tried this, and it’s absolutely forbidden.

Not only is it a bit cruel for the animal itself to travel this way, but for all sorts of health and safety reasons, it’s actually very dangerous to be traveling around with anything exotic in the airport – animals, fruits, vegetables, etc.

There are also sorts of policies for traveling with different species, so the best thing to do it to check with TSA and your airline in advanced and keep them out of your pants.

Which Animal Are Used to Sniff Out the Bad Stuff from the Bad Guys?

We might think that our canine friends are the best at sniffing out that bad stuff from the bad guys, but there has been global research determining that there is another animal that is more effective.

According to research and studies in Israel, Columbia, and Mozambique, rats are a much more effective animal when it comes to detecting explosives. Their sense of smell is just as strong as dogs, they are cheaper to afford, and their weight is less of a threat for setting off a bomb if they do detect one. Who would have thought?

This Cell Phone Model is Banned from all Air Transportation in the U.S.

Did you know that there is one specific every-day item that is banned both from your carry-on and your checked baggage? While all other cellphones are permitted, in October 2016, all Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphones were banned from flights in the United Sates. Not just on travel flights, but also as air cargo.

This wasn’t just a decision made by the TSA, the announcement was made by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

Thankfully there’s plenty of other phone models that have been released since then, which all are thus far approved.

There’s an Adoption Program for Retired TSA Dogs

This is probably one of our favorite fun facts about the airport! Did you know that you can actually adopt TSA dogs once they are discharged or retired?

According to TSA’s official website, “These dogs are highly active and, in most cases, untrained and not house broken, but with proper training and care, they can be a great addition to families.”

Because of this, there’s an extensive application process to make sure these cuddly canine’s go to the perfect, loving home. How adorable!

What is the “Golden Hour” of Travel?

After embarking on your stressful airport journey from the check-in counter to standing in line at security to actually making it through security, then you enter what’s known as the “Golden Hour”.

The “Golden Hour” is the time you have from the moment you get to the other side of security to your terminal. From this moment until boarding time, you’re free to do as you please – walk around through the aisles of tax-free items at Duty-Free, purchase yourself a nice, relaxing pint of beer, or even enjoy your complimentary privileges at the Business Lounge.

Almost a Million Dollars in Loose Change is Lost Each Year

One penny plus one penny makes two pennies, and back in 2018, travelers left quite a few pennies behind during their journey.

According to ABC News, close to $1 million in loose change – pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and other foreign coins – was found throughout different airports in the United States. While TSA members do their best to get all property back to their rightful owner, there is an alternative option in some airports for those who don’t want their extra change.

Did you know that some airports actually have little “piggy-bank bins” for you to toss your loose change in? In 2015, Denver International Airport, raised $170,000 in spare change donations for helping the homeless. How amazing!

Finding a Free Luggage Cart

Let’s be real – the airport is expensive. Whether you’re departing for your vacation or returning home, nobody enjoys the high prices of the airport during their journey. But we’ve got a little pro hack that just might help you save a couple of extra bucks.

While having a luggage cart is extremely convenient, you don’t always have to pay for one. Millions of people are traveling every day, and there’s usually one lingering around the pickup area in the terminal – meaning it’s up for grabs to use free of charge.

Whether it was abandoned there because whoever previously used it couldn’t find where to return it, or maybe there was an issue with the machine itself, who cares! You just scored yourself a free cart.

There Are Different Lost and Found Options to Check for Your Lost Items

Losing something is always disappointing, and it’s even more so when you lose it during your travels. But not to worry! The airport has multiple lost and founds for you to check in with.

There is the actual airport and TSA lost and found, which holds your items for (usually) 30 days before destroying or removing them. They collect lost items that were lost in the security line.

If you lost an item during your flight, then each airline has their own personal lost and found department (each have its own policies when it comes to returning lost items).

And then, of course, the Airport police is there for you if you lost your item somewhere in the airport like the restroom or the food court.

How To Make A Middle Seat Comfortable

Making a middle seat more comfortable on an airplane involves a few key strategies. Choose a middle seat closer to the front for less turbulence and noise. Bring comfort items like a neck pillow, blanket, or shawl, and wear loose, breathable clothing.

Stay hydrated with a refillable water bottle, and pack your favorite snacks to enhance your experience. Don’t forget to stretch and move around periodically, and keep your personal space tidy with a travel-sized bag for essentials.

Forgot Something at Home? Just Ask Lost and Found for a Replacement

When it comes to needing something extra, then the airport has a special “ask and you shall receive” unwritten law.

While some lost and found departments get rid of unclaimed items after 30 days, sometimes they still hold on to the unclaimed items for longer. In this case, rumor has it that if you’re in need of something specific – like a phone charger cable or headphones – then they might be able to provide one for you!

Keep in mind, this isn’t an actual policy that they have, but if the right person is working, then they probably will be more than happy to help you out!

Just Ask For an Upgrade

When checking in for your flight or boarding, don’t hesitate to inquire about upgrade options. Many airlines frequently offer discounted upgrades to premium seats, especially if they have availability. This can be a fantastic opportunity to enhance your travel experience for a fraction of the normal price.

Even if you don’t initially book a premium seat, mentioning your interest could lead to unexpected perks, such as extra legroom or access to additional amenities that can make your journey more enjoyable.

Combine Your Items in Your Bins to Speed up the Lines

Since security at the airport checks and x-rays each bin separately and one at a time, then your wait time in line is obviously going to take longer if you’re waiting for your multiple bins to be checked and cleared.

One trick to help getting the security line go faster is by combining items in your bins and personal belongings. For example, instead of taking off all your jewelry and accessories in that separate little plastic bowl, just throw them in your jacket pocket. Or better yet, bring an extra Ziploc bag to toss them all in, too. That way, nothing gets lost and it’s easy to see what’s inside.

A Free Water Bottle Hack

As we mentioned earlier, airport prices are always going to be on the expensive end, especially basic items like water. While it can cost upwards of $3 or more for a small bottle of water at the airport, we’ve got a secret on how you can keep your hydration needs fulfilled and free.

TSA currently allows you to travel with empty water bottles, giving you the opportunity to fill it up for free at the water fountains or in the food court after you pass through security.

Not just that, but ice is actually an approved item as a carry-on item, as well! As long as it’s not melted when you get to the security line, then you can bring your bottle of frozen water along with you.

An Act of Kindness Towards Flight Attendants is Always Rewarding

Flight attendants typically work in shifts, meaning that they could be on anywhere from one to four flights a day! Because of this, it’s always a nice surprise to treat them to something nice and sweet to make their day. They might even ask you at first if you’re a colleague since flight attendants actually give each other chocolate or other treats. Regardless, though, scoring points with the flight attendant probably means that they will make sure to return the act of kindness back at you.

Calling Is Just as Beneficial as Waiting in Line

As much as we want it to be, traveling and flying isn’t always as smooth sailing and convenient as we wish. Sometimes there’s delays, missed flights, or overbooking. And dealing with any type of bureaucratic issues is never fun, right?

However, while you’re waiting in the customer-service line to get your issue fixed, you can always call the airline’s 800 number to try and get help with an agent. Sometimes you get a hold of them faster than you would waiting in line, and they can help you with whatever somebody in person would be able to, too!

Charging Ports and Extension Outlets

With the development of technology and the necessity to always be on more than 50% battery without stressing out, airports have caught on and tried their best to stay updated. Most airports, especially international ones, will have “charging” ports with phone cords and charging pads for different types of phones. However, even if there are charging ports, there’s still a scarce amount of space to charge your electronics and empty outlets in general.

To overcome the masses, make sure to bring an extension outlet for yourself. This is always a great opportunity to meet other travels and share some of that outlet love.

A Hack to Getting Extended Access to Free Wi-Fi

The thing about tips and tricks is that they aren’t always meant to work. That’s what makes them a hack and not a rule. However, this hack just might be one of the best ones out there when it comes to airport loopholes.

Especially when you’re traveling internationally, getting onto that airport Wi-Fi is crucial. The problem is some airports only give you complimentary Wi-Fi for x amount of time – usually 30-60 minutes. However, rumor has it, that if you try turning your computer’s clock back in time, then maybe you can score another extra half an hour! Worth a shot, right?

Take a Pic of Your Spot and Send it to a Friend

This little tip is actually something that is useful to know and practice for any massive parking lot, not just at the airport. If you can forget where you parked within the hour or two that you were shopping at the mall, then you will definitely forget where you parked your car when you come back home from your trip days later. And it’s totally okay, we’re all human here! Which is why we highly recommend, should you choose to park your vehicle at the airport while you’re away on your trip, to make sure to take a picture of where you parked. And maybe even send the picture to someone else, just in case.

The Flight and Seat with the Least Chance of Turbulence

Flying can be extra stressful for those of you that tend to experience motion sickness or any sensitivity to movement and turbulence. However, picking and booking a super early flight or a red-eye late night flight are the best options when it comes to interacting with the least amount of turbulence.

You know how if you balance a pencil on your finger, the center is where there are going to be fewer extreme movements? Seats in the middle of the plane also experience less movement in comparison to the rest of the plane. Good to know, right?

Save Space in Your Bags and Wear Your Heavy Clothes

Whether you’re traveling internationally or domestically, it always seems like there’s never enough space in your luggage, right? Or even if you do have space, somehow, someway, clothes seem to weight a lot more than you think. Right?

In order to save yourself a couple of pounds in your bags, pro travelers wear their heaviest piece of clothing when traveling. Whether it’s wearing your heavy boots or lugging around your coat, it’s totally worth saving you the consequence of paying an extra $100 for an overweight piece of luggage. Plus, airports and airplanes are typically a bit chillier anyway, so it works out!

Glasses Are Better for the Airport’s Atmosphere

As we just revealed, it can get a bit chilly in the airport or on the flight itself. Because of the heavy use of air-conditioners, moisture in the air is also removed, causing the atmosphere to be a lot drier than usual. Expert travelers choose to wear glasses instead of their contacts when traveling for this very reason. Nobody wants to experience discomfort with dry eyes while mid-air.

To go along with that, having a small bottle of hand lotion – less than 3 ounces, of course – and some lip balm is also a good idea to protect against the dry environment.

Pack as Efficiently as Possible to Get Through Security Quicker

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or have only been aboard one flight your whole life, we all have heard about the “3 ounces” rule when it comes to traveling with liquids. As a trick to speed up the process in the security line, though, it’s best to pack that quart sized bag of liquids in your bag at the very top. That way you can just grab it out of your bag and get going with the rest of the line.

Along with pulling out your bag of liquids, pulling out any electronic hand devices like iPads and laptops are required, too. So having them at an easy and quick access will also keep you ahead of the game.

Pack as Efficiently as Possible for Your Whole Journey

Speaking of packing your liquids in plastic Ziploc bags… This effective and efficient trick isn’t only perfect for packing your three-ounce sized bottles.

When you’re traveling around, the last thing that you want to be doing is taking everything out of your bag just to search for your earbuds or an extra hair tie. Packing your smaller items together in a small sized travel bag or Ziploc is a great way for a quick and easy search and grab. Whether it’s your phone charger, lipstick, chewing gum, or even your glasses, those quart-size bags really do come in handy throughout your entire journey!

Be Prepared in Advanced Before You Get to the Security Queue

To keep the efficient ball rolling and to go along with speeding up the total length of time that you spend in the security line, there’s something else you can do whilst waiting in line. If you’re at a point where you can comfortably start pulling things out of your bag, then it might be helpful to start pulling things out and emptying out your pockets and holding onto your bin of personal items. That way, you can just drop it in the security scanner queue and continue on with your way. Just make sure you aren’t holding up the rest of the line by preventing the people in front of you to proceed.

A Chance to Sit Next to an Empty Seat

Let’s be real for a moment. As long as you’re at the gate during boarding time, there really is no reason to feel rushed to get on the plane – especially if there is a long line anyway. Right?

In fact, if you’re one of the last people to board the flight, this gives you the perfect opportunity to change your seat and even switch to one next to an empty one! Just make sure to check in with the flight staff in advanced, and as always, be as pleasant and polite as possible. A calm demeanor truly goes a long way in the traveling game.

Relax Before Boarding the Plane for a Peaceful Journey

Once you get to your gate, it’s like you’re safe at your home base, and you can finally relax. But as soon as the boarding time starts, that time-ticker of stress starts it’s count down, and as each minute passes by, your anxiety levels start to increase until you’re actually on the plane and in your seat. Right?

But as we just mentioned, during boarding time, there really is no reason to feel rushed to get on the plane as long as long as you’re at the gate. Boarding takes about 20 minutes, so just relax and feel free to join the line once it starts to dwindle down.

Make Sure You’re Headphone Volume Isn’t Too High

Hopefully we’ve helped you out with giving you some good tips and advice on how to de-stress and feel a little bit better during your travels in the airport. When it comes to staying calm and relaxed for your flights though, we do want to remind you not to relax too much.

Unfortunately, many people actually do miss their flights due to listening to music with headphones on high volume. Whether it’s last call for boarding or an important gate change message, make sure that you’re paying attention to your surroundings and any announcements.

Access to the Business Longue with an Economy Ticket

If you’ve booked yourself a Business or First Class ticket, then you’re in luck because you’ve been granted complimentary access to the Business longue in between your flights at the airport. However, if you didn’t book Business or First Class in advanced, there might still be a way for you to gain access to the longue.

Sometimes, if you walk up to the longue you can actually pay a small fee to enter and have access to all of the luxury and comfortable seating, work stations, and complimentary food and beverage. However, rumor has it, that if you approach the reception desk in a polite and pleasant attitude, they might let you enter free of charge!

You Can Get Compensated for Giving Up Your Seat

There are all sorts of unwritten laws and loopholes when it comes to working the system at the airport.

You know how one of the most stressful things that can happen to you at the airport is to be booked for an overbooked flight? But that can actually work to your advantage in the best of ways, especially if you have a flexible schedule!

More often than not, if you give up your seat and agree to fly on a different flight, the airline will upgrade you on your new flight. An on top of that, they might even throw in a little bit of compensation, too! Like staying at a nice hotel or a financial reimbursement.

If You Dress and Act the Part, You Might Get a Free Upgrade

If you have a light flight with understanding staff – whether it’s at the check-in stand or on the flight itself – asking for a complimentary upgrade never hurts. Rumor has it that if you dress and act the part, you might actually receive what you ask for. So dressing up in more formal attire rather than those comfy athletic pants and oversized sweatshirt, might actually help you out! The worse they are going to do is say is no, right? But if they do say yes, then it’s incredibly rewarding!

TSA Agents Might Unwrap Your Gifts

There’s nothing like receiving a beautifully gift-wrapped present and being able to rip it open to get to the surprise. But remember, TSA agents are there to inspect and protect, so they might actually unwrap any presents that you pack in your bag for your friends and family, no matter how beautifully wrapped it is. We suggest to either wait to wrap it when you get to your final destination, or put the present nicely in a fun gift bag.

Which Line in the Shortest in Theory?

We talked about how picking the line with the least amount of TSA agents is usually the fastest when going through security, right? But which line is normally the shortest?

Well, there have been studies claiming that people intuitively will pick to turn right, which makes sense. We drive on the right side, the right always has the right of way, and most people are right-handed.

With all of that in mind, in theory, lines located on the left side usually will have less people and be shorter.