Seemingly normal behaviors that TSA will watch you like a hawk for at the airport
Opening your eyes too wide
Come to think of it, is there anything about eyes that doesn't put TSA agents on edge? Some people are more comfortable with eye contact than others, but there has to be a happy medium as far as the TSA is concerned. Staring with wide-open eyes is one of the behaviors security looks for when identifying potential security threats. Though it may seem excessive, staring or being overly alert can mean that the person is agitated, nervous, and highly aware of the environment around them.
An individual looking to commit a criminal act will be acutely studying the area and may appear highly strung as they're concerned about being caught. If you're the type of person who tends to observe everything around you in finite detail, be aware that you may need to tone it down a little when you're passing through security. But don't look down either — just keep it natural, and you'll sail through and be on your flight in no time at all. Well, hopefully.
Wearing too much perfume or cologne
It's completely natural to want to smell nice and wear an extra spritz or two of perfume or cologne when gearing up for a long trip. After all, we often get a little sweaty when traveling, and doubling down on scents may seem like a good stopgap until we can get a hot shower at our destination. Sadly, TSA agents may not be wondering if that's Chanel No.5 you're wearing. Instead, they could be worried about what you're trying to hide. What may seem like a nice smell to you may be a sign that you're trying to mask the scent of something you don't want to be discovered.
For all the agent knows, you packed on the perfume to try and disguise the smell of illegal substances or harmful chemicals. To keep things moving along as they should, just wear a standard deodorant and keep scents to a minimum. Furthermore, sitting next to someone on a plane who smells overpowering (even in a good way) can be uncomfortable and headache-inducing, so you'll also be doing your fellow passengers a solid with this one.
Making jokes about potential threats
No matter how much of a seasoned traveler you are, it's common to feel a little nervous when approaching security, even if you don't have anything to hide. After all, most TSA agents are pretty stern as they have one heck of a job on their hands. It's important to bear that in mind before you start cracking jokes about violence, smuggling drugs, or any other situation that would get you in trouble. You may think you're making light of their day and breaking the ice but believe us when we say it won't go down well. Leave the ice as it is.
It could raise suspicion and leave you red-faced if they give you a dressing-down about how unfunny your quips are in front of other travelers. We hate to state the obvious, but there's absolutely nothing amusing about these sorts of jokes. Not only does it make you look like you have little respect for the process, but it could make other passengers around you nervous. Everyone knows what the TSA is looking out for, so keep it moving. Read the room.
Clearing your throat repeatedly
Many of us have had to travel when we've been under the weather for one reason or another. If you've paid thousands of dollars for a vacation, you aren't going to cancel it just because of a cough. While the TSA knows that people catch colds and illnesses all the time, they may look a little closer at you if you keep clearing your throat during the security process. This behavior is on the TSA's watchlist, most likely because it can be a symptom of anxiety or nervousness. Even if this is something you do frequently because of a related health condition or stress disorder, the TSA will pick up on it.
