14 Rude Things Virginians Do in Airport Security Lines
There’s something about airport security lines that transforms an otherwise average Joe (or Joanna) into being downright rude. It’s not even TSA’s fault. Most of the time, it’s the passengers.
One passenger’s having a loud phone call, another’s arguing with TSA about his energy drink, and someone else just forgot to pull out their ID… again.
These are some of the rude things travelers do who turn a 10-minute security process into a 30-minute mess.
Cutting in Line
You’ve seen it—the passenger who casually slides past five people in the airport security line while acting like they don’t notice anyone behind them.
Maybe they pretend to be looking for someone up ahead or act like they’re confused. Either way, they somehow end up right in front of you.
And, no, they didn’t ask if it was okay.
Cutting in line is not only rude, it’s unfair to people who’ve been waiting. Everyone’s got a flight to catch. Just because someone’s running late doesn’t mean they should get a free pass to skip everyone else who showed up on time.
Sometimes, passengers even bring up excuses like, “I have a tight connection!”
But unless the TSA or airline pulls them forward, it’s not their call.
Acting Entitled About TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck is a great program. It lets you skip some of the usual security steps—like taking off your shoes or removing laptops from your bag—which helps the whole process move faster.
But some folks with PreCheck act like it makes them royalty. They roll their eyes at regular passengers, cut into lines they don’t belong in, or brag about it like they invented the program themselves.
This kind of attitude doesn’t just come off as rude—it also creates confusion. Sometimes PreCheck lines are closed, or the signs aren’t super clear, and people with PreCheck still try to push their way through the regular line like they deserve special treatment.
If a TSA agent directs them elsewhere, they act like it’s a personal insult.
Having TSA PreCheck is a privilege, not a free pass to ignore basic manners. It’s meant to make things smoother, not stir up drama.
Most PreCheck members are polite and helpful. But the few who act like they’re better than everyone else?
They give the whole thing a bad name.
Not Having Their ID and Boarding Pass Ready
One of the most frustrating things is when someone reaches the front of the line and acts totally surprised they need to show ID and a boarding pass.
It’s not a plot twist. There are signs everywhere, and the TSA officer is literally asking for it. But somehow, there’s always that one person digging through their bag like they’re hunting for buried treasure.
This slows everything down for everyone else. Passengers behind them are stuck waiting while they fumble through their wallet and check their jacket pockets for a crumpled boarding pass.
All it takes is being a little prepared. If folks would just take 10 seconds while waiting in line to pull out their ID and boarding pass, the whole security experience would move faster.
Leaving Kids to Wander
Some parents let their kids run wild in the security line, like it’s a playground instead of a federal checkpoint.
While they’re busy getting scanned or digging through bags, the kids are ducking under ropes, touching other people’s luggage, or disappearing around corners.
It’s not just irritating for others—it can be dangerous.
TSA agents aren’t babysitters, and neither are the strangers in line. Everyone’s already juggling shoes, bins, and electronics. Having to keep an eye out for someone else’s toddler adds extra stress nobody signed up for.
It only takes one second for a kid to wander somewhere they shouldn’t.
Of course, traveling with kids isn’t easy. But even a little effort to keep them close, distracted with a snack or game, or holding a hand can go a long way.
Hovering at the Conveyor Belt for No Reason
Once passengers get through the scanner, some of them like to stand right at the end of the conveyor belt—even if their stuff hasn’t cleared through the X-ray machine yet.
They stare down the belt like they’re waiting for their suitcase at baggage claim, blocking everyone else from grabbing their bins.
This causes a jam. People who are ready to go can’t reach their things, and the bins start stacking up. TSA workers end up having to ask folks to move aside just to keep the line flowing.
The smarter move?
Step back and keep an eye on your bin from a little distance. You’ll see it coming, and you won’t be clogging up the area in the meantime.
Holding Up the Line to Argue With TSA Agents
It’s never a good idea to argue with a TSA agent. Whether it’s about taking off shoes, removing electronics, or ditching that bottle of shampoo, the rules are the rules.
Yet some people act like the checkpoint is a courtroom and they’re about to win a case.
These passengers argue about what counts as a “liquid” or insist they’ve flown with this same item ten times before.
Spoiler: it doesn’t matter. Arguing doesn’t change the rules—it just slows everything down and makes the agents’ jobs even harder.
Not only is it annoying, it also makes everyone behind them late. The agent often can’t let others pass until the argument is settled.
So, even if you disagree with the rule, just follow it and keep it moving. The security line isn’t the place to debate airport policy.
Leaving Liquids and Laptops in Their Bags
Anyone who’s flown more than once should know the drill: take your laptop out, and any liquids need to be in a clear quart-size bag. But somehow, the occasional non-newbie passenger acts like they’ve never heard this before.
They send their whole suitcase through the scanner and then get confused when it gets pulled aside for extra screening.
This delay disrupts the flow of the entire line. A TSA agent has to unpack their bag, check each item, and explain the rule—again. Meanwhile, everyone else is stuck waiting, watching it all unfold like a scene from a sitcom they didn’t sign up to watch.
It doesn’t have to be this way. There are announcements, signs, and even pictures to explain it.
Being prepared and following the rules helps everybody get through airport security faster. But when someone acts like it’s 1999 and the rules don’t exist, it’s just plain inconsiderate.
Taking Forever to Remove Shoes and Belts
You’d think people would use their time in the airport security line to get ready. But nope—some wait until the very last second to untie their sneakers or yank off their boots.
It’s like they’re surprised they have to take their shoes off, even though it’s literally the same every time.
Then there’s the belt removal. One guy’s over here trying to unbuckle his giant leather rodeo-style belt while holding up his jeans with one hand and blocking the conveyor belt with the other. It turns into a whole performance, and nobody’s clapping.
It doesn’t take much to be ready. Slip-on shoes help, and maybe don’t wear a belt the size of a seatbelt if you know you’ll be going through TSA.
A little prep makes a big difference, and it keeps the line from turning into a bottleneck of belt buckles and untied laces.
Blocking the Conveyor Belt While Getting Dressed
The moment some passengers clears the body scanner, they stop dead right at the conveyor belt to get fully dressed like it’s their bedroom.
They’re casually putting on their coat, tying their shoes, strapping on their watch, adjusting their scarf while ten other bins pile up behind them.
The problem is that everyone else’s stuff is stuck. You can’t grab your own bin because someone’s blocking the entire area doing a full wardrobe change. It’s not a dressing room—it’s a grab-your-things-and-move area.
The best move? Take your items and step to the designated bench or open space. It keeps things flowing and avoids creating a jam.
It’s totally fine to take your time—just not right at the conveyor belt.
Ignoring Personal Space Rules
Airports can be chaotic, but that’s no excuse to forget about personal space.
Some people stand so close in line that you can feel them breathing down your neck. Or they start shoving their bin up on the conveyor belt before you’ve even finished putting yours together.
There’s no need to hover like you’re trying to steal someone’s PIN. Everyone’s going to get through the security line eventually, and crowding just makes people uncomfortable—not to mention cranky.
Giving passengers a little breathing room makes the whole process way more bearable.
You wouldn’t want someone stepping on your heels or bumping into you while you’re taking off your shoes, so why do it to them?
Trying to Bring Prohibited Items and Acting Surprised
Nothing slows down a line quite like someone trying to sneak through a giant water bottle, a full-sized bottle of lotion, or a pocketknife. TSA spots it immediately, pulls the bag, and the whole thing grinds to a halt.
Then comes the classic response: “Oh, I didn’t know.”
It’s printed on your airline ticket confirmation, it’s on the website, and there are signs everywhere. Unless someone hasn’t flown since the ’80s, this shouldn’t be new information.
But still, without fail, someone acts like they’ve been personally victimized by the 3.4-ounce liquid rule.
The result? Delays for everyone and frustrated TSA workers who now have to explain things they’ve already gone through a thousand times.
Just follow the rules—there’s no reason to pretend like they don’t exist.
Arguing With Other Passengers
Tempers can run high in security lines. But when passengers start arguing with each other, things get uncomfortable fast.
Maybe one person thinks someone else is moving too slowly. Or they don’t like how someone placed their bin. Or they’re mad about someone’s tone.
Whatever it is, it turns into a full-blown squabble.
It’s awkward for everyone nearby. Nobody wants to hear strangers fight about security bins or TSA instructions. And it definitely doesn’t help anything go faster.
Instead of snapping at someone, it’s better to take a deep breath and let it go. Everyone’s dealing with stress.
Starting conflict in a space already full of tension isn’t going to improve the situation—it just makes everything worse for everyone.
Forgetting to Empty Pockets and Set Off the Scanner
You finally get to the body scanner, step in, and… beep. The person in front of you forgot to empty their pockets. Now they’re pulling out keys, coins, lip balm, receipts, and maybe a candy wrapper.
They get scanned again—and it still beeps. Maybe it’s their belt now. It’s a whole saga.
Every time the scanner beeps, the TSA agent has to recheck the passenger or call for additional screening. That adds more time to the line and makes passengers behind them more stressed.
All because they didn’t do the simple task of checking their own pockets.
It’s easy to avoid. There are signs, and the TSA agent usually verbally reminds people as they’re coming up to the bin station.
A quick check before stepping into the body scanner can save everybody time. But when people ignore the basics, it turns a 5-minute checkpoint into a 15-minute delay.
Using the Line for a Loud Phone Call
There’s always that one person who decides the airport security line is the perfect time to take a loud business call or chat with their cousin about what they packed.
They’re shouting over the noise of the airport like it’s their living room, and everyone else has to hear it.
It’s distracting and just plain annoying. Most people are already a little anxious, trying to listen to TSA agents, keep track of their stuff, and follow instructions. A loud phone talker in the middle of all that is the last thing anyone wants.
Security lines aren’t the time for multitasking. Unless it’s truly urgent, save the call for after you’re through the checkpoint.
A bonus? You might actually hear what’s being said on the other end of the line.
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