Breaking This Unspoken Clothing Rule At Airport Security Could Get You Flagged By TSA

Scanning bags or checking passports isn't all there is to airport security. Beyond that, there are less obvious things TSA officers also look out for. They pay attention to unusual patterns or behaviors, which may include what a passenger is wearing. If someone shows up in a kind of dress that doesn't fit the current weather or that of the expected destination, it can raise suspicion — say someone is wearing a thick winter coat in the middle of July.

Airport security agents are trained to notice such inconsistencies because they could be a means to disguise or conceal something illegal or dangerous. This security approach is known as behavior detection which focuses on "verbal and non-verbal behaviour to identify persons who may pose a threat to security," according to a Joint Research Center (JRC) publication.

This means that clothing may not always just be about fashion, as it contributes to how you're assessed when dealing with TSA officers. The way you dress can be considered as part of a broader pattern involving other details like body language or travel habits. All these put together may lead to extra screening and unplanned delays. However, this doesn't necessarily mean you have to dress up for every flight. It's simply about ensuring your appearance doesn't contradict the obvious, and blends with the weather and other key contexts. As such, it would help to stay aware of everything TSA agents immediately notice about you.

Although TSA may not have specific dress codes for travelers, certain manners of dress tend to draw more attention. Something as simple as footwear could even be a problem. While flip-flops or sandals may feel convenient for some, they can be seen as red flags if they don't make sense in relation to the season or destination.

Wearing baggy or oversized clothes may also get you on the suspicion radar since they can be a great way to hide items. If you're dressed in bulky jackets in a warm climate, you might also be saying hello to a pat-down session. Shirts with aggressive words/phrases printed on them are another kind of clothing that can earn you extra TSA inspection. Furthermore, seemingly innocent accessories like hats, scarves, or excessive layers may also come across as suspicious, especially if they seem off.

Basically, the practicality of whatever you wear is important. You should for instance expect to attract attention if you're dressed in heavy outdoor gear when going to a tropical island, since the mentality of the security officers is that wearing unusual or impractical clothing is a potential sign that someone might be dangerous. Even though this may not always be the case, it's best to avoid misunderstandings or potential delays by dressing mindfully. The goal of TSA is simply to ensure everyone's safety by making sure no traveler poses a threat. And this all comes down to ensuring that nothing is out of place — from clothing to behavior to context.

To avoid clothing-related suspicion, all you need is a little foresight and planning ahead. First off, make sure you're aware of the climate conditions. If you're moving from a cold city to somewhere warm, it makes sense to dress in layers since that kind of dressing would work at both ends of your journey. Also, it's advisable to opt for clothes that fit well, rather than those that are too tight or too loose. Regarding footwear, sneakers, slip-on shoes, or flats are great options due to being practical and easy to remove at checkpoints.

Generally, it would be helpful to stay away from clothing that has too many pockets, zippers, or metal adornments, which can set off the alarm or make screening slower. Also, avoid oversized accessories or items that are difficult to remove. When you keep your dressing simple, TSA easily sees you as just another traveler, and shouldn't be inclined to think you might be hiding something.

In a nutshell, being thoughtful about your choice of clothing is all you need to save yourself time and unnecessary stress. Meanwhile, also check out the best tips to avoid getting flagged by the TSA.