With the arrival of summer, airports in the United States fill up with travelers ready to enjoy their vacations. But the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has tightened its rules to ensure that security checks are quick and trouble-free. Not following them can be costly, from fines to losing benefits like TSA PreCheck.
Stricter measures against bad behavior
TSA has sent a clear message: no disrespect or aggression toward its agents will be tolerated. Starting in June 2025, pushing, insulting, or threatening an officer can lead to fines of up to $17,000, arrests, or being removed from the checkpoint. This also means losing your access to TSA PreCheck for several years, which means longer lines and more waiting.
The reason is simple: bad behavior doesn't just affect one traveler, but everyone in line. Every time an incident occurs, the screening stops, bags are checked again, and thousands of people are delayed. That's why TSA has decided to toughen the rules to keep safety and order.
What you don't know can be costly
Many fines come from breaking rules that most people don't know or ignore. For example, carrying weapons, even unintentionally, can mean very high penalties, reaching up to $15,000 per violation.
Also, insulting or threatening an agent can mean fines of up to $4,500. If the behavior becomes a serious problem, you can face criminal charges and jail time.
To make matters worse, the FAA allows fines of up to $37,000 if the bad behavior happens inside the plane. That means a fight or tantrum on board can cost you more than an entire vacation.
Items that complicate your security check
Every year, TSA confiscates thousands of items that, although they seem harmless, are prohibited or improperly packed. In 2025, large sunscreen bottles, fuel, banned drinks, and machetes or replica grenades are confiscated.
These items force agents to stop the screening process, which delays everyone. In addition, each suspicious item undergoes a secondary inspection that can prolong your wait.
How to get through quickly and without trouble
The good news is that by following a few simple rules you can avoid delays and hassles. Here are some tips:
- Pack with security in mind: don't bring prohibited items or excess liquids.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that are easy to remove.
- Keep your electronic devices accessible so you can take them out quickly.
- Be kind and polite to the agents; they have a tough job and appreciate courtesy.
- If you want to record videos, ask for permission first; communication is key.
- Check your pockets and luggage carefully before going through the checkpoint.
Respect and cooperation help lines move faster and everyone reach their destination without trouble. According to supervisor Cheryl Gonzales from Denver airport, "every time a traveler says 'please' or 'thank you,' it helps everything work better and faster."