With ever-evolving rules and everyday items newly flagged , traveling in 2025 can be more stressful than anyone would like to admit.

Beyond the official procedures, Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) also have a collection of insider secrets and unwritten practices that most passengers are unaware of—adding another layer of surprises to the airport experience.

1. TSOs use code words to discreetly communicate

Former ORD TSO, Jason Harrington, shared with Mental Floss that there are secret codes used for annoying or attractive passengers . A supervisor even told him that if a particular passenger was being annoying, he could describe them as “very nice” to discreetly signal the need for a prolonged screening.

2. Confiscated or forgotten items get sold

If you’ve ever wonde

See Full Page