Travelling through airports can be a stressful experience, with the hustle and bustle of thousands of passengers, the stringent security checks, and the rush to catch flights. But have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes, particularly through the eyes of those tasked with keeping us safe? Jeff Price, an airport security coordinator-trainer with over three decades of experience, recently shared some fascinating insights with Fox News Digital that might just make you rethink your airport behaviour.
As Australians who love to travel, whether it’s jetting off to Bali or taking a longer haul to Europe, it’s crucial to understand the subtle cues that could raise eyebrows among airport security personnel. According to Jeff, who is also a professor of aviation management at the Metropolitan State University of Denver, security staff are trained to look for ‘clusters’ of suspicious actions, not just isolated behaviours.
What are these red flags that could potentially mark you as a person of interest in the eyes of airport security?
Firstly, dressing inappropriately for the weather can be a telltale sign. If you’re decked out in a heavy coat on a sweltering summer day in Sydney or wearing shorts and flip-flops during a Melbourne winter, you might just stand out for all the wrong reasons. Security personnel are trained to notice these anomalies as they could indicate someone is trying to conceal something or is not genuinely travelling for the reasons they claim.
Another seemingly innocuous behaviour that could draw attention is excessive yawning. While it might just be a sign of an early morning flight or a long layover, Jeff Price notes that ‘exaggerated yawning, lots of yawning’ could be interpreted as a sign of stress, as people tend to yawn more when they’re anxious and seeking more oxygen.
A lack of eye contact is also on the radar. Avoiding eye contact or exhibiting what Jeff calls ‘the thousand-yard stare’ can be a red flag, especially when combined with other suspicious behaviours. On the flip side, engaging in an excessive amount of conversation with security officers might seem like you’re trying too hard to appear casual or distract them from their duties.
And it’s not just visual cues that are important. An overuse of perfume might seem like an attempt to mask other scents, and aggressive or threatening behaviour is a serious concern. These small details can raise suspicion, but it’s also important to consider how your overall conduct may be perceived.
Dressing comfortably and appropriately for your journey, staying calm, and being cooperative with security staff are all ways to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure a smoother, stress-free airport experience.
What’s your experience with airport security? Have you ever been stopped for something you didn’t think was a big deal? Or maybe you’ve worked in security and have some interesting insights to share—let us know in the comments!
