Have you ever wondered why it seems like the security checkpoint rules are different at each airport? It turns out it’s the technology at airports that determines the process for checking your ID and bags at TSA checkpoints.
According to an article in The Washington Post, some TSA checkpoints have credential authentication technology, which is the machine that takes your ID, takes your picture, and checks your flight booking. If the airport where you’re traveling doesn’t have this technology, then you’ll have to show your boarding pass too.
When it comes to checking your bags, some airport lanes have newer scanners where you can just leave everything in your bag. If that’s not the case and your lane is using older technology, then you might have to remove electronics that are bigger than a phone. Sometimes these rules even vary within an airport.
TSA checkpoint rules were the jumping off point of the conversation for the What’s The Buzz segment on “Live In The D” Monday. Jason Hall with RiDetroit and comedian Melanie Hearn appeared on the show to talk with host Tati Amare and guest host Dave Mishevitz about the airport experience.
First, Tati asked the group if they feel like they know the TSA rules at the airport. Then she asked if they have TSA PreCheck or if they wait in the regular airport security checkpoint.
Jason and Melanie said they both have TSA PreCheck.
“I PreCheck, but sometimes it’s not worth it,” Melanie said. “You still have to go through all of the rigmarole.”
“I didn’t know how much I would enjoy PreCheck until I got PreCheck,” Tati said. However, she mentioned that at one airport, the PreCheck line was longer than the regular line.
There’s currently a trend on social media called the “Airport Theory” where people are trying to arrive at the airport and get to their gates in as little time as possible, so next, Tati asked the group how early they arrive at the airport.
“I’m done with the two-hour thing. I think 90 minutes is good,” Melanie said.
Jason said he won’t even do 90 minutes.
Next, the group talked about where they want to sit once they’re on the plane. Tati says she wants a window seat so she can lean.
Melanie says she needs the aisle seat. Dave said he thinks that it’s good to be in the back by the bathroom and the food on an international flight.
Watch the video above to see the rest of the group’s conversation.
