TSA - What should i expect?

Hi everyone!

Im from the UK and off to the Caribbean in march, woo!

My flights are via New york and Houston.

I understand that security there is pretty heavy in US, so while im bored i just wanted to get an idea of what to expect!?

My visit is purely as a tourist, nothing dodgy.

Should i prepare for a anal cavity search? haha

A light coating of baby oil, applied liberally to all clothing covered parts of your body.

David "Cop-a-feel" will select you for "random intensive screening". " 'xcuse me... while I kiss the sky!"

Are you a male? Traveling alone? How long in advance did you buy the ticket? All of this raises flags. I travel up to twice a week, but I always travel on short/no notice.

I actually have no idea if it will be that big an issue. Do people have to go through US customs if they fly into an airport on a purely layover type basis?

Also, I am assuming that you listed both the "going there" flight as well as the "return" flight otherwise why in the heck are you stopping in two different places en route?

Anyways, here is what I do when I arrive to the TSA line:
1) loosen my belt
2) unlace shoes (slip ons are GREAT here)
3) take anything from my pants pockets and put it into a jacket pocket
4) have wallet in hand along with boarding pass and ID/passport when you arrive to the TSA dude that will verify both

From here, it is a simple matter of slipping my shoes and belt off, dropping them into a tray along with my jacket (with full pockets) and then drop the tray and any carry on type bag onto the x-ray conveyor machine thing. You will be asked to either walk through a metal detector or the new fangled body scanner. You can refuse and then let the TSA do a pat down, wherein they will discover that cleverly hid cucumber taped to the inside of your left leg. Many lulz will ensue and you will be on your merry way. I typically head to a bar/pub for immediate alcohol refreshening after the above... after, of course, I get me shoes and belt and stuff squared away

I will be returning, im volunteering at a zoo in belize.

there is no direct flights there hence having to go to New york and Houston,

I only have to wait 3 hours at new york, but have to change terminals....

im also wondering how i get from one terminal to another seen as though im not staying in US, will i have to be escorted to the other terminal?

thanks for the responses, im sure ill be fine, just wondering thats all

reply to post by sonofliberty1776


I am male, travelling alone, booking my ticket next week, for beginning of march

reply to post by roguesoul
You are not traveling at last minute, so that will help. Just expect the normal checks. I would dress in shorts, flip flops, and a t-shirt. It will make the groper's jobs easier. Unless you opt for the x-rays. I would not worry too much.

Cheers guys,

still wondering how i get from one terminal to another but i'm sure my travel agent will tell me this info when i book!

rant over!

reply to post by roguesoul


It can vary airport to airport I suppose, depending on what the layout and such is. For instance, in Seattle the airport tram is located after going through security (if memory serves). In San Francisco the tram is prior to security points (someone correct me here if I am wrong.. I get the Bart and terminal tram mixed up sometimes ).

Either way, I hope someone can chime in as I am a little curious now myself. Or in the least, report back after the trip and tell us!