Let’s Talk About It…

When you fly as much as we do, you start to realize that airport security isn’t just a process — it’s a cultural experience.

Here in the U.S., and particularly in my home airport of Atlanta, TSA is like the Chick-fil-A drive-thru on a bad day. You’ve got long lines, people who apparently didn’t realize liquids in your carry-on are still a no-no after twenty years of hearing it, and agents who oscillate between “good morning, welcome” and “step over there and don’t touch anything.”

In Atlanta, I can count on three things:

The Marathon Walk – From the drop-off to the security checkpoint feels like a cardio session. If you didn’t pack your walking shoes, congratulations, you just made your bad decision of the day. The Shoe Shuffle – Without TSA PreCheck, you’re almost guaranteed to be peeling off your shoes, belt, and dignity while trying not to hold up the line. Bag Drama – If I had a dollar for every time my bag got pulled for “secondary screening,” I could charter my own plane and avoid the whole circus. And it’s always over something like my travel-size peanut butter or a suspiciously-shaped hairbrush.

Now here’s where I admit — I’ve gamed the system. I have all the things: TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, and the new digital ID in my Apple Wallet. In Atlanta, this means I can often glide through in minutes while others are still debating if they have to take out their laptop (spoiler: they do). It’s glorious. It’s efficient. It’s worth every penny — if you fly often enough to use it.

If you’re flying twice a year? It might not be worth the cost and the application hassle. But if you’re like us and airports are basically your second home, PreCheck, CLEAR, and that digital ID are your VIP passes to sanity.

Now, about going abroad—a few examples…

France:

Flying out of Paris, I braced myself for Atlanta-level chaos. Instead, I was greeted with a calm, almost polite security experience. Sure, they still check your liquids and wave the magic wand if you beep, but it’s done with a certain je ne sais quoi. The French TSA-equivalent doesn’t seem personally offended by your existence. They even smiled when I said “Bonjour.” I about fell over.

Mexico:

Mexico’s airport security feels more like a high school field trip chaperoned by very thorough aunties. They’re quick, efficient, and a little warmer in their delivery — but don’t get it twisted, they will absolutely make you open your bag and pull out that one random thing you swore you didn’t have. They also seem to have a sixth sense for spotting snacks.

Dominican Republic:

Oh, the DR. Flying out of Punta Cana, I learned that security there is a fascinating blend of relaxed island energy and serious authority. You’ll get through quickly if you follow instructions, but they’re not playing around. And yes, they might swab your hands for…reasons that remain a mystery to me. All I know is, I passed and kept moving.

The Verdict?

In the U.S., especially Atlanta, TSA can feel like a gauntlet you must survive to earn your boarding pass — unless you have the “fast lane” combo of PreCheck, CLEAR, and digital ID. Abroad, I find the process a little less soul-sucking and slightly more…human. Either way, I follow the rules, smile when I can, and keep my toiletries in a clear bag like it’s my badge of honor.

Because at the end of the day, whether it’s Atlanta’s “Ma’am, I’m gonna need you to step over here” or Paris’s “Madame, if you please,” the mission is the same — keep us safe while we get where we’re going. And if that means I’m taking my shoes off for the 437th time, so be it.

XOXO, Jani

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