Over the past two decades, airport security has increased substantially.
Before the 21st century, most pre-flight security measures consisted of an ID check and a scan with a metal detector. Now, getting through security can involve an inspection of your baggage, a full body scan, and more.
After years of complaints from flyers about how slow this made the airport boarding process, the TSA implemented a program called PreCheck. With PreCheck, one can answer questions, pay a fee, then be allowed to enter a reduced, faster-moving security lane—with occasional random inspections of travelers with PreCheck ensuring its security.
But just how random are these screenings?
How Often Can You Get ‘Randomly Selected’ For A TSA Screening?
In a video with over 41,000 views, TikTok user @relmwithbote explains why he’s “fully convinced that the PreCheck ‘random’ is not random.”
“I take flights two, three times a week. Hundred flights in a year, right?” he starts. “I get pinged one leg of the flight regardless.”
On the first leg of his trip, he says that a woman two places in front of him got randomly selected. This made him think he wasn’t going to get chosen—and yet, “what do you know? ‘Random!’”
Then, on the second leg, he says he was “randomly selected” again.
“It’s like, dude, this is not random, and you cannot convince me otherwise,” he states.
In a comment, he clarifies that he has not only PreCheck but Clear and Global Entry as well.
Is TSA’s ‘Random Selection’ Truly Random?
The TSA insists that random selections really are just that: random.
On the TSA’s website, the agency says it employs “unpredictable security measures” in order to enforce its stated goal of making air travel safer. This sometimes includes randomly selecting passengers for additional screening.
However, independent investigations into this “randomness” indicate that there may be some patterns employed by the Agency in order to determine its random selections.
As reported by Lifehacker in 2019, certain behaviors can mark you for additional security selection. This can include paying for a flight in cash or buying a one-way ticket. Additionally, the ACLU notes that there are accusations that the agency employs a series of methods to determine who is selected that are “unscientific and unreliable.” There are also allegations of racial discrimination being a factor in determining random selection.
There’s also a chance that the TikToker may share a name or appearance with someone on the TSA’s watchlist. This has been known to impact one’s likelihood of being chosen.
Is There Any Way You Can Reduce Your Likelihood Of Being Selected?
If you believe you’ve been unfairly targeted for repeated additional screenings at airport security, you can apply for the DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP).
This is a program designed for people who repeatedly face security issues when traveling. According to the website, one of the issues that may require someone to apply for DHS TRIP is “repeated additional screening.”
By applying for the program, you can state your case and, effectively, clear your name. Following a successful outcome, you are given a Redress Control Number, which can then be added every time you book a flight. From there, the likelihood of being selected for screening goes down significantly.
Commenters Say It’s Happened To Them
In the comments section, many users claimed that they, too, were consistently selected for additional screening.
“It definitely is not random. I’ve had PreCk, I’ve had Clear. I always get pulled,” wrote a user. “Its a running joke within my family. it’s ridiculous at this point. I am now 65 and still get pulled. like wtf.”
“I get stopped every April beak as a teacher! Pat down etc., My friend who travels with me, has a medical license. Not once a pat down. This makes me wonder,” added another. “Side note..she nor I carry anything not legal!”
“I get picked every single time. I asked once, they said it’s my last name. It’s too common. So I’m flagged,” declared a third.
@relmwithbote Getting it on both legs of the flight is something
BroBible reached out to @relmwithbote via TikTok comment.