Airports can be stressful, and airport security is a major part of that. But becoming a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer takes a lot—even a school for it.

“We go to Atlanta for about two weeks and pretty much run through everything that you see at a typical airport,” Xylence, a TSA officer for six years, told Travel + Leisure in an interview for the “Travel, Unfiltered” YouTube series. “It’s like our college—TSA college.”

Like most federal employees, TSA officers must also take an oath of office. “Most of us aren’t there just for the paycheck,” one officer told T+L. “We actually feel like we’re doing something and keeping people safe.”

And as airport experts, they’ve curated some of the best tips for smoother travel days beyond just recommending travelers arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights.

What To Wear On A Flight Day
Travelers may think they’re best off swapping their yoga pants for something dressier for the plane, but that may not be the case. In fact, when it comes to dressing for the airport, athleisure wins, said Qua, a TSA officer for over four years.

“Anything that’s not conforming to the body is gonna result in an alarm,” Qua said. “I can’t tell you how many people have come through with cargoes and the chains and extra pockets. You’re gonna get a groin alarm; we’re gonna have to pat you down in a sensitive area. I don’t wanna do it, you don’t want it done to you.”

There’s likely a good reason for the pat down. “The thing with TSA is that, for the most part, they’re very reactive,” another agent told T+L. “So every rule is in place for something that has already happened.”

No One Is Judging Your Underwear
You may know you’re wearing undies with a giant hole in them, but no one else will. The machines work by making a digital map of what the body should look like, one officer told T+L, pointing out anything out of the ordinary.“The body scanner is just a body scanner,” said Karis, a TSA officer for four years. “We cannot see your underwear. We cannot see your bones.”

What Counts As A Liquid
At the airport, the word liquid takes on a broad meaning, and all liquids must follow the TSA’s strict 3-1-1 rule.“Things like cream cheese, jelly, applesauce, things like that also count as liquid,” Qua said. “So the idea is anything you can drink, things you can spread, it’s in the same family.”

However, completely freezing a liquid means you can bring it with you, per the TSA.

“You can definitely do that,” Qua added. “At that point, it’s no longer liquid.”

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Since we fly so frequently, we’re not unusual to be stopped at airport security for one reason or another. Over the years, we have experienced all sorts of security checks, and we have learned to take them in stride. Sometimes, we are asked to remove a jacket or hoodie, take off our belts, or step aside for a more thorough inspection. On other occasions, we may be selected for a random check for drugs, which involves a security agent checking our belongings or clothing.

After almost 14 years of world travel, we have become accustomed to these procedures at the airports we have passed through. Although it can be inconvenient, especially when we are tired after a long flight or rushing to make a connection, we understand that airport security is an essential part of air travel. We would much rather spend a few extra minutes cooperating with the security personnel than worry about whether appropriate precautions are being taken.

We have encountered security agents with all sorts of personalities. Some are friendly and chatty, while others are all business and focus on getting passengers through screening as efficiently as possible. Regardless of their demeanor, we do our best to be polite, follow their instructions, and keep things moving along.

Of course, when traveling internationally, we have to remember that security procedures vary from country to country. What is perfectly acceptable at one airport may result in additional questions at another. We have learned not to make assumptions and to be prepared for the unexpected.

After thousands of hours spent traveling from one country to another, we have come to accept these little interruptions as part of the experience. We gather our belongings, put our belts and jackets back on, and continue toward our departure gate, hoping to find a comfortable place to sit while we wait to board.

Travel has taught us to be flexible, patient, and adaptable. Airport security is just one more part of the journey, and we take it in stride, do as requested, and move on to the next adventure.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, October 18, 2016: