What It Really Means When TSA Swabs Your Phone

Random smartphone screening will be administered, which could keep you waiting longer, so be sure to get to the airport with plenty of time to spare, practice breathing and relaxation techniques, and don't let it get to you. As a result of the risk of terrorism on board an aircraft, TSA may swab your phone while you're going through security. During this check, as an additional precaution, the agent might also ask you to turn your phone on (if it's isn't already) to make sure it isn't faulty. If there is any sign that the phone's battery is at risk, they may prevent you from taking it on board. This is in response to a series of smartphones' lithium batteries catching fire mid-flight around 2016.

So the next time TSA swabs your phone, hands, or other belongings, know that they're testing for traces of explosive chemicals to ensure it is safe to board the aircraft. Here's what to expect if you're selected for random screening.

Knowing what to expect will help ease the entire process. Firstly, TSA officials may choose to swab anything from your hands to your phone, laptop, or hand bag. This usually just takes a second, and the swab is then inserted into a detection machine used to check for traces of chemicals related to explosives, narcotics, and other dangerous substances. Some chemicals they swab for include nitrates and glycerin — and glycerin is often present in hand sanitizer. So if your swab comes back positive, there's no need to panic, but further testing will be required.

TSA screening selection is typically random, but not always. There are certain involuntary warning behaviours that are considered suspicious, such as constant fidgeting, yawning, coughing, blinking too much, staring at the ground. So while it's always best to relax while going through security, if you're selected for a phone swab, it could be for a number of reasons and there's no need to feel stress or take it personally.

Always follow instructions and comply with the TSA officer's requests to ensure your screening process goes smoothly. To minimize potential delays, always have your phone and other electronics easily accessible even if you're going through TSA PreCheck. If you realize your phone is out of battery before you go through security, it may be worth finding a place to charge it for a few minutes in case they select you for screening and want you to turn it on.

It's also important to know your rights as a passenger. For example, if you're randomly selected and feel uncomfortable with the screening happening publicly, you can opt for a private screening. You may choose to do this if your test swab comes back positive for one of the chemicals they're looking for. TSA are not allowed to search the contents of your phone as part of this swab test. If they ask you to turn it on, it should just be to confirm that it works. If for any reason you feel you are being treated unfairly, you can request to speak to a supervisor —just make sure you do this in a polite manner. It's helpful to keep in mind that the TSA agents are conducting these tests as a safety precaution for all passengers.