Gee: Wait, what?! TSA thinks officers sitting down makes airport security worse
Oct 1, 2026, 2:00 PM
A TSA agent checks a traveler's identification at a special TSA Pre-check lane. (Photo: John Moore, Getty Images)
(Photo: John Moore, Getty Images)
I’ve been through airport security enough times in my life to know there are plenty of things we could improve about the experience. Long lines, yes. confusing rules? For sure!
Having to take your shoes off, empty your pockets, pull out your laptop, and somehow keep track of everything while the person behind you is acting like they’re trying to qualify for the TSA Combine? We can talk about all of that, but apparently somebody looked at airport security and decided they had found another problem: The TSA officer checking ID’s was sitting down.
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Wait, what?! When did sitting down become unprofessional?
The Transportation Security Administration has told officers who check IDs and boarding passes that they must stand while performing those duties. Chairs are being removed from those checkpoints, with the agency arguing that standing helps officers remain vigilant and creates a more professional and welcoming experience for travelers. Umm, when did sitting down become unprofessional?
I have never walked up to a TSA checkpoint, handed somebody my driver’s license, noticed they were sitting in a chair, and thought, “I don’t know, this doesn’t feel safe.”
This is like middle management that comes up with something ridiculous just to make it seem like they’re doing something. If that officer can verify my identity, check my boarding pass, and make sure I’m supposed to be getting on that airplane, I don’t care if they’re sitting in a La-Z-Boy. Just do the job. That’s what should matter.
We have this strange workplace obsession with making people look busy instead of asking whether they’re actually doing their jobs well.
Cashiers have to stand. Retail workers have to stand. Security guards have to stand. Sometimes employees aren’t allowed to sit even when there’s absolutely no reason the job requires them to be on their feet.
Why? Because somewhere along the way, we decided standing looks like work. If TSA has evidence showing that officers make fewer mistakes or identify more threats while standing, then show us the evidence. That’s a legitimate conversation, but if the argument is simply that it looks more professional? Wait, What?!
Listen to Gee and Ursula on “The Gee and Ursula Show” weekday mornings from 9 am to 12 pm on KIRO Newsradio.
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