We've all probably had some very inconsistent and frustrating TSA experiences and maybe wonder if they're just making up the rules as they go along.

Like having to put your laptop in its own bin on the way there, but not on the way back.

But the TSA actually does have a long list of things they're on the lookout for, and you probably already know a bunch of them. You probably know you shouldn't make jokes about explosives or terrorism in line.

You probably know you shouldn't travel with prohibited items.

You probably know that no matter how frustrating your experience, being a douche is going to get you pulled aside.

But there are many things you might be doing, some quite unsuspected and honestly harmless, the TSA is flagging you for.

Things like unintended protocol violations. For example, you might be complying with the TSA's rules for liquids.

You know, the 3-1-1 rule.

But forgetting to take that clear 1-quart bag out of your carry-on increases the chances that you'll be pulled aside.

I recommend keeping that bag in an easy-access place.

If 3-1-1 sounds new to you and you have no idea what I'm talking about, we've made a bunch of videos on this topic and have linked them in the description below. Switching lines without asking, like from a full-body scanner to a metal detector, can be seen as suspicious behavior.

You might have perfectly legit reasons to not go through the body scanner, and you actually have the right to opt out.

Opting out does mean that you're opting in for a pat-down, but you do have that right.

Regardless of your preference, you need to verbally opt out.

You can't just go stand in the other line. Did you know how you dress can be a red flag?

Everybody wants to be comfortable when they fly, right?

But keep in mind, overly loose and baggy clothing can actually raise suspicions, and the idea is it would be easier for you to hide something under all that fabric.

Likewise, wearing clothes that don't match the seasons or your destination can also be a red flag.

For example, a heavy coat in summer might raise suspicions and earn you a one-way ticket to pat-down city. Several of the things you bring with you can raise red flags.

You probably already know carrying large amounts of cash is going to raise some eyebrows.

If for some reason you do need to travel with a large amount of cash, you need to declare it.

But there are common and completely harmless items that make you look real suspicious, like coffee, you smuggler.

Believe it or not, carrying large amounts of coffee can raise suspicions.

Smugglers have been known to use coffee to mask the scent of contraband, so it might be better to put that souvenir coffee in your checked bag. Speaking of smuggling, TSA agents might ask you to power on electronic devices like laptops to ensure that they're functional and not hollowed out for smuggling purposes.

If your device can't be turned on, it might be confiscated or at least lead to a more thorough inspection, which is hilarious because they've also got all these rules about batteries and what types of batteries can and cannot go into checked luggage versus carry-on luggage, so keep your really dangerous battery charged, please.

Okay, no coffee, keep my laptop charged, got it.

Anything else? Yeah, unfortunately, many, many behavioral things.

Ever get nervous before a flight?

Maybe you're an anxious flyer, that's not uncommon.

Exhibiting overt signs of anxiety can trigger a search.

Are you talkative?

Being a little too chatty with your suspicious.

In fact, the TSA has an entire behavioral checklist used to, in their words, identify potential terrorists based on behaviors that indicate stress or deception.

Each behavior is worth a certain number of points.

Ever run late for a flight before?

That'll be one point.

Strong body odor?

One point.

Maybe I'm okay with that one.

Obvious Adam's apple jump when requested to submit to screening procedures.

Seriously?

And basically, if an individual racks up enough points, they get pulled aside for a screening, and then exhibit enough of a certain behavior in that screening and a law enforcement officer needs to get involved. And the problem is, most of this stuff is completely speculative and subjective, and it hasn't been proven to be backed by science at all.

Here are some of the more ridiculous ones: whistling during the screening process.

That's the most cartoony distraction I could ever think of.

Exaggerated yawning.

Excessive complaints about the screening process.

Widely open staring eyes, probably from all the unlawful drugs that you're smuggling.

Pale face from recent shaving of beard.

Appearing to be in disguise.

Are you kidding me? So here's my issue with all of this.

This approach, this assumed guilt approach has been brought under scrutiny by multiple government organizations.

After a full-blown investigation, the Government Accountability Office concluded: the human ability to accurately identify deceptive behaviors based on behavioral indicators is the same as or slightly better than chance.

And a former officer who was interviewed by The Intercept said this program and the indicators mentioned above are basically used to justify pulling aside anyone officers find suspicious, rather than acting as an actual checklist for specific indicators.

Here's what they said: "The sheet was designed in such a way that virtually every passenger will exhibit multiple behaviors that can be assigned a value." There's basically no evidence this is effective. Our normal videos here at AwayTogether tend to be fairly actionable so we can help travelers like you.

However, the deeper I got into researching for this video, the more I felt that though there are many ways you can prepare to make your airport experience smoother, there's still a strong chance you get pulled aside.

And look, I'm glad there are some precautions in place here.

We've seen the alternative, right?

We all want to know we're safe and that steps are being taken to stop bad actors.

This isn't an anti-TSA message.

I've met a lot of really pleasant TSA agents, and I know that many of them are just doing a job.

I want to give human beings grace where it's due.

But I think we'd be kidding ourselves if we didn't acknowledge this system could use a lot of work.

I know personally, as a traveler, I'm willing to subject myself to an awful lot of discomfort because I believe the destination and the journey are worth it.

And I think the best travelers are optimistic and resilient.

But here's hoping that improvements are on the way. If you want to know other common TSA mistakes to make, please like, share, and subscribe.