Woman claims she walks straight to her gate without going through TSA. Then calls people ‘slow’ for slamming her ‘airport hack’

A TikTok user had a tip on how to make your time at the airport shorter. The only problem was that almost nobody believed her — or approved of it. She claimed you’ll never be late for your flight if you simply skip the line for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening. What followed was a mix of people misunderstanding what she meant and others who couldn’t believe the audacity of the suggestion.

The original post was shared by TikTok user @bonni3barker. In the video, she says, “It ain’t illegal to skip TSA. It may be unethical, but it’s not illegal.” Because she was walking through an airport as she spoke, many viewers initially assumed she meant bypassing the security screening altogether.

She later posted a follow-up video clarifying that she wasn’t talking about avoiding security, but rather cutting ahead in the TSA line. She called anyone who misunderstood her “slow.” Addressing people who said they would physically stop her if she tried to cut in front of them, she insisted they wouldn’t actually do anything. And if anyone did confront her, she suggested they wouldn’t like the outcome. “Play with your momma and them kids,” she said. Both videos quickly went viral and were reposted across X and other social media platforms.

She didn’t want to get PreCheck

According to the Daily Dot, many users on X questioned whether the scenario had even happened. After all, social media is full of people exaggerating —  or inventing — stories for engagement. Some wondered whether her insistence that she regularly cuts TSA lines was simply another internet fantasy.

For travelers looking to spend less time waiting, there are legitimate options. One of the most popular is TSA PreCheck, which allows approved travelers to use expedited screening lanes without removing shoes, belts, light jackets, or laptops at participating airports. Enrollment costs vary depending on the provider, with programs typically ranging from around $80 to over $200 for several years of membership.

One user suggested she simply get PreCheck, to which she responded that she would never pay hundreds of dollars for something she could “get for free.” Another commenter offered a more diplomatic alternative, writing, “You can kindly ask. Most people are understanding if your flight is tight. However, if you start causing a disruption they can deny entry… so just remember to move with kindness. And if people say no, the answer is no.”

That comment, however, didn’t receive a response. Many of the thousands of replies accused the creator of being “broke,” arguing that was why she refused to pay for expedited screening. That criticism did prompt a reply. She fired back that many of the people calling her broke had never even been to an airport themselves.

Treat others how you want to be treated

Whether she actually cuts in front of people at airport security is impossible to verify. But judging by the reactions online, many people felt it was a strategy that would eventually test the patience of the wrong traveler.

A good rule of thumb in public spaces is to treat others the way you’d want to be treated.