Airports today feel like high-security fortresses, but it wasn’t always this way. There was a time when flying felt almost glamorous—and the rules? Way more relaxed.
From meeting loved ones at the gate to casually strolling through security with a full bottle of shampoo, here are airport behaviors that used to be totally fine… and are now absolutely forbidden.
14. Greeting Arrivals at the Gate
Meeting someone at the gate used to be a movie-worthy moment, complete with hugs and homemade signs. Today, you’re lucky if you can find decent cell service outside baggage claim.
13. Smoking Indoors at the Airport
Airports used to be clouded with cigarette smoke and ashtrays on every table. Now you’ll be fined, shamed, or both if you light up anywhere near the terminal.
12. Bringing Full-Sized Liquids Through Security
Want to carry a big bottle of lotion or your favorite soda? Tough luck. These days, the 3.4-ounce rule reigns supreme.
11. Flying Without an ID
Believe it or not, people used to board planes without flashing a government-issued ID. Today, you need everything short of a retinal scan to get through security.
10. Carrying a Pocketknife or Nail Clippers
Once considered everyday items, pocketknives and even nail clippers were totally fine to toss in your carry-on. Post-9/11? Not a chance.
9. Boarding Without Taking Off Your Shoes
There was a time when your shoes—and dignity—stayed firmly on your feet. Now everyone’s shuffling barefoot through security like it’s a TSA-sponsored sock hop.
8. Leaving Your Bag Unattended
You used to be able to leave your suitcase on a chair while grabbing a coffee. Today, doing that sparks a full-blown security alert and a suspicious side-eye from fellow travelers.
7. Arriving at the Airport 20 Minutes Before Your Flight
Travelers used to breeze in last-minute and still make their flight with time to grab a snack. These days, if you’re not there two hours early, you’re playing with fire.
6. Using Paper Tickets from a Travel Agent
Remember when you had to guard your paper ticket like it was made of gold? Now it’s all mobile check-ins and scannable barcodes—no paper, no problem.
5. Bringing a Loved One Through Security Without a Ticket
You could once grab a “companion pass” and help grandma make her connection. Today, the only way to help is through phone calls and prayers from the lobby.
4. Packing Liquor or Wine in Your Carry-On
Back then, you could throw a bottle of booze in your bag and call it a day. Now it better be in your checked bag—or purchased after security in a sealed duty-free bag.
3. Walking Straight Onto the Plane Without Security Screening
Long ago, some small airports didn’t even have metal detectors. Now, even a forgotten belt buckle gets you pulled aside for extra screening.
Read More: Bill Gates Predicted Virtual Assistants Before Anyone Else
2. Walking Someone All the Way to the Gate
Back in the day, friends and family could escort you straight to the gate for tearful goodbyes or last-minute pep talks. Now, unless you’re flying, you’re stopped at security with nothing but a wave.
Read More: 10 Hidden iPhone Features You Had No Idea Existed
1. Saying Goodbye at the Jet Bridge
Once upon a time, tearful goodbyes happened right at the plane door. Now, all partings happen way back at the TSA line, surrounded by people taking off their belts.
