What’s New
Netflix’s holiday thriller Carry-On has captivated audiences with its portrayal of airport security, centering on a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent who is coerced into allowing a dangerous package onto a flight.
While the film has been a major hit, becoming Netflix‘s most-watched film in the U.S. in December, it takes some creative liberties with TSA protocols and airport security procedures.
Newsweek reached out to Netflix by email for comment.
Why It Matters
Carry-On debuted on Netflix on December 15 as part of the platform’s holiday season releases. The film stars Taron Egerton as Ethan Kopek, a dedicated but conflicted TSA agent. The plot follows Kopek as he navigates a high-stakes situation when a stranger coerces him into compromising airport security to save his partner.
The film has quickly become a global sensation, claiming the No. 1 spot on the platform’s global top 10 chart with an impressive 42 million views in its first week of release, marking the biggest opening for Netflix this year.
What To Know
While Carry-On captivates audiences with its thrilling plot, it takes significant creative liberties with TSA procedures and airport security operations.
Jessica Mayle, a spokesperson for the TSA, highlighted some of these inaccuracies, noting the compromises that were made to produce one of the year’s biggest hits.
No, TSA Doesn’t Play ‘Contraband Bingo’
The movie shows TSA officers playing “Contraband Bingo.” Mayle denied this. She told Newsweek: “We have never heard about anyone playing checkpoint bingo—and certainly not with things permitted in carry-on baggage. TSA highlights unusual prohibited items on social media, but such games are not part of our operations.”
Opting Out of Scans Comes With Consequences
The film suggests passengers can refuse scanner screenings with few consequences. Mayle clarified this: “All passengers must be screened before entering the sterile area of the airport. In the rare instances passengers refuse, they are denied access.”
A Single Officer Breaching Security? Unlikely
A single compromised officer causes a major security breach in the movie. Mayle addressed this, explaining: “Given TSA’s layered approach to security, with intelligence and risk analysis as a basis, it is unlikely the scenarios the movie presented could evade the TSA airport security apparatus at the nation’s airports.”
Holiday Accessories and Chants: A Local Call
TSA officers are depicted wearing holiday accessories and chanting during shifts. “There are no rules on holiday accessories and chants, and permitting them would be a local leadership decision,” Mayle said.
Student IDs at the Airport? Possible But Delayed
A scene depicts a student using a student ID as identification. “In the event someone arrives at the airport without acceptable identification—whether lost, stolen or otherwise—they may still be allowed to fly,” Mayle said. “The TSA officer may ask the person to complete an identity verification process, including collecting information such as name and current address to confirm their identity, though this will cause delays for the individual.”
Security Breaches Would Prompt Immediate Action
The film portrays a security breach while the airport continues normal operations. “TSA is always operating at a high level of security, and employees are in a constant state of vigilance,” Mayle said. “The agency maintains a risk-based, intelligence-driven approach that includes multiple layers of security, both seen and unseen.”
Despite the movie’s dramatized liberties, Mayle appreciates that Carry-On captured aspects of TSA officers’ dedication and teamwork while calling attention to their essential role in keeping travelers safe.
“The film ultimately portrayed our front-line workforce in a good light, even if the main character did not make the best decisions initially,” she said.
What People Are Saying
Carla Hay, film critic, on Rotten Tomatoes: “Carry-On is a preposterous but entertaining thrill ride about an airport security agent caught up in a deadly terrorist plot involving a smuggled carry-on suitcase. The movie doesn’t take itself seriously and has well-cast heroes and villains.”
T.J. Fixman, the film’s writer, to The New York Times: “We just tried to capture all the little inconveniences that just become big ones. I have actually been stuck behind someone who only brought their school identification, something we show in the movie.”
What Happens Next
The TSA plans to use the attention generated by the film to emphasize the importance of accurate security protocols and to encourage travelers to stay informed through its social media and outreach efforts.
The post TSA on What Netflix’s ‘Carry-On’ Gets Wrong About Airport Security appeared first on Newsweek.
