What Does It Mean When TSA Yells Bravo?

What does the word "bravo" conjure up to you? It could be a kind word given by a parent for a job well done. Or maybe it's the channel dedicated to reality TV. If you're in the military, perhaps your mind goes straight to the radio code for the letter "B." And if you happen to be in an airport, "bravo" or more accurately "code bravo," can mean something pretty serious. It's the code the Transportation Security Administration uses for a general security threat.

If you hear this over an airport intercom system, you don't necessarily need to panic. There are a variety of issues that can trigger a code bravo, like unattended luggage or someone acting suspicious. Considering some of the bizarre things discovered by airport security, from pigeons hidden in a man's pants to a sword cane, suspect passengers are probably a pretty common occurrence. But "bravo" could also signify more serious like a potential terrorist incident or someone being spotted with a weapon.

Along with the phrase "code bravo," the security announcement may also be followed by the word "freeze." What exactly is meant by this has come under some debate. Some sources allege that by yelling "freeze," TSA officers scare passengers as a way to more quickly assess the origin of the threat. Many people believe they're supposed to freeze wherever they are in the airport. But back in 2011, a TSA spokesperson told The New York Times that passengers who are not actually in the security line aren't required to freeze in place when they hear this. Those in line at the TSA checkpoint may be required to stay where they are. 

Oftentimes, when the TSA uses code bravo, it's a drill for officers to hone their skills at quickly reacting to potential threats and shutting down security checkpoints. These exercises usually take place twice a year during slower times at airports across the country. And considering the TSA is understaffed at many locations — just one of the secrets airports don't want you to know about — they could probably use the training.

From the moment you walk into the airport, you're being monitored. Even before you reach the security line, the TSA is using threat assessments and risk-based strategies to focus on unknown or high-risk travelers. Besides screening you and your baggage for any potential weapons, explosives, or anything else dangerous, the agency has added other layers of security. These include procedures like wiping your hands with a cloth and running it through an explosive trace detector to see if you've been around any type of explosive. In some locations, the TSA has also begun using facial recognition technology.

If the TSA uses code bravo and it's not a drill, the agency has determined there's a potential threat that requires urgent attention, and this might include a surge of agents entering the area of concern. Some of these threats include security breaches into restricted areas or even a potential terrorist on the loose. So if you do happen to hear a code bravo call over an airport loudspeaker, be vigilant, but don't panic.