TSA reveals type of pants most likely to set off its airport alarms as it prepares for festive travel rush - and they're VERY popular

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently revealed the type of pants most likely to set off airport alarms ahead of the holiday air travel rush.

To the surprise of many travelers, the culprit behind the alarms is an outdated fashion choice. 

As a record 7.5 million people are expected to take to the skies over the holiday season, travelers would be wise to avoid this type of loosely-cut pants to make their airport experience smoother.

Cargo pants tend to set off airport alarms most frequently, Lorie Dankers, a spokesperson for TSA told DailyMail.com. 

The reason is simple: body scanning machines are not trained for the attire featuring large utility pockets big enough to store just about everything 

The record-breaking of 7.5million air travelers will turn airports into the busiest they have ever been during the Christmas and New Year's travel period. 

As experts recommend travelers plan their trips in advance, TSA revealed the type of pants that set off airport alarms the most often and cause delays in the security screening process. 

The clothing 'may needlessly alarm the security equipment because it’s bulky in the pocket area,' Dankers said. 

'Travelers should know that the pants may alarm the body scanner due to the double thickness of the material in the pocket area,' she added. 

In fact, pants with numerous pockets and compartments, like cargo pants, have long been dubbed 'the worst to wear' when passing through TSA. 

Former TSA agent Enter Kimberly Pruitt said last month: 'Cargo pants and shorts are one of the most difficult items of clothing at the airport.' 

In an interview with Who What Wear, Pruitt said. 'All the different pockets become a major hassle because they almost always set off the alarm. 

'When being told by an officer to remove everything from your pockets, there is always a lighter or set of keys that you've forgotten in a hidden pocket.'

To prepare for the festive travel rush, travelers may also consider not wearing maxi dress, skirts, metal bracelets and necklaces. 

'If you are opposed to getting patted down, then wearing a maxi skirt or dress isn't your best bet, because the officer will have to check you are not hiding anything under your skirt,' Pruitt said. 

'Large metal bracelets and necklaces will set off the metal detector,' Pruitt said. 'The biggest problem item is the Cartier Love bracelet.'  

'These bracelets can only be removed with a screwdriver, so they become an issue when going through security. It might be wise to put your jewelry on after screening to avoid a pat-down.' 

More than 7.5 million people are expected to fly during the year-end holiday period, the highest since the American Automobile Association started tracking the data in 2000. 

The trend is seen as an extension of the busy Thanksgiving travel period this year,  when a record 2.9 million passengers was screened by US airport security.  

Last year bad weather and airline meltdowns led to chaos at airports across the country, with many devastated passengers missing out on festive celebrations with loved ones due to severe flight delays and cancelations. 

Book your flights well in advance or reconsider your airport outfit to ensure you're not the one holding up the security line.