Preparation starts when you pack
Most delays at the security checkpoint happen because something needs to be taken out, unpacked or explained. You can avoid most of that before leaving home. Pack liquids, if you are carrying any, in one clear bag near the top of your cabin luggage. Put laptops and tablets where you can slide them out in one movement. Keep cables, chargers and power banks together in a single pouch so they appear as one tidy item on the scanner screen.
Check your departure airport's website for its current rules. Some airports have new scanners that let you leave liquids and electronics in your bag, while others still ask you to remove them. Knowing in advance saves guesswork at the tray.
Dress for the checkpoint
Belts with large metal buckles, chunky jewellery, heavy boots and jackets with lots of zips can all trigger the walk-through detector or a body scan alert. On travel day, choose simple clothing and shoes that slip on and off easily in case you are asked to remove them.
Empty your pockets before you reach the front of the queue. Coins, keys, phones, wallets and lip balm can all go straight into your jacket pocket or a zipped section of your bag, which then goes in the tray as a single unit.
In the queue
Use the waiting time to get organised. Have your boarding pass ready if it is checked at the entrance, take off your jacket and put your phone away. When you reach the tray area, place items in the order the staff request and push the tray forward promptly so the person behind can start.
If you are travelling with children, a pushchair or medical equipment, let staff know early. Many airports have dedicated lanes for families and passengers who need assistance, and those with AeroVista Flex fares can use the fast lane where available.
If your bag is pulled aside
A bag selected for a manual search is not a sign of trouble. Something on the screen simply needed a closer look, often a dense item such as a jar, a book stack or a tangle of cables. Stay calm, follow the officer's instructions and answer questions plainly. Repacking neatly after a check is easier if your bag was organised in the first place.
Leave enough time before your flight so a random search does not cause stress. Boarding gates can be a long walk from the checkpoint at larger airports.
Good to know
- Keep all electronics and cables in one pouch for a cleaner scan.
- Empty your pockets into your jacket before reaching the trays.
- Check your departure airport's current liquids and electronics rules online.