Breezing through Airport security

Before you can board the plane, you need to go through airport security. 
Depending on the airport and border control rules,  you may need to go through security again before boarding a connecting flight.

If you keep to the rules and come prepared, it should be a quick and easy process.

Keep in mind that queues at security checkpoints can be long and that there might be delays.
Always allow enough time to go through security. 
Part of the security check is to go through a metal detector scanner.

The basic steps are:

• Queue to go through security
• Put belongings into x-ray bins
• Walk through the metal detector scanner or any other scanners the airport may be using e.g. Full Body Scanners
• Collect your belongings.

 What to expect at airport security

Step 1 - Queuing

While standing in the line remove items that will trigger the scanner:

• Keys
• Wallet
• Watch
• Spectacles
• Bulky jewelry
• belt with metal buckle etc.

Temporarily place these items in your hand luggage.
Remove your jacket, coat or jersey.

Security personnel will direct you to the different checkpoints, advise you what to do, or ask you security related questions e.g. is there a laptop in you bag. 
You may be asked to present your boarding pass or some form of identification.

Step 2 - Put belongings in the x-ray bins

You need to put the following into the x-ray bins for scanning:

• Laptops, computer pads and electronic readers (all removed from bags)
• All bags and hand luggage.
• The contents of you pockets (if not already placed in your hand luggage)
• Any jackets, cardigans, hats, etc. Some head coverings may be kept on as long as it is not too concealing. If you are asked to remove your head covering, you may ask for this to be done away from public view.
• Any bulky jewelry, watches, wallets and sunglasses (if not already placed in your hand luggage)
• Any belts containing metal buckles etc. (if not already placed in your hand luggage)

Step 3 - Go through scanners

Wait in line to go through the metal detecting scanner.  Security personnel will indicate to you when you can go through.
Only one person at a time is allowed to go through.
When you trigger the scanner while walking through, it will make a sound. You will be asked to make sure that you don't have any metal objects on you and go through the scanner again. If it triggers again you will be searched at the security point.

Children must be removed from strollers, mothers can carry babies but toddlers and children of older ages need to go through on their own. Alternatively make use of the family or assisted passenger security points if available.
Pets that fly with you in the cabin must be removed from their carriers.

 

Step 4 - Collect your belongings

Most of the time you should be through the scanners before your belongings are ready for collection, but it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your belongings. If you travel in groups ask someone to keep an eye on your belongings while you go through security scanning.
Make sure you collect everything that you've put in the x-ray bins. Make sure you take the correct items. Laptops and other electronic equipment tend to look alike. To make sure you collect your own property, put some form of identification (e.g. stickers) on them.
After collecting your belongings kindly move forward / onwards to avoid any more crowding.

What to do when things go wrong 

If you trigger the scanner, security personnel will ask you to step out of the way, and they will search and scan you. This will include a light pat-down and scanning with a device.  If any anomaly is detected, you will be asked to accompany security personnel to a private area where they will do a more intense pat-down.

You may be asked to take off your shoes after going through the security scanner - most of the times that I have been searched and scanned, it was because there were metal parts in my shoes.

You may be asked to switch on your laptop or electronic device, open your bags, or identify objects.

If security personnel find it necessary they may interview you.

If you do not understand the language, ask for an interpreter.  English is widely spoken at most major airports.

You can only be pat down by a person of the same gender.

You can ask to be searched in private.

Tips

Always be polite, and co-operate. Security personnel are doing a very important job and are trying to ensure the safety of all passengers. 

Do not use your mobile phone while at security checkpoints

Do not make any jokes using inappropriate words or anything sounding like a threat.

Do not over pack your hand luggage, you might need to open it.
Adhere to the  LAG- and prescription medicine rules - see my blog on LAG's

Make sure you don't have any prohibited items with you or in your hand luggage - contact your airline or travel agent if you are unsure. See Prohibited items for a comprehensive list

Always have your boarding pass and passport with you.
Wear shoes that can be taken off easily.
Avoid clothes that will trigger the scanner e.g. studded clothing.

  

 Passenger rights at security checkpoints

The  rules and regulations are governed by the local authorities and may differ from country to country.

Here are some guidelines

Searches by Customs and Excise Officials

TSA - pat-downs