Who doesn’t hate airport security checks? We’re sure you do. But nothing’s better than safe flying, so getting through the security checks at the airport is an essential step for all flyers. The best you can do is get through the queues without stress, so here’s a guide to the things not to do at airport security India and internationally to ensure you get through quickly!
So, if you already got your hands on cheap flight tickets, now’s the perfect time to begin preparing to beat the clock at airport check in counters.
#1 Carrying Liquids over 3.4 Ounces
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Regardless of your travel destination, every passenger must avoid carrying over 3.4 ounces or 100 ml of items, including creams, aerosols, perfumes, etc. in their cabin luggage. As per airport check in baggage rules, certain liquid items, including baby formula, medications, breast milk, etc, do not fall under this rule.
If you want to speed up the airport security check process, pack these things allowed in hand carry baggage in a transparent pouch or Ziplock bag. Always keep these items and other gels in an accessible place, like a side pocket or at the top, to avoid having to dig deep inside the bag for them.
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#2 Not Keeping Boarding Pass & Other Required Documents on Hand
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Don’t want to keep everyone waiting in line, do you? So, it is best to pull out your boarding pass and required identification documents before you reach the front. You can do so before entering the airport or as soon as you get in line.
Avoid packing important documents in check-in luggage, as digging inside your luggage at the last minute to find the required documents to show at the airport could cause unnecessary delays.
Did you forget to print your boarding pass in advance? Use the self-check-in counters to speed up the process.
Want to know more dos and don’ts in airport hand carry? Read: Hand Luggage Restrictions: Things You Can’t Carry on a Plane.
#3 Avoid Less Busy Checkpoints
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If you’re traveling abroad, one of the main things not to do at Airport Security International is to avoid the empty check-in queues. You can find additional information about the checkpoint timings and more by downloading MyTSA. The app also considers past data to tell you the estimated TSA airport wait time. You can also take guidance from the app regarding the items you should avoid packing at all costs.
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#4 Waste Time when Taking Off Jackets, Shoes, Belts, etc. at TSA Checkpoints
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When going through airport security checkpoints, as per TSA airport rules, passengers are required to take off their jackets, belts, shoes, and watches and place them on the conveyor belt.
Don’t wait till you get to the front of the line to take these off, as you will only hold up the long queue. It is not recommended to take off your shoes completely in advance. You can open the laces and keep them ready to slip in and out of when necessary. This TSA rule does not apply to those under 13 years old and seniors over 75 years of age.
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#5 Take Off Jewellery, Electric brushes, etc, during Security Checks
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No, no, you don’t need to take out all your electrical appliances on the conveyor belt. As per TSA airport screening rules, passengers must remove all appliances larger than a cell phone and place them on the belt, including tablets, laptops, etc. Following the TSA Airport security requirements, it is best to never pack your laptop at the bottom of the bag.
In some instances, if you’re wearing layered or chunky jewelry, you will have to remove it at airport security checkpoints. However, smaller and more valuable items, including wedding rings and earrings, need not be taken off. If the alarm rings, the airport security officer might ask you to remove your jewelry if needed. Doing some research on this will help you save time and energy.
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#6 Thinking of Cracking a Bomb Joke at TSA? Just Don’t
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If you think you cannot be denied entry for a bomb joke, there have been multiple cases where travelers have been arrested for cracking inappropriate jokes with the TSA. If you’re looking for a smooth check-in process, it’s best to remain cordial and answer every question honestly.
Joking is not illegal, but the consequences can be dire, so focus on completing the airport security process in silence and get out asap!
Already know all about the dos and don’ts in airport hand carry? We bet you’ll want to know: Hotel Items You Can’t Take Home & (You Can): Freebies vs. Off-Limits.
#7 Giving Yourself Plenty of Time
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Since the number of travelers has doubled over the years, you must arrive at the airport well in advance to get through airport security. The earlier you arrive, the less time you need to spend with the TSA. You’ll also get additional time to explore the airport and purchase some duty-free items!
You should always arrive two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.
#8 Not Completing TSA PreCheck
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Are you flying regularly or at least more than two times a year? The TSA PreCheck is going to be your new lifesaver. By applying for TSA PreCheck, you can speed up the TSA Airport wait times and get past the line in 10 minutes without taking anything off your person or out of your luggage. Since it’s an exclusive, paid service, all you need to do is zip past at lightning speed.
If you’re a member of the Global Entry Program, which is a security-based customs program, all you have to do is present your passport or valid residential proof at the security check. You can then scan your fingerprint and complete the customs security check process in a jiffy. Sadly, this TSA PreCheck is only available for US citizens at present. Are you traveling soon? Get booking soon, as the enrolment can take a while to complete.
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#9 Dressing Uncomfortably
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This has nothing to do with airport security checks but everything to do with your comfort. Wearing clothing that makes you uncomfortable will automatically make the security checking process feel much longer than it is. You should also choose simpler shoes that are easy to take off and on with fewer metallic accents.
You should also avoid wearing too much jewelry and hair accessories that could only cause you delays if the alarm goes off. Always check your pockets before going through the scanner, as even the smallest items could cause problems.
#10 Not Doing Research on Country Rules
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To ensure you adhere to airport etiquette, it is essential to have a clear idea of what the rules entail. Every destination has its own rules, including items that are not allowed on the aircraft. For example, passengers flying to the Maldives are not allowed to carry religious articles, alcohol, or pork products, which are not permitted in the country. A few other countries, such as:
- Singapore: No chewing gum allowed.
- Switzerland: Counterfeit watches
- Saudi Arabia: Poppy seeds
- Dubai: Photographs, pictures, oil paintings, non-Islamic texts, magazines, stone sculptures, and books that indicate other religions.
- UAE: No pork products
- Barbados: Camouflage military-type clothing
- Kenya: Plastic bags
Following these rules, your security check process at the airport, especially when dealing with TSA, is bound to be ten times smoother. Do you have any more tricks up your sleeve? Let us know in the comments below! Don’t forget to secure all-inclusive holiday tour packages and apply for online visa services for 180+ countries to go soon.
FAQs: Things Not to Do at Airport Security
What are you not allowed to take through airport security?
Items, including firearms, liquids going over 3.4 ounces, flammable substances, sharp objects, toxic fumes, lithium batteries, and many others, are not allowed to get past airport security.
What is the 3-3-3 rule at the airport?
This is a rule that makes estimating how many liquids you can carry easy. Passengers can carry three liquid bottles of 3 ounces each in their cabin baggage without worrying about additional costs.
What is not allowed in airport carry-on?
Sharp objects, firearms, and liquids beyond given measurements are not allowed in the airport carry-on. Some airlines also prohibit carrying lithium batteries.
What things are not allowed to carry in a flight?
No sharp items, poisonous or inflammable substances, heavy items that could be used as a blunt weapon, etc, are not allowed on a flight.
What needs to go in clear bag at the airport?
All liquids, aerosols, and gels must be packed in a clear bag at the airport.
Can you take homemade food through airport security check?
Yes, you can take homemade food through airport security checks; however, it is essential to check the amount of yogurt, sauces, and other liquids being carried.
What are the 5 security questions at the airport?
Five questions passengers are required to answer when passing through the TSA checkpoints at the airport are:
- Have you packed your bags by yourself?
- Have you kept a close eye on your bag at all times along the way?
- Are you carrying items for someone else?
- Are you carrying hazardous substances inside your luggage?
- Did you leave your baggage unattended at any time on the way?
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