I’m an airport security guard – these four mistakes will always get you stopped at the scanners
AIRPORT security officers have warned passengers about making big mistakes that could get them held up on their way to their flights.
Some people still aren’t sure about what they can and can’t have in their hand luggage or checked bags, leading to longer delays than necessary.
That’s why the Transport Security Administration (TSA) in America have launched their Know Before You Go campaign, to help travellers pass through airports with minimum fuss.
John Essig, TSA’s Federal Security Director at John F. Kennedy Airport recommends passengers pack their bags with airport security in mind, so items can easily be removed to be scanned.
He said: “Planning ahead and packing properly can facilitate the security screening process and ease a passenger’s travel experience at the airport.
“That’s why it is important to know what can be packed in carry-on and/or checked baggage before arriving at the airport.”
John said that knives and liquids were the main items that held people up at security, with people simply not understanding the rules.
He continued: “We are seeing a lot of travellers arrive at our checkpoints with beverages and a variety of knives.
“It’s important to remember that liquids, gels, aerosols and spreadables are limited to 3.4 ounces (100ml) in one clear bag in carry-on bags.
“Finish that bottle of water, energy drink or cup of coffee before you get to the checkpoint.
“Pack the larger shampoo, toothpaste, sunblock and hair gel in a checked bag. As for knives, if you must travel with a knife, please pack it in your checked bag.”
As part of the campaign, the TSA also provided some tips to stop passengers getting caught out by unexpected items.
They said that travellers should start with a completely empty bag, so they know with certainty that there is nothing prohibited in a side pouch, zipped pocket or hiding in the bottom.
That goes for backpacks, roller bags, handbags, messenger bags, shoulder bags, laptop bags, duffel bags and any other carry-on bag or luggage.
There are some items that passengers might not realise will get them snagged when passing through security, including a sticky British breakfast item.
Passengers at London City Airport are frequently asked to chuck away jars of Marmite at the security gate.
The consistency of the spread means that it is considered a liquid and therefore breaks the 100ml rule that is still in place at most UK airports.
Someone travelling through Bristol Airport found that out the hard way when they tried to take some Marmite on their travels.
They tweeted: “Security stole my Marmite as apparently it’s a liquid.
“We literally ate 3/4 of a jar in front of UK airport security at Gatwick because we didn’t know it was a liquid & proceeded to be ill for the whole flight to Dublin.”
Snow globes are also high on the often-confiscated list at London City Airport.
The airport’s COO Alison Fitzgerald told Sun Online Travel: “It’s because, unlike most toiletries, snow globes rarely have a clear label that indicates how much liquid is inside.”
Meanwhile, here are all the dos and don’ts of travelling through airport security.
And here are the snacks you should never buy at the airport to eat on the plane.