Thanks to new CT scanners rolled out recently at UK airports, it’s now possible to place your bag on the conveyor belt without the inconvenience of unpacking liquids, and in some cases electronics.
That should, in theory, make things speedier in the security lane for holidaymakers. But, while some airports such as London City have reported the scanners have increased the pace of queues, there remains the possibility that your bag could be set aside for a second hand-search.
This can cost you precious time at the airport, especially during busy travel periods when bags pile up.
As a frequent traveller, I’ve picked up a number of tips which help me to avoid setting off the new scanners. We’ve also reached out to Smiths Detection, a major manufacturer of 3D scanners used in UK airports, to figure out what else travellers could be doing to avoid having their bags checked manually by security staff.
Read on for the five mistakes to avoid if you want to speed your way through airport security.
1. Keeping all items in your bag
Due to the new scanners, you may spot signs at security instructing you to leave your bag fully packed, including liquids and electronics.
But I’ve come to learn that certain items I travel with set off the scanners, for example a powdered protein supplement in a sealed bag or tupperware. Because of this, I’ve begun voluntarily unpacking items that seem to trigger second searches, placing them beside my bag in the tray.
Security staff may encourage you to leave your bag packed when placing it on the belt, or ask you to explain why you’re unpacking items. I’ve had no issues in this instance, but always follow their instructions if they insist you leave your bag packed.
Choose your cabin bag wisely this summer with a 2. Layering electronicsOn my most recent flight, I travelled with both a tablet and laptop, stowed in a protective pocket in my backpack. This seemed to trigger a manual search, with security asking me to unpack both items for closer inspection.
Smiths Detection confirmed that layering items in this way is a mistake to avoid, adding: ‘where possible, avoid stacking multiple electronic devices directly on top of one another in cabin baggage. Instead, place them side by side,’ it told us when we reached out for more information.
3. Packing water bottles incorrectly
Another item I’ve noticed getting attention from security staff at the airport is my double-walled insulated water bottle. For that reason, I’ll always empty it and place it into the tray alongside my bag — although if you’re keen to avoid delays, you could forego these types of items altogether.
4. Getting mixed up on new liquid rules
But watch out on your return journey — many EU airports still follow the previous rules, and may confiscate liquids over 100ml, or that do not fit into a transparent bag on your way back home.
5. Forgetting to check for bookable security slots
A growing number of UK and EU airports now offer passengers the chance to pre-book security slots for free. Many airports offer the slots to help ease congestion at peak travel times, and they can be a method for spending less time queuing to go through the scanners.
source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/airport-security-rules-aHpWR9b1ICCX