A security officer has revealed a common mistake the majority of passengers make when going through airport security, and doing this will get you stopped and searched.
An airport worker has revealed the most common mistake passengers make when going through security – that leads to them being stopped the majority of the time. Going on holiday is exciting, but it can also be stressful. A security airport for one of London’s busiest airports has shared advice to help you avoid delays getting to your gate.
On average, London’s Heathrow Airport handles approximately 1,300 flights per day across all four terminals. According to OAG, it’s also one of the busiest airports in the world. One important thing to note is that travel restrictions are different depending on the country.
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It’s best to learn the rules beforehand to avoid getting stopped and getting second-hand embarrassment. He told Travel Radar: “Your bags will be rejected and have to be manually searched if you don’t remove certain items – these are CAA and DfT rules we have to follow, and we have no power to change or circumvent them.”
The security officer also explained that there’s always a reason why people have to empty their pockets or their bags. Whenever unsure, ask any member of staff. Otherwise, be prepared to have a ten-minute bag search.
Whenever travelling, it’s important to empty all of your pockets before passing through, as the scanners can detect anything that may seem suspicious. Even an extra pocket on your trousers could set the red alarm.
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Most importantly, travellers are to pack smartly, considering the number of items they’re bringing with them and their shape. For instance, some countries have ditched the rule of putting all liquids under 100ml in a transparent plastic bag, and can now be spread in the luggage. However, some airports still ask travellers to do so.
As a former check-in agent, there was a time when a passenger had to have his luggage searched because he had a toy shaped like a gun, but it turned out to be a harmless water pistol. Those items are better off left at home – and I’m sure this passenger learnt his lesson for his next time travelling.
With Brits heading off to sunny destinations for the summer, it’s best to take precautions when it comes to travelling. If you’re a nervous flyer, it’s best to get to the airport with time to spare, but either way, it’s best to avoid getting stuck at security.
Have you ever had an encounter at the airport while going through security? Let us know in the comments below.
