Airport security reveals the four reasons why you may get stopped during the screening process

With people going off on their summer holidays, airports have been buckling under all the vacation traffic. Even though air travel has now become so commonplace, many people are still not aware of simple facts that could elevate your travel experience, such as to wear sunscreen on a plane, to never sit next to a window on a plane, or to not do these 3 things on a plane.

Coupled with this, if you do not want to lose time and be inconvenienced at airport security check-in by being stopped while getting your screening done, here are some guidelines you should follow, as advised by experts at Transport Security Administration (TSA). The Scottish Sun reports on what you should and should't do according to TSA's Know Before You Go campaign.

Plan ahead while packing

As per John Essig, TSA’s Federal Security Director at John F. Kennedy Airport, planning ahead is vital to a comfortable and easy passage across airport security. He states,

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.

For this, you should always begin packing with a completely empty bag, and check if there's anything in the side pockets etc. If you miss anything there, it could be a problem if the object raises an issue during the airport security check-in.

Take care of your knives

As per Mr. Essig, knives and liquids are some of the top commodities fliers seem to err about when it comes to the security check. If you do travel with a knife, put it in your check-in luggage, and do not carry it in your cabin bag. He states,

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.

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Pack liquids properly

The expert reiterates rules for carrying liquids,

It’s important to remember that liquids, gels, aerosols and spreadables are limited to 3.4 ounces (100ml) in one clear bagin carry-on bags.

Finish that bottle of water, energy drink or cup of coffee before you get to the checkpoint.

Some unexpected items are also classified as liquids

The Scottish Sun alsogave examples of items which might be confusing for travellers, such as Marmite. The sticky, dark brown might seem like a solid but is actually classified as a liquid. Hence, if you are travelling with more than 100ml of Marmite in your cabin baggage, you will actually be breaking TSA rules.

In fact, packing Marmite in their cabin baggage, and then being asked to remove it, has already happened to some travellers.

Snow globes are another such item. Since people can never be sure how much liquid is inside them, one could easily go over the 100ml liquid limit without knowing, and be asked to remove it from cabin baggage by airport security.

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Sources used:

The Scottish Sun: 'I’m an airport security guard – these four mistakes will always get you stopped at the scanners'