Airport Security: What Happens to Your Bag and What to Put in the Tray

At airport security, your carry-on bag goes through an X-ray machine while you walk through a scanner or metal detector. You will usually be asked to remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone, such as laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles, and place them in a tray with nothing on or under them. Liquids, gels and aerosols follow separate rules that depend on the airport you are flying from. Packing properly and knowing what to take out can help you avoid a manual bag check.

Who this affects

These procedures apply to anyone passing through airport security with carry-on baggage. The exact steps can vary by country and airport. In the United States, TSA screens approximately 3.3 million carry-on bags for explosives and other dangerous items daily, and approximately 1.3 million checked bags daily. If you are flying from an international last-point-of-departure airport into the United States, you may experience a more extensive screening process and should prepare for additional screening of your property and personal electronic devices.

What to do step by step

1. Before you reach the checkpoint, check your bag for prohibited items and follow the liquids rule. How and what you pack can impact the screening process.
2. At the checkpoint, listen to the instructions of the security officer. Procedures can change from time to time.
3. Remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone from your carry-on bag and place them in a bin with nothing placed on or under them. Common examples include laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles.
4. Leave most food in your bag unless told otherwise. In most cases, food or snacks such as fruit, health bars and sandwiches can stay inside your carry-on bag. There are special instructions for liquids, gels and aerosols, as well as for baby food, breast milk and medically necessary items.
5. Handle liquids as the airport requires. You may have to put liquid containers in a separate, transparent, resealable plastic bag. If the airport asks for this, the bag must hold no more than a litre, measure approximately 20cm x 20cm, and the contents must fit comfortably so it can be sealed. The bag must not be tied at the top. You are limited to one plastic bag per person and must show it at the security point.
6. Separate powders if asked. TSA officers may instruct travellers to separate foods, powders and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine. Powder-like substances over 12 oz. / 350 mL in carry-on may require secondary screening.
7. Walk through the scanner. You will be asked to remove all items from your pockets, including non-metallic items, and walk into the imaging portal. Stand still for a few seconds while the technology creates an image, then exit and collect your belongings.
8. If you set off an alarm, you may be asked to undergo a pat-down or additional screening. You may be able to decline imaging technology screening in favour of physical screening, but some passengers selected for enhanced screening will be required to undergo it.

What to wear and how to prepare your bags

Wear clothing that does not set off alarms unnecessarily. Persons wearing head coverings, loose fitting or bulky garments may undergo additional security screening, which may include a pat-down. A pat-down will be conducted by an officer of the same sex. Certain metal body piercings may cause the machines to alarm and a pat-down may be required.

Keep your bag organised. TSA recommends keeping your bag organised to help ease the screening process, because it takes time for officers to make sure a jam-packed, cluttered, overstuffed bag is safe. Food items and powders in your hand luggage can obstruct images on X-ray machines, and your bags may need to be checked again manually by security.

Costs and timing

Timing depends on the airport and date of travel. TSA encourages travellers to contact their airline, as times may vary, and in general to allow time for parking or shuttle transportation, airline check-in, obtaining a boarding pass and going through the security screening process. If you are flying from a last-point-of-departure airport into the United States, arrive early to allow enough time for the screening process.

Exceptions

• Liquids for medical or dietary needs: You can take liquid containers up to 2 litres through security at all UK airports if they are for essential medical purposes, for special dietary requirements, or contain baby food or baby milk.
• Duty free liquids: You can take liquids bought at an airport or on a plane through security if the items are sealed inside a security bag when you buy them and the receipt is sealed in the security bag and visible. Do not open the security bag until you reach your final destination.
• Baby formula and breast milk: In the US, formula, breast milk, toddler drinks and baby/toddler food in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces or 100 millilitres are allowed in carry-on baggage and do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag. Inform the security officer at the beginning of the screening process.
• Frozen items: You cannot usually carry frozen items in your hand luggage, for example liquid, food or ice packs. There are some exceptions for medicines, medical equipment and dietary requirements, and for baby food and baby milk.
• Pets: Remove your pet from the carrying case and place the case through the X-ray machine. Maintain control of your pet with a leash and remove the leash when carrying your pet through the metal detector.

What is not yet confirmed

The rules for taking liquids through security in hand luggage have changed at some UK airports. Check with the airport before you travel. Countries outside the UK might have different rules on carrying liquids as a transit or transfer passenger. Check these rules with the relevant airlines and airports before travelling.

This guide is general information. Rules and procedures can change, so check with your airline and the airport you are flying from before you travel.