Checklist for the security check at an airport, the body scan, the X-ray machine and at the customs gates

What are the general rules for a quick and safe security check at customs?

• Carefully read the rules, which can vary by country and security company. These are often readily available both at the airport and online.
• Be aware of expected lines and wait times. Crowds can be predicted.
• Be aware of the distances between the security checkpoint and the gate (where you board the plane). Sometimes it's just a minute's walk, but often much longer!
• Make sure you arrive well in advance to accommodate any delays or sudden long waiting lines.

How do you get through airport security gates safely?

• As with many official institutions, a friendly face and a smile often get you further than an irritated look. Everyone is in a hurry, and all customs officers have to check everyone.
• Leave your phone and cameras alone as much as possible. A selfie with a security officer is only a good idea if your plane is already extremely delayed.
• If you're singled out for an extra check, stay calm. Random checks are done, and there isn't always a reason.

How can you get through customs and security gates at an airport faster?

• Make sure your carry-on is packed with packing bags and other items, so everything can go in and out quickly and easily.
• Make sure your passport is in an easily accessible pocket in your hand luggage.
• Make sure your boarding pass is easily accessible, for example, in your passport, or easily accessible on your phone if you have an online boarding pass.
• Make sure your phone is fully charged and has signal if you save things online and haven't downloaded them directly.
• Check if you're in the designated queue if there are multiple queues for specific groups... although sometimes it's better to accidentally be in the wrong, much shorter queue (and have a good story to tell, like a plane that's about to depart).
• Take advantage of the options some airports and airlines offer for priority access through customs.

What clothes are best to wear if you want to go through customs and security faster?

• Wear comfortable pants that don't require a belt, or that you can easily remove beforehand and put in your carry-on.
• Don't wear shoes with rings, metal or metallic decorations, etc. You may also need to remove high-top shoes (higher than your ankle).
• Wear shoes that are easy to get in and out of (also handy for the plane) and that you can walk a reasonable distance in to the gates.
• Try to put jewelry that you can't easily remove in your carry-on beforehand, rather than keeping it.
• In many countries, a somewhat neat appearance at customs is a good idea. The chance of being picked out and having your belongings turned upside down can be significantly reduced. So even if you have a connecting flight and have been on a plane for 12 hours, freshen up before you get back in line.

What can you do to pack smartly, and what is and isn't allowed in your carry-on?

• Make sure everything is as easy as possible to get in and out of your carry-on luggage.
• Keep your electronics and liquids easily accessible.
• Pack liquids in quantities of no more than 300/400 grams (this rule may not last much longer). Keep all liquids together, preferably in a plastic or durable, transparent, and waterproof bag.
• Empty your water bottle before going through security.
• Check local regulations. In some countries, you're not allowed to board a plane with odorous food, while in others, a piece of fresh fruit might cause troubles with the law.
• Carefully check the list of what you can and cannot take in your hand luggage.
  • See also: What are you not allowed to take on the plane or in your carry-on luggage?

What can you do while waiting in line?

• Take off your jacket and put it in your bag or hold it over your arm.
• Empty your pockets.
• Put your belt in your carry-on luggage (so preferably don't wear sagging trousers).
• Put your passport and boarding pass in an accessible compartment of your carry-on luggage.

How do you put items in the security tray for the X-ray machine at the security check?

• You put your coat in the first tray, then your carry-on luggage on top. Or if that's not possible, you put your hand luggage in a second tray.
• You often don't need to remove your laptop, tablet, and other electronics from your carry-on luggage. However, this isn't the case in all countries.
• Everything in your pockets needs to be removed (from loose change to your handkerchief). A separate bag or plastic bag is often more convenient and safer than throwing everything loose in a tray.
• Once your tray goes onto the conveyor belt and starts moving, you go through the security gates yourself. You'll often get a signal from the staff whether you can go through, or there's a green and red light.
• Once through the security gates, you might be frisked again, or something might be discovered in your luggage on the scanner that they want to check. No worries, just let it wash over you, and before you know it, you'll be back on your way.

What can you do if you have a physical or other disability during security checks?

• If you are frisked, please inform staff in advance if, for example, a prosthesis, a stoma or sensitive/painful areas are involved.
• If you need more time to go through security for another reason, you can often let them know in advance, and special arrangements are in place. Check the rules of the airports you are using.