One of YouTube’s most well-known travel experts has shared a common mistake that could see tourists have items confiscated during a journey with stopovers.
Megan runs the YouTube channel Portable Professional, posting videos in which she uses her past experiences on planes to share tips and tricks to avoid scams and make the most of the flight.
In one of her most recent videos, Megan suggests that flight passengers should make sure they are prepared for security checks at their stopover airport.
She advised: “When flying internationally with connections, a mistake travellers make is not preparing for additional security checks. It’s important to prepare for security checks just as you would when you arrive at the airport for your initial flight departure.
“Liquids that are stored in containers of 3.4 ounces (100ml) or smaller must be placed in a clear, single, quart-sized (950ml-sized) bag to go through the security screening.
“So, if you filled up your water bottle before boarding your first flight but didn’t drink it on the plane, or if you grabbed an extra can of soda from the flight attendant during your flight, make sure to either consume these or dispose of them before your next security screening.”
During international stopovers, it is likely that tourists will need to go through security before they can reach the airport gate that they need for their next leg of the journey.
Much like the initial security check, this will require themselves and any cases they are carrying to be screened.
As a result, it is important that tourists stay prepared, having all of their liquids in a clear bag and electrical items easily accessible to avoid causing stress and delays.
In addition, Megan also recommended that those taking a flight involving a stopover should avoid buying any duty-free items that could count towards their liquid allowance.
She added: “Also, avoid buying liquid items, such as bodywash, at the airport before your initial flight.
“It’s frustrating to buy something new, only to have to throw it away at the second security screening you will likely go through between flights, especially if you have an international connection.”
Finally, Megan highlighted the importance of researching the restrictions imposed by the specific airports that tourists are visiting to avoid getting caught out.
She continued: “Another big mistake that travellers can make on a layover is not realising that the security screening process might vary by country, and sometimes even by airport.
“The type of reuseable liquids bags accepted can differ across regions. For instance, the bags that are standard in the US might not be acceptable in Europe, where you might need to transfer your items into a smaller bag, potentially forcing you to discard some of the things that don’t fit.”