Millions of Brits will be jetting off to sunnier destinations this summer, but one frequent flyer has shared her top tips on how to make the airport security process a little less stressful. With airport queues often seeming endless, holidaymakers will want to avoid these fashion faux pas that could prolong the ordeal.
TikTok user and seasoned traveller Melanie (@comehangout_melanie) has said these four items could “cause you to get held up by security” – so they’re best left at home.
The first, and perhaps most obvious tip, is to avoid wearing anything metallic if possible. It’s standard procedure at airports worldwide for passengers to pass through metal detectors.
If these sensitive machines detect any kind of metal object, you’ll be pulled aside for additional safety checks, reports the Mirror.
These devices are designed to pick up potentially dangerous items, but can just as easily be set off by something harmless you’ve forgotten to remove, such as jewellery, hairpins or loose change in your pocket. Melanie advises that it can be “a pain”, so avoiding this where possible will help speed up the whole process.
She also warned against wearing shoes that are tricky to slip on and off. She said: “Most airport security, not all, will make you take your shoes off.
“There is nowhere to sit to take them off or to put them back on. If people are in a rush, you are gonna have a very annoyed line of people behind you if you’re taking a long time to get your shoes off.”
In some UK airports, passengers may be asked to remove their shoes at security checks, especially if the metal detector is triggered. This is a standard security procedure to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.
While certain clothes may be comfortable for a long-haul flight, Melanie suggests that some items are best left at home or packed in a suitcase. These items could cause issues during security checks or attract unwanted attention.
She said: “Don’t wear clothing with a lot of pockets or details on it – that includes cargo pants. There are a lot of zippers on those, which could be an issue, but if you actually store things in all of those pockets, it can be difficult to remember to take them all out. If you are in line and having to dig through all of your different pockets to clear them all out, that’s a no-no!”
Melanie also recommends avoiding baggy clothes, such as loose-fitting trousers, shirts, and flowy dresses. She claims that these outfit options are “far more likely to lead to a pat down” than more fitted clothing, suggesting that baggy items might be used for “hiding things underneath them.”
What to expect at UK airport security
Before you can jet off on your holiday, there are several procedures that airport staff need to carry out. As per the GOV.UK website, these safety checks include having your boarding pass ready for inspection – there’s no need for your passport at this stage.
If you’re carrying liquids in your hand luggage, each container must not exceed 100ml. These should be placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag that holds no more than 1 litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm.
UK airports are hoping to scrap the 100ml liquids rule this summer. But until then, passengers passing through security are still required to limit and bag any liquids they have in their hand luggage.
While queuing, take the plastic bag out of your hand luggage so it’s ready to go into the security tray. Bear in mind that liquids can include items like cosmetics, toiletries and hand sanitisers.
Empty your pockets and remove your coat, watch, and belt, along with any other metal items as you approach the front of the queue, ready to place them in the trays. You may be asked to take off your shoes, other clothing items, or jewellery before passing through the security archway or scanner.
Electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and hair straighteners should be taken out of hand luggage to be X-rayed separately.