Airport Security 101: What to Know to Get Through Security Quicker 

Most important thing to bring is your patience.

REALLY useful advice for nervous travellers like myself!

Once I get through security then I can relax

The super important rule, particularly when you're crossing countries - if you don't know if it needs to come off or if you're running out of tray space, just ask. Many people are scared of getting it wrong or assume and answer and sometimes that just makes it harder in security staff, wheras if you be honest and ask them 99% of the time they'll be really helpful and understand if you're new to the process since they can then help you get through quickly.

I like to wear a hat when I travel, and it comes in handy at the security line. Before I get to the security area, I empty my pockets and put everything in the hat so it's all easier to hold until I get to the baskets. I also don't usually carry a lot in my pockets to begin with. Usually it's just my camera, phone, wallet, passport, chap stick, comb, and cloth the clean my glasses. My watch also goes into the hat.

If you stick out from the crowd, then be prepared for "extra" security checks.

I work in airport security in Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Great tips. You would be surprised how many people pass the security check and completely forget about their laptop, phone or even suitcase when they walk away. So be sure to collect all of your things. And before you start yelling to us that we made you lose your passport, be sure to check the more unlikely places that you would normally not put it: 9 out of 10 times it's right there in their own pocket. Safe flight!

One important piece of advice for newer travelers is to grab MULTIPLE bins to put your belongings in. Another is to be ready to empty your pockets, take off your shoes, etc. BEFORE you're at the tables with the bins; all those extra seconds can add up to minutes for the people behind you.

there needs to be more of these kinds of videos for new travelers. I did my very first truly international trip this summer. I was going to other side of the world. The flight had two connections. I was very nervous. I went looking for videos on how to navigate airports. there are surprisingly few covering this subject.

I registered for TSA PreCheck and it is awesome! You get through security in just a couple minutes. You don't have to remove shoes, belts, light jackets, laptops, or 3-1-1 compliant liquids. $85 for 5 years...HUGE BARGAIN!

Also , just a personal pet peeve, once you have gone through security, take your box to the repack station. Don't be that person putting your shoes on and belt back on at the conveyor belt holding everyone back up again. Pick up your little tray and move along. :)

Thanks for the video. I do not fly frequently and have never out of the USA. However, I did take a trip a few years ago to see a friend a 4 hour flight away in Phoenix, AZ. I was totally terrified because of all the changes in security by then (have not flowed for several years). I read up on all the directions and had everything I needed, but it was still confusing and I didn't know what was going on. There were different lines!!. Other people behind were getting huffy at me because I did not know where to go. It really doesn't help the situation when other people get all pissy and mad at a person who has not done this before. Instead of getting upset, maybe you could help the person who is confused instead of being a jerk.

I fly every other week. It is easy for people not to understand how things work efficiently. Be security ready when you leave home. Liquids in the top of bag just in case you need to get them out. Take jacket off in the line. I just dump my stuff down and go. Takes 30 secs

Great tips--- FYI, for those who want to go to Disney World, the Orlando airport TSA frequently makes people take snacks out of their carry-on bags (even closed, packaged snacks or things like protein bars) and put them in separate bins to go through the X-ray machine, so plan to take those out as well.

I appreciate that the security checks are for our saftety but what bothers me is when all of your stuff including passport, wallet, cell phone and other valuables are put into the bin and goes down to the xray machine without you. I am standing behind the metal detector waiting for someone to go through while my bin is already sitting way at the other end where anyone can grab my stuff and I can't even see it . I think they should allow you to accompany your bin as it travels and is inspected.

For Photographers - Only 2 Lithium batteries allowed and bagged. I typically take 3 - 4 however, thankfully hubby was able to hold two. TSA Pre-check is completely worth the $85 for 5 years if you fly domestically 1 - 2 per year min. We fly more often but pre check is only for US Domestic. Mark - thanks for this video because for seasoned travelers, its stunning that these tips aren't already known however, if you haven't flown since 2001, this definitely is helpful. My favorite comment is you cannot win with TSA BUT Boston TSA is much more enjoyable than Philly TSA. We fly out of Boston for international flights since 2015, which was the last time we used Philly as a port of entry.

This was a good refresher, as I havent flown in several years. For the ladies...I remember once my bra set off the scanner because it had the metal underwire. So now I always make sure to wear a sports bra instead.

One thing you left out is different airports have different security procedures. At Cairo airport you have to clear security three times at different checkpoints (i.e. check-in, post-checkin area and departure gate). Meanwhile at Singapore there is no security at all until you reach the actual departure gate. Hence at Singapore the time to get to your gate must factor this in. When connecting at an airport sometimes you will clear security again sometimes you won't.

I'm type 1 diabetic and so I need to take insulin which cannot go in the hold and is a liquid. My bags get checked all the time and I also always have a pat-down because I wear an insulin pump. Make sure if you've got a health condition which affects the things you carry, or even if you have had surgery and have metal plates, that you tell the security agent. I also learn a few phrases to explain what I'm carrying and why if I don't speak the language. It is quite intimidating when you get taken to the side but they are just being extra careful and it's all routine procedure :)

I love the Security to see the bags roll and people go in security because it's so fast and its very cool how they can scan. better than some parts of the travel!

I've been doing all your suggestions for years now. I learned it from traveling and experiencing these things on my own. This is a very helpful video for those who have not traveled before or not very often. Sometimes I have my shoes already removed before getting close to the line with the xray machines so I can get everything in the plastic trays quickly. I place anything that I think might be questionable close to the opening of my carryon so that I can get it out if the TSA agents want to see it. Questionable can be but not limited to odd shaped items or metallic items. Thank you for doing your travel videos. The videos are entertaining, informative and I enjoy them very much! I enjoy seeing your wife and children in the videos!

I'm preparing for my first trip. Your channel is my go-to for flight preparation! Thank you for your videos!

Everyone who flies should watch this video. If people just have everything at hand - boarding pass, passport and your bag with liquids - it would make a lot of difference on those queues.

The sound in your videos has improved immensely compared to the older videos. Nice upgrade!

I wear glasses with a thin titanium frame and those are easy to forget. TSA agents have repeatedly told me that I can keep those on but they set off the scanner.

Great video. Getting to the airport with plenty of time to spare really helps with being patient through this process.

Wolter, you always have awesome tips and great advice on your videos. So many people benifit from you sharing your amazing experiences. I know I certainly do. Keep up the good work! Looking forward to your next vid!!!😀❤

One thing that surprised me recently is that at some international airports you go through U.S. Customs. I was flying from Moncton, NB, Canada to Tampa, Florida with a change of planes in Toronto. I’m a U.S. citizen. Luckily I had a long layover and had plenty of time but other people were missing their flights because the line at U.S. Customs was so long. I’ll be flying to and from Montreal next Spring and I learned that it is the same way there, U.S. Customs at Montreal airport. I love your videos, Mark.

Good info! I’ve had to argue with security agents many times when they were clearly in the wrong and what Mark said is 100% on point. It doesn’t matter who is right, they can and will take literally anything from you and there’s nothing you can do about it. Also the rules are different around the world and are constantly changing. Come prepared for anything and take nothing of value.

Traveling to Germany on Wednesday. Thanks for the heads-up!

If you're not sure what to do when in the security line, watch the people in front of you and do what they do. This is especially true for my fellow Americans traveling abroad who don't know if they should take off their shoes or not. I also like to take all the items out of my pockets and put them in my jacket pocket which zips shut and then I put that it the tray. It's quick and easy, but I only do that during colder weather. In the summer, I have a dedicated pocket on my carry-on to place the items from my pocket when going through security. It's a good system which works for me.

Great video!! Been following you for a couple years now and I'm noticing your editing and thumbnails are getting more professional. Love seeing the growth! Keep up the great work, fellow traveler!

The one I tend to forget is if you came on a plane from europe say: and immediately are getting on another plane: you will go through security again, so be prepared.

Get TSA precheck or Global Access. Makes life much easier. I never wear pants with extra pockets on the legs; it’s an automatic pat down.

My travel belt is made of a simple plastic and strong fabric. I have never once had to take the belt off, nor do I get stopped to be checked twice. It's so convenient and I highly reccomend this method to get through security with a belt on.

Thanks guys. We're going on our first international trip soon and all of your videos have been really helpful. The thing I'm most nervous about is navigating the layover in Amsterdam.

EXCELLENT info...thank you so much! I'm flying to Paris (only my 3rd international flight ever) and this video will help me decrease flight anxiety a lot! Thank you!

I wish I seen this video before my flight to Atlanta last month. That was my first time being on a plane. So when I went through security, I had to unbuckle my belt, unlace my shoes, take everything out of my pockets (I didn't have a checkout bag at the time). I was scrambling to pull out my ID and my bording pass. Luckily on the flight back, I simply wore a t-shirt and shorts with slides and had a carry on bag for all my extra things

Thanks Mark! As a frequent US traveler I have Clear & Precheck so I usually get through the security lines pretty quickly. Where I get tripped up is at international airports where I've been complacent and forgotten some of the basic rules (forgetting to remove my belt or to take out my tablet, etc.). This is a helpful refresher.

Great tips, Mark. I recently had to renew my passport for just that reason! Precheck has been a HUGE benefit for me. I have Clear, too but it only makes a difference in big airports [like Jocelyn's favorite O'Hare].

Just after 9/11, I got caught with a blouse with a large brooch on it. It was attached to my blouse and no way to remove it. Never had anyone pay so much attention to my chest before that. That experience taught me to really think about my clothes when I travel.

Thank You, excellent video!

Great stuff! Great stuff!

*_Empty Your Pockets_* Keep in mind that you are allowed to hold your bills or currency notes while walking through TSA or while getting the wand inspection. For peace of mind and to not tempt someone, don't leave your cash in your carry-on or in the tray.

You explain it like a great teacher!

Hello from the UK, many thanks for the helpful video much appreciated.

Thank you for the great tips Mark. This is so helpful, as I should be travelling to the States next year. Greetings from South Africa

Bravo!Thanks very mutch Wolters!Great day!

Thank you wolter

Yep! He's dead on. My daughter had to pitch her favorite shampoo that was hard to find elsewhere and we are airline people and she forgot or thought she could get away w/ it:-) We went thru LAX to PIT and the TSA agent did not give my mother's boarding pass back to me so word to the wise: "Make sure the TSA agent to whom we present SO MANY of our personals and valuables" GIVES THEM BACK to you!

Great video Mark!

this was extremely helpful, thank you so much

Amazing video Wolters well done 😊😊❤️❤️

Perfect video! I leave today on a one way journey for Tunisia, Africa. This will come in handy I'm sure.

Great tips thank you.

Hey, I love your channel. I am in fact going to Africa (Zambia) tomorrow. My first time flying international and hopefully many more trips to come. See you in the skies :-)

another great video..... thank you

Thanks for the advice. I'm flying next week for the first time in five years. So my memory was a bit fuzzy on the details of what I can and cannot take through security. And, what I should do to get through security faster. Thanks for the refresher!

Thanks for the advice. My daughter flys from UK to Copenhagen tomorrow and these tips are great. Enjoy your safari. 👍

Something I do with electronics, is to get a couple gallon size ziploc bags, and put all my cords and everything in them, and my phone and iPad mini in the second one. That way, if they see something on the X-ray, they can just see it in the bag.

Awesome video thanks

very helpful! thank you so much

Thank you for this video! As much as I LOVE watching travel videos on RU-vid, I've never even been on a plane, lol. Hopefully soon though! 💕

I love your videos! I wish you had a podcast!

A couple of others, try to not get behind a newby or someone with a lot of items with them. Walk to the furthest line, it will be the shortest. Sydney airport have the grumpiest security people. Very good video, even for those of us who have done 100's of flights.

In this day and age there really is no excuse. Get informed and don't be that person. I do everything perfect and once in awhile they will do an extra check on me. I don't mind, I believe it is to show that anyone is suspect. Happy travels to all and thanks Wolters.

Good advice!

I always find the easiest thing to do when queuing in line is put all the items from my trouser pockets into my coat pocket so I don't have to gather everything out the tray and then when I get through security, I can just move everything back into my trousers.

If you're changing planes in Munich - allow for plenty of time to get through security, especially when half of Bavaria is trying to go on holiday at the same time (happened to me). And it helps to be patient and smiling even when the security staff are having a bad day (especially in Paris).

You are always really comical and hilarious when you do your videos 😂😂. I work in Alaska, and 80% of the places here in Alaska, you can only get by airplane. So yes, I am pretty familiar now with the rules and proper etiquettes of going through TSA security. But it was still fun watching this video. By the way, that is a really area you are at.

Suggestion put all the misc stuff in Zip Lock Bags

Very useful!!!

Good info!

If you have any metal in your body such as hip replacements you will get taken to one side for extra frisk/hand held metal detector. Allow extra time. The staff are always friendly and helpful so don’t be worried about it.

Patience and courtesy are the key things to have any time you are travelling. Before I approach security I have already set myself up for security. My wallet, keys, phone, coins, tissues, watch, sunglasses, pens, what ever are already in the pocket of my bag to be scanned. I don't want my valuables in a tray if you can help it as you do run the risk of somebody ahead of you taking your items while you are waiting. My Ipad is ready to be pulled out and in a separate pocket One of the bags that I'm always carrying contains professional grade camera/s and all of the kit that goes with it. There will also be all of the cables (charging and connecting) plus a number of spare batteries etc and I will always get my gear pulled aside for a manual check. Any time you have cables, batteries or electronics be prepared for that. Know how to quickly open the bag and let them get into it. I have warned people coming behind me to use one of the other queues because I will hold up the queue. If somebody is suggesting that to you, assume they know what they are talking about, unlike one German who started abusing security staff in FRA after I had warned him not to follow me when he was in a hurry. Never joke about security, but be relaxed and polite with staff. If you are rude, they can make your life hell and you don't want to have to be taken aside for further "security measures". You need to be relaxed and polite, particularly when two police officers armed with MP5 sub-machine guns come along side you because you have a positive for explosives in your camera bag. I always keep an eye on the weather for the day before I fly. There are times when airports get shut down eg too hot or more likely due to snow. If that happens more people than usual will be at the airport the following day, ie the day you are flying. Make sure you have left enough time to clear security, it is not their fault that you are late, that you didn't know that the lines would be long.

Things vary from country to country. In Australia there are no restrictions on liquids on domestic flights. But it’s a different story on international flights. Also in Australia for domestic flights you should get to the airport an hour before the flight, but 3 for international flights.

Awesome video. Those TSA agents are under so much stress. I like how you said to be nice to them. I've gotten to talk to a few in my line of work. They never know if a person going through is a quality checker checking their vigilance that could get them written up or fired. They're not going to risk it. Plus, they want to make sure we're safe as you said. Another point of advice, plan what you'll do when you miss a connecting flight with American Airlines. They are always late and I barely catch my connecting flights and sometimes miss it. It's important to have a plan for it, like a hotel you can go to or sites you can go see.

Thank you for this. The last time I flew was 2000. Yes, not everyone travels extensively or at all. To those getting angry because someone isn't in the know...too damn bad. Perhaps airports should have a line for we non-frequent flyers.

Thing is most cases the worst offenders are frequent flyers, who really should know better. I seem to be on a run of poor form though, last few flights I've been checked going through security, I know I'm 100% clean & clear but well, it happens some times, so best thing to know is to accept that it's eventually going to happen that an agent will want double check you, the less nippy you are about it the easier it is. (For some weird reason they enjoy swabbing my shoes, probably tells me that I have a questionable taste in drinking establishments!)

I'm actually over-concerned and pack all my metal stuff (even the belt) into the carry-on before going through the check-in to make it as fas as possible :D

That view behind you wow. Hmm maybe I should look into some slip on shoes I'm so slow when putting on shoes 😅

There is an exception to the 3oz/100ml rule, that is if it is medication. Although most US* or European* airports won't question a clear bag full of both liquid and solid medicine, having documentation from your doctor is advised. * I have only ever flown to Europe from the US alone/as an adult. I went to Kenya via Amsterdam, when I was about 4, but I do not remember what happened back then.

Hey Mark, as someone who has done my share of international traveling even I appreciate the extra advice. Because yes indeed we all make bone headed moves at times. The worst is usually when we feel rushed. So getting there early is always the best advice. So i was thinking as I was watching this one can you do one for checked in luggage. What can you pack? And maybe you could do a little research on what exactly happens when the bag leaves your sight? Thanks again.

It is amazing to me that every single time there are folks who are not prepared, have an attitude and no patience. Sometimes I think folks really do live under a rock or just cannot for the life of them follow rules. It isn't hard people!!

Hi Mark! This might be more in-depth than necessary for new travel folks, what is your take on clear/pre-check? Having pre-check personally I love it, though I'm also a routine flyer. I can see how it might be too much/too busy for newer flyers BUT how it also may give them more time with shorter lines/less stress of "the crowd behind me is getting angry".

Now they are checking power banks very carefully. If power bank doesn't have capacity indicator they will not let through. Even power bank looks small, if it lost indicator in wear or it was not there, need to leave it. Scissors can be about 6cm long.

If I may add.... Boarding Pass: I've found that in Asia the airline staffs prefer to give you an actual paper boarding pass. Just take it when given.

Do you have CLEAR? My husband has been using it for a couple months now and LOVES it!

Most frustrating thing I’ve seen going through security is a skydiving rig. Luckily my friend was ready with an X-ray picture of what the inside of the rig looks like. It’s not a common thing to bring through so it did take us about 5 extra minutes. The TSA swiped the rig for explosives, looked at the X-ray picture of the rig, looked at the actual X-ray of my friends rig and we were on our way.

I always put my Wallet, watch etc. In the pockets of my jacket. So iT Will not dissapear somehow

Great video. I would like to say that there are belts that have no metal, they are made with plastic buckles.

Mark, I would highly like to suggest investing in a Halo Bolt or some other battery device (yes you can bring them on the plane). This way you can get there in plenty of time and your electronics will still have a charge so you can spend time watching media while you're in the terminal waiting for your plane. Your cellphone also won't drain down. You know, that thing that has your boarding pass on it. You also won't have to sit on the floor plugged in to an outlet or sit at a table with half a dozen other people charging up their devices. Some planes also don't have a/c electrical outlets so your battery device will keep your electronics charged up in-flight.

I like to take everything out of my pockets and pack it into my carry on luggage (except ID and cell phone for my boarding pass). That way I don't have to put all my change and keys and such in a tray going through security. After I pass through security I can always get these items out of my carry on bag.

I have orthopedic shoes (and thus, they are bulky, heavy and tied up to well above the feet ;) ) A tip for those of you who wear orthopedics as well: Don’t be shy to tell the TSA agent why you are wearing tied up shoes. I’ve found most TSA agents are really relaxed about that. Usually they’ll tell you: “Go ahead, if you set off the alarm, we’ll see if we need to search/ double check you. If it doesn’t, we’ll save you the trouble.” If you do set the alarm off, they’ll even check your shoes extra carefully to see if it’s not the material of your shoes itself that was likely to get the alarm going before they ask you to go through the (what they know is actual) extra effort. Once, there was a kind officer who was one step ahead: “Orthopedics, right ma’am? You don’t have to bother. Go ahead, we’ll see what happens" 😊

I have a full plastic belt, love it when entering federal buildings.

thanks u sir! :)

I found that it is best to empty everything except my ID and boarding pass into my carry on before I get into line. I got stuck once going through the metal detector multiple times. Unbeknownst to me I had individual packed Wet-Ones hidden between various papers in my pockets. I believe that the Mylar wrappers kept setting the metal detector off. I think I was 30 seconds away from being strip searched or thrown out of the airport by the time I figured out I had to take everything, including the paper out of my various pockets.

A few other things to keep in mind as far as getting through security faster would be to look into getting TSA precheck so you can go through security in a matter of minutes instead of having to stand there for an hour or longer. This would apply to anyone flying a fair amount within the United States. If you're thinking about flying out of the country, I would consider getting Global Entry or something similar. This includes TSA precheck so that you can get through security in about 10 minutes, but also includes customs when going to another country, or returning to the United States. With Global Entry, you can breeze through customs in 2 minutes or less, and be out of the airport in less than 30 minutes.

Powders need to go in the zip bag as well. Annoying since I travelled with powder clothing detergent and tooth powder to save room for my cosmetics. I mostly fly with carry-on only. People just need to check the TSA every time they fly. I’m always surprised by the full sized products people pull out of their bags! I wear my heavier, big shoes on the plane, but I take them off before the bins. I also wear “security socks”. The floor is gross, so I only put my shoes back on with clean socks.

They used the wand on my teddy bear in India! 😆😅