Airport Security Check

Anyone who has ever flown knows this situation: The lines at airport security are long, the staff put on their grimmest faces, and they watch the stressed-out travelers who suddenly realize they need to dig out their liquids and electronics. To help you navigate airport security quickly and efficiently, we have four handy tips.

Navigating security at the airport is one of the most time-consuming and often frustrating procedures we must endure before finally boarding a plane to our vacation destination. While in many places you only need to place liquids and electronics in designated bins, in other locations you must also remove belts, watches, and even shoes. After the security check, everything is quickly grabbed, stuffed into hand luggage, and you hurriedly rush off with untied shoelaces and sagging pants. But hold on! There are a few tricks that can help you approach the entire process with less stress. Here's how to best prepare for the security check at the airport.

It may sound trivial, but properly packing your carry-on can actually save you a lot of stress. If you've already checked your large suitcase, you at least avoid the issue of liquids, as shampoo, sunscreen, and similar items travel comfortably in the belly of the plane.

Guru Tip

Pack the bag with liquids, along with electronic devices like a travel hairdryer and power bank, in a small pouch that you can easily pull out of your carry-on and place in the bin. To avoid misunderstandings, you can also include a charger and headphones.

If you're traveling with carry-on luggage or want to pack a small emergency kit, you should transfer necessary liquids into travel-sized containers of 100 ml or buy travel-sized toiletries in the drugstore. These liquids should be placed in a clear, resealable bag that generally can't exceed a volume of one liter.

Make sure not to pack more than ten containers in the bag. Though security often lets the number slide, you shouldn't rely on it. In the worst-case scenario, one or more may end up in the trash. Place the liquid bag, along with your electronics, within easy reach in your carry-on, so you don't have to search for them during the check.

What seems obvious at first glance can often be puzzling in practice: Do face creams and makeup go in the liquid bag? Is mascara considered liquid? According to the Federal Ministry of the Interior, aerosols, gels, pastes, lotions, foams, creams, gels, mixtures of liquids and solids, and other items of similar consistency fall under the regulation for liquids. We have listed the typical items that count as liquids:

This tip for the security check at the airport will save your nerves: Arrive at the airport early, so that long wait times at check-in or the security check won't stress you out.

Guru Tip

If you want to get through security quickly, line up in the queue with individuals carrying less hand luggage. A line with many business travelers is also ideal since they often know how to navigate the checks quickly.

Especially during holiday seasons and due to a shortage of ground and security personnel, airports can experience significant delays. If you happen to arrive at the airport right before your flight - and can't use the Fast Track lane - you might easily miss your flight. It's better to be a little early and browse in the duty-free shops. Aim to arrive at least two hours before peak times, and three if you need to check baggage.

Many airports now offer a service to measure the wait times at security checks and publish them on their websites. Check it a few days before your trip for a helpful reference.

Sweatpants and flip-flops? You can do that, but it's not necessary for speeding through airport security. In general, the simpler your clothing, the quicker you can remove it when asked. Opt for slip-on shoes or flats instead of lace-up boots or sneakers, avoid excessive jewelry (which should be packed), and if possible, skip the belt and jacket. If you don't want to part with your watch, belt, and jacket, we recommend removing them before you're called up. This way, you spare yourself a hurried striptease at security. Many airports require you to take off your shoes at every security check and place them in the bin, so it's helpful if you can quickly slip them off and back on after the check.

The security checks at the airport serve, as the name implies, our safety. So, you shouldn't complain about the process or disregard the staff's instructions, as security personnel don't take that lightly. If the security staff says that your bottle of water must be thrown away, arguing won't help.

Lying or concealing things isn't advisable either, so be honest when answering questions. If you're not careful, the security check can take significantly longer, and you might face further uncomfortable questions. Generally, if you approach the security checks politely, you can usually get through without major problems, grab your luggage, and stroll to your gate.

Your flight is delayed, overbooked, or even canceled? In such situations, it's important to assert your passenger rights. The same is true if your luggage has been lost - a nightmare scenario for many travelers. But don't worry, there's a regulation for each of these scenarios to protect passengers. You can claim up to €600 compensation for flight delays, cancellations, or denied boarding. Check your flight rights now with the market leader Flightright and get your money back.

If you follow our tips, you too can be among those travelers who navigate the necessary security checks at the airport smoothly and stress-free. Because let's be honest: Who wants to be the person rummaging through their luggage and holding up the line?

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