The two big mistakes passengers make at airport security & they could hold you up

Apr 21, 2023

AN airport in the UK has revealed two of the biggest mistakes that can cause delays at security gates.

Every day, people get stopped at airport security gates because they weren't aware of some of the simple rules of travelling.

But in a bid to aid passengers, an airport in London has provided a list of tips to help holidaymakers navigate the do's and don'ts of hand luggage.

London Luton Airport has invested in a new security area that's been fitted with the latest technology.

Despite the new equipment, the airport has asked customers to be "Security Smart" before going through the security gates.

As reported by Northants Live, passengers packing food incorrectly can cause delays at airport security gates.

This is because packets of food can obstruct the images on X-ray machines - leaving staff to manually search bags.

While the London airport has asked holidaymakers to store food in hold luggage, items like cakes, sandwiches, fruit and vegetables are fine to be taken through airport security because they're completely solid.

But pots of jam, hummus, syrups, honey and guacamole all have to be in 100ml or under containers - and they need to fit in the liquids bag too.

Items such as tuna, olives and gherkins would be banned because they contain a considerable amount of liquid.

Passengers who smoke can only bring one lighter in their hand luggage.

Airport staff will ask holidaymakers to leave additional lighters at the security gate.

Both lighters and e-cigarettes must be included within the liquid allowance and placed inside the plastic bag for screening.

Once the liquid bag has been screened by security staff, the lighter must be removed from the bag and carried with the passenger.

Other smoking materials including cigarettes and other tobacco products are all allowed in hand baggage.

One airport security worker has revealed the biggest mistakes passengers make when travelling.

Lisa Farbstein, from the Transport Security Administration (TSA), said knives were often mistakenly brought to airports too.

She told the Ellwood City Ledger: "We’ve seen butter knives, carving knives, steak knives, plastic knives, folding pocket knives, tactical fighting and military knives.

"No knives, regardless of the size of the knife, are allowed past that checkpoint."

Meanwhile airports in the UK are ditching the ban on liquids over 100ml by 2024.