How does hand luggage screening work at the airport?

To ensure your trip goes smoothly and without delays, find out in advance what is checked at the airport before departure. Each stage of inspection is very important, because if something goes wrong, you risk not getting on the plane. We tell you what awaits ahead, and you start buying airline tickets online .

How do they check luggage at the airport?

First check

First, your luggage will be checked at the entrance to the terminal. Passengers will be asked to pass through a metal detector frame, and your luggage will need to be left on a moving X-ray belt - an introscope. If the staff has any questions, you will have to open your suitcase, so do not cover your luggage with film in advance. Carefully study what items you can bring on board the plane and in what quantities, so as not to encounter problems, even if you have purchased first class tickets . However, we would like to clarify that this stage is not available at all airports.

Baggage check-in

Baggage is checked in during check-in. The suitcase will be weighed and a baggage tag will be attached to it, the same will be on your boarding pass. In case of excess weight, you will have to pay for each extra kilogram. Or you can transfer part of the baggage to hand luggage. Afterwards, the suitcase will be taken by the staff to be loaded onto the plane. If you have oversized baggage (fishing rods or skis), you will need to leave it at a special counter. And to save money, look for cheap flights on TravelHub.

How do they check hand luggage?

Checking at the entrance to the terminal

The first stage of hand luggage inspection is also the entrance to the terminal. Place all items on the introscope belt and follow the employee's instructions. At this stage, it is important that there are no items prohibited for transportation inside - weapons, drugs, etc. This is prohibited for everyone: holders of business class , economy or first class airline tickets. This stage also depends on the airport.

Customs control

If you are flying internationally, after the first inspection at the entrance to the terminal, there will be two more checks - customs and border. Those passengers who have nothing to declare go through the green corridor, but keep in mind that customs officers may randomly check your carry-on baggage. If you have something to declare, fill out the papers and go through the red corridor. In this case, your things will definitely be checked by an employee.

Pre-flight inspection

The next stage is pre-flight inspection. Your hand luggage will again pass along the introscope belt and be checked using X-ray. The equipment (tablet and laptop) must be taken out of the case and placed in a separate container along with the cables and chargers. If the officer asks you to turn on the computer, do not resist, as they are only checking whether it contains explosives.

The most important thing is liquids, gels and aerosols. Remember that you can only carry them in hand luggage in containers up to 100 ml and a total volume of up to 1 liter. Put your cosmetic bag in your suitcase and check it in the baggage compartment. Also, do not take sharp or piercing objects. Many people are concerned about whether it is possible to take cigarettes on a plane in hand luggage. The answer is yes, but there are restrictions on the amount that does not need to be declared. Check with airport staff.

Other types of baggage checks

To transport animals, you will need to undergo additional veterinary control at the airport, and if you plan to take cut flowers, sprouts, seeds or tubers in your luggage, undergo phytosanitary inspection in advance and get a certificate for customs clearance. If everything is OK, you will be allowed into the departure area and will not be inspected any further. Have you figured out the instructions? Start booking your tickets . But remember that we have compiled a basic guide - since each city's airport can change the order of inspections or remove them altogether.

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