Common mistakes during airport security checks can delay passengers

Every year, inattentive passengers miss their flights due to commonplace mistakes that could easily be avoided. Passing through airport security won't be a difficult task if you remember to prepare for it.

USA Today Blueprint surveyed 5,000 American travelers to find out what mistakes most often lead to flight delays. According to The Scottish Sun, the most common reason for delayed queues is suspicious items left in pockets, bags, and clothing.

1. Forgetting to remove belts and shoes

28% of surveyed travelers admitted that they forget to take off their belts and shoes before going through the scanner. It may seem like a small thing, but the delay due to rescanning can cost everyone precious minutes.

It's worth preparing for the check-in advance. Take off belts, shoes, and other metal objects as soon as you get in line. This will help save time and avoid causing frustration for other people waiting behind you.

2. Passing through the scanner with phones, jewelry, or keys

Another 28% of respondents said that they went through the scanner without removing their phones, jewelry, or keys from their pockets. This can also lead to repeated scanning, which takes time and can be frustrating for travelers.

Before passing through the scanner, you should remove anything from your pockets that may seem suspicious to the security service and trigger the scanner.

3. Failure to remove electronics from carry-on luggage

23% of travelers mentioned during the scan that they did not take out laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices from their carry-on luggage when asked by security personnel. This can lead to delays and repeated requests for inspection because some areas in the bags are not visible on the screen due to the presence of batteries.