Stress-free and fast with ALPEN AIR: the best tips for checking at the airport
The security check at the airport is often the most stressful part of travelling by plane. Long queues, strict regulations and time-consuming security measures can make even the most relaxed travellers nervous. But with the right insider tips, you can speed up this process considerably. We give you valuable tips on how to get through security quickly and start your journey without stress.
What steps are involved in security checks at the airport?
The security check at the airport is a complex process aimed at ensuring the safety of all passengers. It involves several steps:
- Checking documents: Your ID and boarding pass will be checked here.
- People screening: You pass through a metal detector or body scanner.
- Hand baggage check: Your hand baggage will be screened to detect prohibited items.
- Additional checks: Sometimes additional checks are required, e.g. for explosive materials.
Preparation for the security check at home
Travel time and flight selection
- Travelling outside peak times: Off-peak times. Fly at times when the airport is less busy, e.g. very early in the morning or late in the evening. This can reduce the time you spend waiting at security. Travelling on weekdays, especially Wednesdays, can also help as these days are often less busy than weekends or Mondays and Fridays.
- Arrival time: Allow enough time to get to the airport and be there at least two hours before departure, or even three hours for international flights.
- Check-in online: Check in online and print your boarding pass or save it on your smartphone to save time at the check-in desk. The name on your ticket must match the name on your ID document precisely. Differences, even if they are only slight, can lead to problems.
Pack efficiently
Packing starts at home and can be crucial to how fast you get through security. Here are some tips:
- Liquids and gels: Pack all liquids and gels in containers of no more than 100 ml and place them in a transparent, resealable 1-litre bag. Keep this bag to hand so that you can show it at the inspection.
- Electronic devices: Laptops, tablets and other large electronic devices must be scanned separately. Pack them for easy access while being screened. Keep important items such as liquids, electronics and documents in easily accessible pockets so that you can remove them quickly.
- Prohibited items: Find out in advance which items are prohibited and do not pack them in your hand baggage. These include sharp objects, lighters and large containers of liquids.
- Less is more: try to take only the essentials in your hand baggage. Less luggage means less time to get it through security.
- Transparent bags: Use transparent toiletry bags and organisers so that security officers can quickly see the contents without having to rummage through everything.
- Medication and medical devices: Carry prescription medication in the original packaging with a doctor’s certificate. Medical devices should also be well labelled and easily accessible.
The fastest document check at the airport
- Automated Kiosks: Use self-service terminals to print boarding passes and baggage tags and avoid long queues at the check-in desk.
- Family and special travellers: Many airports have special lanes for families, disabled travellers or senior citizens. Find out about them and use them if they are available.
The fastest personal screening at the airport
- Clothing: Wear shoes that you can take off and put on easily and avoid clothing with lots of metal parts such as belts or jewellery. This saves time when being screened.
- Keep calm: A calm and prepared demeanour can help you to be checked less thoroughly. Hectic behaviour can arouse suspicion and lead to additional checks.
- Be cooperative: Cooperate with security staff and follow their instructions swiftly and without resistance.
The fastest hand baggage check at the airport
- Fast Track and TSA PreCheck: In the US, airports offer fast track lanes or programmes such as TSA PreCheck, which allow you to pass through security more quickly. Find out in advance and register for such programmes if necessary.
- Select the correct lane: Choose the right lane at the security checkpoint. The lanes on the left are often less frequented, as most people intuitively choose the right lane.
- Keep calm: Stay calm and composed. Stress and a hectic pace can lead to you making mistakes when unpacking items to be screened or forgetting important things, which can delay the process.
Special regulations for minors travelling alone
Special regulations apply to unaccompanied minors travelling alone at airport security checks. Here are some important facts and tips that parents and young travellers should bear in mind.
Accompaniment through the security check
Parents or guardians are often allowed to obtain an escort card to accompany their underage children to the gate, even if they are not flying themselves. This is particularly useful to ensure that the child gets through security safely.
Many airlines also offer a childcare service for minors travelling alone, where airport staff will accompany the child through security and to the gate.
Identity check
As a rule, minors must present a valid identity card or passport. Some airlines and countries also accept other forms of identification, such as birth certificates, especially for domestic flights.
For minors travelling alone, it is also necessary to carry a travel authorisation or notarised consent from their parents. This should include the dates of travel, the consent of both parents and their contact details. All necessary travel documents, such as boarding passes, proof of identity and, if applicable, travel authorisations, should be to hand and organised.
Baggage checks
Minors travelling alone should have their hand luggage well organised. Parents can ensure in advance that all prohibited items are removed and that the child knows which items must be taken out (e.g. electronics, liquids).
The usual regulations for liquids in hand baggage also apply to children. Parents should ensure that all liquids are packed in containers of no more than 100ml in a transparent, resealable bag.
The airports with the most strict security checks worldwide
Ben Gurion International Airport (Tel Aviv, Israel)
- High threat level: Due to the geopolitical situation in Israel, there is an increased threat of terrorism. The airport must therefore take particularly strict security measures.
- Multi-level security system: Ben Gurion Airport utilises a multi-level security system that begins long before passengers reach the airport. It includes measures such as vehicle checks at the airport entrance, intensive passenger questioning, detailed baggage checks and advanced threat detection technology.
- Deployment of security forces: Numerous armed security forces and undercover security officers are deployed to respond immediately to potential threats.
Changi Airport (Singapore)
- State-of-the-art technology: Changi Airport utilises the latest security technology, including biometric scanners, automated passport control and advanced baggage scanners.
- Strict security protocols: Singapore places great emphasis on security and therefore implements strict security protocols at the airport.
- Efficient and thorough screening: Despite the stringent checks, the process for passengers is designed to be relatively quick and efficient to minimise waiting times while ensuring the highest standards of security.
Dubai International Airport (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
- Strategic location: As one of the largest international airports in the world and a major hub for travelling between Europe, Asia and Africa, Dubai International has high security requirements.
- Advanced security technology: The airport utilises state-of-the-art security technologies, including biometric identification, high-resolution surveillance systems and advanced baggage scanners.
- Intensive security measures: In addition to technological measures, there are strict protocols for security screening of passengers and baggage to identify and neutralise any potential threat.
Heathrow Airport (London, Great Britain)
- High passenger numbers: As one of the busiest airports in the world, Heathrow has to pay particular attention to security in order to protect the large number of passengers.
- Increased risk of terrorism: Due to the threat of international terrorism, security measures at Heathrow Airport are particularly stringent.
- Comprehensive security protocols: The airport carries out thorough checks on passengers and baggage, including the use of body scanners, manual searches and explosives-specific detectors.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX, USA)
- High importance and traffic: As one of the most important international airports in the USA and a central hub for flights to Asia and Europe, LAX has increased security requirements.
- Strict US security standards: The USA massively tightened airport security after the attacks of 11 September 2001. LAX therefore implements strict security protocols.
- Intense security measures: These include comprehensive security checks of passengers and baggage, use of body scanners and explosives detectors as well as an increased security presence.
Conclusion - Stress-free and fast: the best tips for security checks
With the right preparations and strategies, you can get through airport security much faster and with less stress. Packing efficiently, choosing the right clothes and utilising fast-track options are just some of the tips that can help you. If you follow these insider tips, you will be able to master the security check at the airport with confidence and start your holiday or business trip relaxed. Ensure a stress-free start to your journey and use your time at the airport wisely – so you start your next adventure well prepared!
