Pack smart: Airport Security Tips that will get you passing all checks in 2 minutes

Breeze through all checks in just 2 minutes with our tested airport security tips – learn what to pack, how to organise your bag and the secrets to stress-free travel.

Every time I go to an airport I measure how long it takes me to go through security. I usually travel with a single Eurohike backpack that is stuffed with everything I need for my trips.

I am lucky because my closest airport is Gatwick and since 1st January 2025, you don’t need to take liquids and electronic items out of your bag anymore. However, I still pack the same way I always did so I can pass security quickly at any airport. Here are my top airport security tips:

Check upfront

Check your bag size.

Yes, security will not stop you for a slightly larger bag, but most airlines will when you are due to board the plane. So, before you start planning what to bring in your hand luggage, ensure you know how much space you have. Every airline puts information about their maximum sizes (and sometimes weight) on their websites. You may even have it on your printed ticket. Pick a bag that fits the maximum sizes.

Think liquids.

Some airports will only allow you a single bag of liquids and a maximum of, let’s say, 1 litre. Remember that aerosols are included in this numbers. If you check the websites of the airports you are going through, you should be able to find this information. Have it in mind while you pack.

Plan

I usually have a list of what I need to take with me and I try to separate the items in:

– liquids

– electronics

– anything else

Think about the space you have in your bag. Also, it might be worth investing in some transparent cases – you can get single-use ones and multiple-use ones with zippers.

Dress smart

I travel dressed as comfortably as possible and avoid anything that could trigger the walk-through metal detectors. For colder destinations I layer up with hoodies and jackets with zippers so I can quickly take them off and put them in the trays at security. If I am wearing a belt, I ensure it’s easy to take it off and put it back on.

Think ahead

Separate your liquids and your electronic items ahead. I put both types of items in separate transparent cases or single-use bags. I pack them last, leaving them at the top of my backpack. When I reach the airport, I just take the cases out and put them in the tray. Job done.

P.S. Remember liquids that you use often such as hand sanitiser need to also go in the bag.

Listen up

Security personnel will give you instructions. They want you to go through their section of the airport as quickly as possible. So listening to them and doing what they ask will speed up the process massively.

They will most probably ask you to:

– empty your pockets

– put your jacket and a bag in a tray

– put your tech and liquids in a different tray

– queue in a specific way

They might search you and your bag and this is absolutely normal.

Explain

We are all humans in the end of the day. I remember going through an airport that had a limit of 1 bag of liquids per passenger. I had 3 small bags of liquids as this was the only way I could fit them in my bag. When I went to the trays, I took all the bags out a d showed them to the security officer, explaining the matter. He was absolutely fine and let me proceed.

Bonus tip: Bring your own bottle of water. This will save you money in the duty free and on board. Just remember to empty the bottle before you reach security.

Here you have it – you are now ready to pack for your next adventure.

What’s the airport you have been through that had the strictest security? Let me know in the comments!