Airport Secrets

Don't do this at airport security: Common behaviors that draw attention

You’re going through airport security when suddenly an agent pulls your bag aside for inspection. It can be a little nerve-wracking, right? We all know not to pack dangerous or banned items, but there are more reasons than you might think that can raise a red flag. Here are 10 things to avoid so you can get through security smoothly.

We all want to pack our favorite clothes for a trip, but be careful: even if you manage to squeeze everything in and force your suitcase shut, you might end up opening it again at the security checkpoint.

It turns out that overpacked bags are harder to read on the scanner. Instead of a clear image, agents may see a dense blur with few details, which can trigger a manual inspection. Next time you travel, try to pack so everything fits comfortably; that way, you’ll save yourself time and hassle at security.

If you think tucking your laptop or tablet between layers of clothes is a good idea, you might want to think twice.

Electronics are dense, and they can create shadows on the X-ray that make it harder to see what’s around them. That can lead to your bag being pulled aside for a second look. It’s better to keep your devices in a padded case near the top of your bag or in an easy-to-reach pocket, and be ready to take them out and put them in a bin when you go through security.

Not every delay at airport security has to do with what’s in your bag; sometimes it’s about behavior.

Airports are closely monitored, and if a passenger seems unusually anxious, avoids eye contact, or acts aggressively or uncooperatively, it can draw attention. Even extremes, like being overly talkative or unusually quiet, may raise doubts. And there’s one more thing many people don’t realize: joking about security, explosives, or other threats is a serious red flag. To keep things smooth, it’s recommended to stay calm, be respectful, and follow the instructions at the checkpoint.

This is one of the most common reasons bags get flagged at airport security. It’s easy to overlook small items tucked into pockets when you’re packing. Things like keys, lip balm, tissues, or even tiny metal items like tweezers or earrings can clutter the X-ray and raise questions.

Experts recommend checking and emptying every pocket before you pack. And if you’re bringing small items, keep them together in a pouch instead of letting them float loose in your bag.

Are you bringing a gift for a friend? Be careful how you pack it. Over the years, there have been cases where people have used "gifts" to conceal prohibited items. That’s why staff pay close attention to these kinds of packages, especially when they’re inside the suitcase and surrounded by clothes.

To avoid awkward moments and deliver that gift, keep it in a bag that’s easy to inspect and place it separately when you go through screening.

Of course, you can pack your suitcase however you prefer, but most people tend to pack in similar ways. Security officers are used to those patterns, so when something looks different, it can stand out.

Unusual combinations of items, even if they’re completely harmless, can be harder to read on an X-ray or look suspicious. For example, stuffing shoes with socks, chargers, or other items can obscure shapes and make the contents look unclear. That’s often enough to trigger a closer inspection.

If you’re packing shampoo, gels, lotions, or other liquids in your carry-on, you’ll need to follow a few rules. Each container must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, and it’s best to keep them in small bottles inside a clear bag; all in one place.

If you scatter them around your bag, some in pockets, others loose inside, it can make the X-ray harder to read and could trigger alarms, since the texture may resemble that of dangerous or prohibited substances. A simple solution is to keep everything together in a neat toiletry bag.

Many people like to pack a treat for someone back home or bring snacks in their carry-on, but food can sometimes slow you down at the security line.

Solid items are usually fine, but liquids and spreads (like yogurt, sauces, or peanut butter) follow the same rules as other liquids and can be harder to scan. Dense textures and opaque packaging, like foil or thick containers, can make images unclear, leading to an additional inspection. To avoid delays, keep these items easy to reach so you can take them out and place them in a separate bin if needed.

If your chargers and headphone cables are all tangled up, we get it; untangling them can be a headache. But it’s worth doing before you head to the airport. On an X-ray, a tangle of cords can look like parts of a complex or potentially concerning device, making it harder for agents to tell what they’re seeing.

As a simple solution, you can use a cable organizer or just coil your cords neatly and secure them with a Velcro strap or twist tie.

Powdered products are a common reason bags get flagged at airport security. Things like talcum powder, makeup, baby powder, protein, or even coffee can be very difficult to distinguish from other toxic and hazardous substances that come in that form. In some cases, they may need additional screening or even testing if anything seems suspicious. To go through security smoothly, keep each powder under 12 ounces (350 ml) and keep them handy, so it’s easy to access.