Title:
Top 3 Types of Travellers Airport Staff Hate – How to Avoid Being One of Them
Content:
Many travellers will hate the hassle of having to go through security but there are also three types of passenger staff hate to deal with. Fliers may be frustrated by hold-ups and delays having everything checked but security staff say there are things you can do to minimise the time it takes to be cleared.
The Rule Breaker:
Top of the list for any security staff is the rule breaker. Anyone trying to break the rules, such as carrying a pocket knife or even oversized liquid containers and bottle openers, are going to have their bags searched. Guthier said, “More bag searches [mean] slower lines for everyone.” Carrying a firearm can mean the “temporary closure of an entire screening lane.” To avoid inadvertently bringing something prohibited onboard, Guthier said travellers should do a once-over before heading to the airport.
The All-over-the-place/Impatient Passenger:
The biggest mistake Guthier has to deal with is the person who is disorganised. He said travellers should have everything in order before they even join the security line. Guthier said, “We prefer when passengers arrive with plenty of time to spare, are organised, [and] have their documents ready.” When passengers are frenzied, worried, and disorganised, they tend to do things they wouldn’t normally do. Equally annoying for security personnel is the impatient person. Guthier recommends travellers simply practice patience.
Faulty Luggage:
Simply having faulty luggage can cause a major headache for security and cause delays as staff grapple with zips that don’t work or overly-stuffed suitcases. Guthier said, “[Those with] missing zipper tabs may cause problems.” While sometimes travelling with a broken bag might be unavoidable, there is an easy and quick fix. He recommended using zip ties as temporary pull tabs. Meanwhile, UK airports are slowly ditching the 100ml liquid rules which should see security wait times slashed.
Hand luggage rules for UK airlines:
– Ryanair: One personal bag measuring no more than 40cm x 20cm x 25cm
– EasyJet: One personal bag measuring no larger than 45cm x 36cm x 20cm
– Jet2: One personal item that fits underneath the seat in front and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm weighing up to 10kg
– TUI: One personal item that fits underneath the seat in front and one cabin bag no larger than 55cm x 40cm x 20cm weighing up to 10kg
– British Airways: One personal bag no larger than 40cm x 30cm x 15cm and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 45cm 25cm weighing up to 23kg
– Virgin Atlantic: One personal item that fits underneath the seat in front and one cabin bag no larger than 56cm x 36cm x 23cm weighing up to 10kg
Last year, the Department of Transport implemented a deadline of June 2024 for airports to have the new scanners in place. However, some places are facing delays until as late as 2025. This is due to installation issues with the new security equipment, as well as the need to keep security in operation while bringing the new scanners in. Liverpool, Bristol, and Birmingham are all expected to hit the deadline, while East Midlands could also finish their instalment in time. Edinburgh airport looks set to fall short, with work to change the scanners there expected to be complete by the end of the year. Meanwhile, London Heathrow has partially introduced some of the new machines but isn’t expected to finish until some time next year. Manchester and London Gatwick are also set to miss the deadline. Elsewhere, onward travel from the airport can be expensive – but people often pay much more than they need to. At UK airports, buying tickets for train travel from the machines at the stations is often much more expensive than buying them online. It’s always worth checking the prices online when you arrive before buying the tickets.
By being prepared, organised, and following the rules, travellers can ensure a smooth experience through airport security and avoid being one of the types of passengers that staff hate to deal with.