2023.01.16

[Before traveling] Trouble with baggage inspection and points you should know in advance

Security inspection process and common problems

Security inspections are conducted to ensure that there are no dangerous items in your baggage or on your person, with the purpose of preventing hijackings, terrorism, etc. and ensuring the safety of the aircraft. After checking in at the airport, completing formalities for checked baggage such as suitcases, and completing customs inspection, head to the security checkpoint.

It will be smoother if you have your passport and tickets on hand.
Your jacket will also be inspected, so take it off and place it on a separate tray from your bags and other hand luggage. Shoes such as safety shoes and boots may be subject to inspection, so if so, you will need to take them off and place them in the tray.

Make sure to remove any metal or electronic devices you are wearing and place them on the tray.
Computers, sprays, liquids, etc. in your bag will need to be re-examined if you leave them in your bag, so please put them out on the tray as well.

After that, you will pass through the body scanner gate, and if there are no problems, the inspection will be completed.
To avoid being unable to make it in time for boarding due to a crowded inspection area, it is best to pass through security at least one hour before boarding time.

Also, if you have items that are not allowed on board, such as cosmetic scissors, they will be confiscated, so be sure to check in advance.

Remove sensitive equipment such as computers and place them on the tray.

During security screening, sensitive electronic devices such as computers must be removed from your bag and placed on a tray. There are two reasons for this.

The first reason is that electronic components used in computers and other equipment interfere with the X-rays used for inspection, making it impossible to see other objects.
During X-ray inspection, electronic devices such as computers hide other luggage like a curtain. Electronic devices are required to be taken out of the bag so as not to overlook dangerous items inside.

Second, with X-rays, it is difficult to distinguish between electronic equipment and hazardous materials such as explosive detonators. For these reasons, electronic devices such as computers must be removed from your bag at the security checkpoint.

With the latest CT-type carry-on baggage X-ray inspection, it is possible to carry out the inspection without leaving your computer or other items in your bag. However, you won't know which testing machine you'll use until the last minute, so it's better to have it ready to take out of your bag right away.
As for tablets, they are no longer subject to inspection in the United States, so there are cases where it is not necessary to release them. However, tablets will still block other items, so if you're in a hurry, it's best to leave them in the tray.

Shoes should be easy to put on and take off

You may be asked to remove your shoes at the security checkpoint.
At security checkpoints overseas, especially in the United States, regardless of the type of shoes you wear, you are often asked to change into slippers and place your shoes on a tray.

In Japan, security inspections became stricter in September 2019, and some types of shoes are now subject to inspection. Specifically, this applies to those who wear shoes that cover the ankles such as high-cut sneakers, shoes with thick soles such as platform boots, safety shoes, and shoes with many metal decorations.

In that case, you will need to change into slippers and put your shoes in a special tray. The purpose of this is to find out whether dangerous objects such as weapons or explosives are hidden inside the shoes. Previously, people were randomly selected for testing, but now everyone who wears designated shoes is eligible.

Therefore, you will need to wear shoes that are easy to put on and take off.
If you have no choice but to wear shoes that are likely to be subject to an inspection, you can pass the inspection smoothly by preparing to take them off in advance.

Please be especially careful about the items being inspected, such as boots and high-cut sneakers, as they may take time to put on and take off.

Check in advance what you can bring

Depending on the type of item, some items may be considered dangerous and prohibited from being carried on board the aircraft. If they are found at security, they will be confiscated, so it is important to check in advance whether they are safe to bring.

Here are some dangerous items that are easy to overlook, so be sure to check to see if they are hidden in your luggage.

First of all, scissors and tweezers. These items are often included in women's makeup bags, but they are considered dangerous and cannot be carried in hand luggage.
Therefore, please keep it in your suitcase.

Of course, knives and other cutlery are prohibited, even if they are small.
There are also restrictions on the amount of liquids that can be carried on board.
On international flights, each liquid must be in a container of 100ml or less, and cannot fit into a 1-liter transparent bag with a zipper.

When we think of liquids, we tend to think of drinks, but it is important to note that this also applies to sunscreen, mascara, eye drops, etc. If you wish to bring drinks with you, please purchase them after passing through the security checkpoint.

There are various other items that have restrictions, so please check each airline's website when preparing for your trip.

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