Airport security can be a frustrating aspect of air travel, especially when items in your carry-on luggage trigger additional checks, causing delays. One seemingly harmless item that often raises suspicions among airport staff is a deck of cards or other card games commonly carried by travelers for entertainment during flights or at their destination.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States advises travelers to place playing cards, especially valuable collectible ones, in their carry-on bags to prevent delays at security checkpoints. According to Ian Cava from TSA, the shape and density of cards can sometimes resemble hidden items on X-ray scans, prompting further inspections.
To expedite the screening process and minimize potential hold-ups, travelers are recommended to place their cards in a separate tray alongside their mobile phone during security checks. If the cards still present unclear images on the scanner, physical inspections may be required, particularly for travelers carrying extensive card collections.
Apart from playing cards, various personal items are prohibited in hand luggage due to safety concerns, ranging from sharp objects to seemingly harmless tools like corkscrews. Travelers are urged to be mindful of such restrictions to avoid any inconvenience during airport security checks.