4 Reasons for Thorough Airport Screening

If you've arrived at the airport, it doesn't necessarily mean you'll 100% fly. Anything can happen. For example, you're going through security or passport control, when suddenly a uniformed person approaches you and asks you to come with them for identity verification. In this article, we'll tell you what the reasons for this might be and how to avoid it. 

Jokes about bombs or drugs

It's very sad, but such jokers are still encountered, and if a passenger is also slightly tipsy and can't control their speech, it's even worse. Remember once and for all: if you publicly joked about a bomb or drugs in your luggage, security personnel have every right to thoroughly inspect all your belongings. 

The same applies to jokes online. If you made a sarcastic joke about such topics on an airline's social media page the day before your flight, rest assured – you will definitely be identified and, if necessary, screened. 

Strange behavior

While we are at the airport, we are constantly being watched. By cameras or from their post through the crowd. There's even an entire methodology describing criteria for suspiciousness. We won't list them all, but they include even nervous tics, frequent blinking, or yawning. Passengers who lower their heads while walking or hide their eyes under a cap particularly attract attention. 

During screening, security personnel may ask completely unexpected questions. For example, about yesterday's weather, your breakfast, or what sport you like. This is done to check your adequacy. Therefore, if you hear such questions, answer calmly. Excessive nervousness, shouting, or ignoring them can raise suspicion. 

Problem with passport photo  

Border control officers look at you so intently because they are comparing your face with the photo in your passport. Hair color, a different hairstyle, a mustache, or piercings don't matter, but the size of your forehead, the distance between your eyes, or the size and shape of your ears don't change over the years. These are what they compare. 

However, there are things that can create differences. For example, you recently had surgery (including plastic surgery), a facelift, removed a noticeable mole, or changed the shape of your nose. Or you've lost a lot of weight, and now you look different, your face being no exception. If your new appearance now differs in some way from the photo in your passport – this is a reason to detain you and conduct an identity check. 

If this happens – don't panic and answer the questions calmly. Yes, it's an unpleasant situation, but remember – people are just doing their job. 

Prohibited items in luggage

Many believe that if some items are prohibited in carry-on luggage, they can be carried in checked luggage. However, there are a number of items that are generally not allowed on an airplane. Detailed breakdown here>>>

But correcting your behavior and not joking about a bomb is not enough. There are also reasons why you might not be allowed on the plane. Here are all 6 reasons>>>

Have good flights!