Airport Security Guide 2026: What to Expect Before Your Flight

Going through airport security can sometimes feel like one of the most stressful parts of flying. Long queues, trays full of belongings, liquids, electronics and the uncertainty of what you need to remove can all make the process feel complicated.

The good news is that a little preparation can make airport security much easier.

In this guide, Thai Flightcentre explains what you can expect at airport security, what you may need to remove, how to prepare your carry-on baggage, and some simple tips to help you move through the security checkpoint more smoothly.

Please note: Airport security procedures vary by airport and country. The information below is general guidance only. Always follow the instructions given by airport security staff and check the official requirements of your departure airport before travelling.

What Happens at Airport Security?

Airport security is designed to help protect passengers, aircraft and airport facilities. Depending on the airport, you may pass through several stages of screening, including:

• Document or boarding pass checks

• Carry-on baggage screening

• X-ray or CT scanning

• Walk-through or body scanners

• Metal detector screening

• Additional or manual screening when required

The exact process can vary. Some airports now use newer scanning technology that means passengers may not need to remove as many items from their bags, while other airports still require electronics and liquids to be removed.

The simplest rule is:

Prepare your belongings before reaching the checkpoint and always follow the instructions of security staff.

How to Prepare Before Airport Security

A few minutes of preparation before you arrive at the security checkpoint can save considerable time.

Pack Your Liquids Carefully

Many international airports restrict the amount of liquid that passengers can take through security.

A commonly used rule is:

• Each container should hold no more than 100ml

• Containers should be placed in a clear, resealable bag

• The total amount allowed may be subject to the airport's specific requirements

• Larger liquids may need to be placed in checked baggage

Liquids can include more than drinks. Depending on the airport's definition, items such as:

• Shampoo

• Toothpaste

• Creams

• Gels

• Perfume

• Aerosols

• Makeup products

may also be treated as liquids.

Tip: Keep your liquids together in an easily accessible part of your carry-on bag so you can remove them quickly if requested.

Organise Your Carry-On Baggage

Avoid putting everything into your cabin bag without a plan.

Keep frequently inspected items easy to access, particularly:

• Laptop computers

• Tablets

• Liquids

• Chargers and electronic accessories

• Travel documents

A well-organised bag can make the screening process faster and reduce the chance of leaving something behind.

Keep Your Travel Documents Ready

Have your passport, identification documents and boarding pass available before reaching security.

If you are using a mobile boarding pass, make sure your phone has enough battery and that the boarding pass can be displayed easily.

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What Do You Need to Remove at Airport Security?

This is one of the most common questions travellers have.

There is no single rule that applies to every airport. Some security checkpoints allow passengers to keep certain belongings with them, while others require almost everything to be placed in a tray.

Here are some of the items you should be prepared to remove.

Liquids

If your departure airport requires liquids to be screened separately, take your transparent liquids bag out of your carry-on and place it in the tray.

Remember that the rules can differ for:

• Prescription or essential medication

• Baby food and milk

• Duty-free liquids

• Special dietary products

These items may be subject to separate procedures.

Keep liquids together and easy to remove from your bag.

Laptops and Large Electronics

Many airports require laptops and other large electronic devices to be removed from your carry-on baggage.

Depending on the scanning technology being used, you may need to place the device separately in a security tray.

This can include:

• Laptops

• Larger tablets

• Some cameras

• Other sizeable electronic equipment

Smaller devices such as phones may be treated differently.

Check your bag before reaching security so you can quickly remove large electronics if required.

Mobile Phones

Your phone may need to be removed from your pocket and placed in a tray.

Even when a particular airport allows phones to remain with you, you should be prepared to take yours out if requested.

Empty your pockets before walking through the scanner.

Watches and Smartwatches

Small watches and smartwatches may be allowed through security, depending on the airport.

However, security staff may ask you to remove them if necessary.

If you are carrying an expensive watch, avoid leaving it loose in a tray. Place it securely inside your carry-on baggage if the security procedure allows this.

 Remove your watch if instructed by security staff.

Jewellery

Small amounts of jewellery are often allowed through security, but large or bulky metal jewellery can sometimes trigger additional screening.

If you are wearing:

• Large necklaces

• Multiple bracelets

• Large watches

• Heavy metal accessories

you may be asked to remove them.

For valuable jewellery, keeping it safely inside your carry-on can also reduce the risk of accidentally leaving it behind.

Keep jewellery to a minimum when travelling if you want to make security screening easier.

Belts

Belts with large metal buckles may need to be removed.

Even if your belt does not trigger the detector, security staff may still ask you to take it off.

Tip: Wear trousers that do not require a belt or choose a belt that is easy to remove.

Shoes

Whether you need to remove your shoes depends on the airport and its security procedures.

Some airports routinely ask passengers to remove shoes, while others may allow certain footwear to remain on.

Shoes with thick soles, boots or significant metal components may be more likely to require additional screening.

Wear comfortable shoes that are easy to take off and put back on.

Jackets and Coats

Outer clothing such as:

• Coats

• Jackets

• Hoodies

• Heavy sweaters

may need to be removed before screening.

Instead of wearing several thick layers, consider wearing lighter layers that are easier to remove.

Keep your outerwear easy to remove before reaching the checkpoint.

Hats and Caps

You may be asked to remove a hat or cap before entering the scanner.

Once the screening process is complete, you can normally put it back on.

 Be prepared to remove hats and caps when requested.

Sunglasses

Regular prescription glasses can generally remain on during security screening.

Sunglasses, however, may need to be removed depending on the airport's procedures.

 Keep your prescription glasses on unless instructed otherwise, and remove sunglasses when requested.

Headphones and Earbuds

Large over-ear headphones may need to be placed in a tray.

Small wireless earbuds may be treated differently, but security staff can ask you to remove them.

Keep headphones somewhere accessible in your carry-on.

Wallets, Keys and Coins

Before entering the scanner, empty your pockets.

Items such as:

• Coins

• Keys

• Wallets

• Phones

• Other metal objects

may need to be placed in a tray.

Emptying your pockets in advance helps prevent delays and reduces the possibility of triggering an alarm.

Check every pocket before going through security.

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What Should You Wear to Airport Security?

Choosing practical clothing can make the process considerably easier.

Recommended:

• Comfortable shoes

• Easy-to-remove footwear

• Light layers

• Comfortable trousers

• Minimal jewellery

• Clothing without excessive metal accessories

Consider avoiding:

• Heavy boots

• Large metal accessories

• Complicated belts

• Excessive jewellery

• Multiple bulky layers

You do not need to dress differently just because you are flying. The main goal is to choose clothing that allows you to move through the security process without unnecessary delays.

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Can You Wear Jeans Through Airport Security?

Yes, jeans are generally fine to wear when going through airport security.

Small metal components such as buttons, zippers and rivets do not automatically mean that you will need to remove your jeans.

However, clothing with a large amount of metal decoration may result in additional screening.

Most importantly, empty your pockets before entering the scanner.

Jeans are normally fine. Just remove everything from your pockets.

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Travelling With Children

Travelling through security with children can require a little extra preparation.

Depending on the airport, children may be subject to different screening procedures.

If you are travelling with a baby or young child:

• Keep essential baby items easy to access

• Be prepared to remove the child from a stroller if requested

• Expect the stroller to be screened separately

• Keep baby food and milk together

• Allow extra time for security

Different airports have different procedures, so check the departure airport's requirements before travelling.

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Travelling With Medical or Mobility Equipment

Passengers travelling with medical equipment or mobility aids should inform security staff before screening when appropriate.

This can include:

• Wheelchairs

• Walking sticks

• Prosthetic devices

• Medical equipment

• Certain implanted medical devices

Security staff can explain the appropriate screening procedure.

If you have a medical device or mobility requirement, arriving a little earlier can make the experience more comfortable and give you enough time to complete any additional screening.

Tip: Carry relevant medical documentation if you believe it may be useful during your journey.

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What About Religious Head Coverings?

Religious head coverings may generally be worn during airport screening, but additional screening can sometimes be required.

If an item triggers an alarm, security staff may carry out further checks according to the airport's procedures.

If you have concerns about privacy, you can ask whether a private screening area is available.

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Tips for Getting Through Airport Security Faster

Want to spend less time at the security checkpoint?

Try these simple habits:

1. Empty your pockets before joining the queue

Put your phone, keys, coins and other loose items safely into your carry-on before reaching the checkpoint.

2. Keep liquids accessible

Do not bury your liquids underneath clothes and other belongings.

3. Keep electronics easy to remove

Place your laptop and other large electronics near the top of your bag.

4. Wear simple clothing

Avoid unnecessary belts, bulky jewellery and complicated layers.

5. Follow staff instructions

Security procedures can change depending on the airport, equipment and operational requirements.

6. Allow enough time

Even if you know the security procedure well, queues can become longer during busy travel periods.

Give yourself enough time for check-in, baggage drop, security screening and reaching your departure gate.

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Airport Security Checklist

Before reaching the security checkpoint, quickly check:

Documents

• Passport or ID

• Boarding pass

• Visa or other required travel documents

Carry-on

• Liquids packed appropriately

• Laptop accessible

• Electronics organised

• Valuable items safely stored

Clothing

• Pockets emptied

• Belt easy to remove

• Jacket ready to remove

• Shoes easy to take off if required

Before leaving security

• Check your phone

• Passport

• Wallet

• Watch

• Jewellery

• Laptop

• Other electronic devices

This final check is important. Travellers sometimes focus so much on getting through security that they accidentally leave an item behind in a tray.

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Airport Security in 2026: The Key Things to Remember

Airport security procedures continue to evolve, and the process can be different from one airport to another.

You may be asked to remove liquids, large electronic devices, jackets, belts, shoes or other belongings. At airports using newer screening technology, some of these steps may not be necessary.

The best approach is to prepare for the standard security process while following the instructions at your specific airport.

A few simple habits can make a big difference:

• Pack your carry-on in an organised way

• Keep liquids accessible

• Empty your pockets

• Keep electronics easy to reach

• Minimise bulky accessories

• Wear practical clothing

• Allow enough time

• Follow airport security instructions

With a little preparation, airport security can become a straightforward part of your journey rather than something to worry about.

Planning Your Next Flight?

Whether you're travelling around Thailand, across Asia or further overseas, understanding the airport process before your journey can help you travel with greater confidence.

Thai Flightcentre is an independent travel agency and travel intermediary. We are not an airline and are not the official website or official agent of any airline. We can assist travellers with flight booking and related travel support, while airline and airport rules remain subject to the relevant airline and airport's current policies.

Before travelling, always check the latest requirements with your departure airport and airline, particularly for baggage, liquids, travel documents and security procedures.