Airport Security Alert: Why You Should Keep Your Phone Out of Screening Trays
Poulami Saha
Avoid Direct Contact With Security Bins: Airport trays handle belongings from countless travellers, potentially exposing smartphones to bacteria and other microorganisms during routine security screening.
Reduce the Risk of Phone Theft: Leaving your phone unattended in an open tray makes it easier for someone to grab it amid crowded, hectic airport security queues.
Store Your Phone Inside Your Bag: Place your smartphone inside a zipped compartment of your carry-on before reaching security, keeping it protected and easier to retrieve afterward.
Use a Secure Jacket Pocket: If permitted by screening procedures, keep your phone inside a jacket pocket before placing the jacket in the tray for scanning.
Keep Valuables Together: Store smaller essentials, including wallets, keys and earbuds, in secure compartments to reduce misplaced belongings while moving through airport checkpoints.
Stay Alert During Screening: Watch your belongings as they move along the conveyor belt, especially when crowds build up or other passengers require additional security checks.
Protect Larger Electronic Devices: Laptops and tablets may require separate screening, depending on checkpoint equipment; use protective cases and follow the instructions provided by security personnel.
Clean Your Hands After Screening: Wash your hands or use hand sanitiser after handling shared trays, helping reduce the transfer of germs before touching your phone.
Check Every Belonging Before Leaving: Before walking away from security, verify that your phone, wallet, passport and other essentials are safely back in your possession.