What to remove from your bag at security checks

Laptops and electronic devices

The portable computer must almost always be removed from the bag and placed alone in a tray: with traditional X-ray scanners, a single metal object placed over others creates a poorly legible image, which the operator must then verify manually. At airports already equipped with new-generation CT scanners - in Italy, for example, some terminals at Fiumicino, Linate, Malpensa, Bologna and Turin - the laptop can remain in the bag, but this is a local rule to verify in advance, not a standard valid everywhere. Power banks, cameras and other devices with batteries do not require separate extraction, but should be kept well visible and not crammed among other objects, since lithium batteries are among the elements operators examine most carefully.

Liquids in the clear pouch

The clear pouch with liquids (individual containers of maximum 100 ml, one liter total) must always be removed and placed visibly in the tray, even if already compliant with limits: the rule requires it to be inspected separately from the rest of the baggage. For details on quantities and exceptions, also see the guide on liquids at security checks.

Clothing and metal accessories

Jackets, coats and heavy garments go through the scanner with the baggage, because thick clothing worn can conceal objects that the metal detector or body scanner cannot distinguish well. Belts with large buckles and shoes with prominent metal soles or buckles are often requested separately, although the practice varies from airport to airport and many stops with more recent technology allow keeping them on.

Items worth keeping visible

Small musical instruments (flutes, clarinets), sports articles with metal components and pre-wrapped gifts often produce a poorly clear scan image if left at the bottom of the bag: better to position them alone. A wrapped gift package, in particular, is almost always opened for inspection if the contents are not recognizable from the scanner image - it's best to wrap gifts only after arrival at the destination.

The fastest way to not lose time at the checkpoint is just one: keep your laptop and liquids pouch in the most accessible part of your bag, ready to be removed before you even reach the tray.