
When going through airport security, it is important to know what items you can keep on your person and what needs to be placed in bags to be scanned. Some sources suggest that you can keep your cellphone and wallet in your pants, while others recommend placing them in your bag to avoid being flagged for additional screening. For example, body scanners at major airports can detect anomalies that aren't clothing or body parts, so keeping items in your pockets may require extra screening. However, some travelers prefer to keep their wallets and cellphones in their pants, hidden under a loose-fitting top, to avoid potential theft. Ultimately, the decision to keep your cellphone and wallet in your pants or place them in a bag depends on personal preference and the specific security measures at your airport.
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What You'll Learn

Keep your wallet and phone in your bag
To ensure a smooth and efficient journey through airport security, it is advisable to keep your wallet and phone in your bag. This will help you avoid any delays and inconveniences. Here are some instructive tips to keep in mind:
Firstly, it is important to be aware that body scanners at airport security can detect anomalies, including items such as wallets and phones kept in your pockets. To expedite the process, ensure these items are securely stored in your bag before passing through the scanner. This will prevent you from being flagged for additional screening, which can cause delays.
Secondly, it is recommended to place your wallet and phone in a secure compartment within your bag. Consider using a bag within your carry-on luggage where you can zip up these valuable items and keep them safe. This way, even if your carry-on bag is selected for a secondary inspection, your wallet and phone remain protected and out of sight.
Additionally, keep your bag within sight at all times. While thefts at security checkpoints are rare, it is always prudent to maintain control over your belongings. Place your bag through the scanner and try to keep it in view during the screening process. This will provide you with peace of mind and reduce the risk of potential theft.
Furthermore, aim to keep your wallet and phone easily accessible within your bag. Although electronics and liquids are often allowed to remain inside carry-on luggage, there may be instances where you are selected for additional screening. By having these items readily available, you can quickly produce them for inspection if needed, ensuring a swift and hassle-free experience.
Lastly, consider using a money belt or a secure zippered pocket to hold your wallet and phone. If you opt for a money belt, remember to remove it before passing through security and place it in your bag. This will prevent any delays or additional attention during the screening process. Always keep your money belt locked in a compartment within your carry-on bag when not in use.
By following these guidelines and keeping your wallet and phone securely stored in your bag, you can streamline your airport security experience and focus on enjoying your journey.
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Wear a money belt
It is generally recommended that you keep your wallet and phone in your bag when passing through airport security, rather than in your pockets. This is because you will likely have to pass through a metal detector, and it is easier to keep your valuables in sight if they are in your bag.
If you are concerned about theft, a money belt can be a good option for keeping your valuables safe. Money belts are worn around the waist and can be hidden under clothing. They are designed to be discreet, and some are made from moisture-wicking, waterproof, and breathable materials. Some money belts have RFID-blocking technology, which can help protect your personal information.
When choosing a money belt, look for one that is comfortable and has enough pockets for your needs. You can buy money belts that look like regular belts, which can be worn over or under your clothing. It is important to remember to keep your money belt tucked out of sight when you are not wearing it, and to only access it when necessary.
While money belts can be worn through airport security, there have been reports of travellers being asked to remove them and send them through the scanner. To avoid this, some travellers choose to put their money belt in their carry-on bag when passing through security, and then wear it for the rest of the journey.
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Liquids in a clear bag
It is recommended that you keep your wallet and phone in your bag when going through airport security. That way, you will have fewer items on you when passing through the metal detector, and your bag will be out of your control for the shortest time possible. You should also keep your passport visible in your hand. If you have a coat, you can put your phone and wallet in the pockets before it goes through the scanner. Alternatively, you can bury your wallet and phone deep in your bag before it goes through the scanner.
When it comes to liquids, they must be stored in a clear, see-through bag. This bag should be stored in a handy place, such as an external compartment on your carry-on luggage, so that it can be easily accessed. The bag should be quart-sized and hold no more than a litre. Containers of liquids must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less to be allowed through security. Any liquid, aerosol, gel, cream, or paste that alarms during screening will require additional screening and may not be permitted in your carry-on bag.
You can take liquids bought at an airport or on a plane through security if they are sealed inside a security bag and the receipt for the items is sealed in the bag and visible. Duty-free liquids purchased internationally can be carried in secure, tamper-evident bags if you are travelling to the United States with a connecting flight. Medical liquids will need an accompanying prescription, and dietary requirement liquids must be accompanied by a doctor's letter.
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Metal detectors vs body scanners
When going through security at the airport, it is important to be prepared and avoid mistakes that may slow down the queue or get you into trouble. One way to ensure this is to know what to expect from the security equipment and how to act accordingly.
Metal detectors and body scanners are two of the most common types of security equipment used at airports. Metal detectors use magnetic fields to identify metal objects, while body scanners can detect and locate forbidden objects, including non-metallic ones such as explosives, concealed under a person's clothing.
Metal detectors often use non-ionizing radiation, which has enough energy to move atoms in a molecule or cause them to vibrate but not enough to remove electrons from atoms. This type of radiation is also used in millimeter wave machines, which are another common type of security equipment. These machines use radiofrequency waves to detect threats, emitting far less energy than a cell phone. Body scanners can also use non-ionizing radiation, but some use ionizing radiation, which can directly damage human body cells. Due to the health risks associated with ionizing radiation, the use of this technology in body scanners is controversial. The European Union, for example, does not list devices using ionizing radiation as possible screening equipment to be used at EU airports.
To avoid slowing down the security line, it is recommended to put any electronic devices larger than a cell phone, such as laptops and tablets, into a bag to be scanned. Cell phones and small items of jewelry are usually fine to keep on your person when passing through metal detectors. However, when going through body scanners, it is recommended to put all items, including cell phones and wallets, into a bag to be scanned separately to avoid being flagged for additional screening.
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Keep your bag in sight
When going through airport security, it is important to keep your bag in sight at all times. While thefts at security checkpoints are rare, it is still a good idea to keep your bag within your control as much as possible. Here are some tips to ensure your bag remains in sight:
- Before entering the security area, ensure that all your valuable items, such as your wallet, passport, watch, and cellphone, are securely packed in your bag. Place them deep inside your bag or in a separate bag inside your carry-on luggage. This minimizes the need to rummage through your bag during screening.
- As you approach the security checkpoint, stay close to your bag. If you need to place it on a conveyor belt or in a bin for scanning, accompany it through the process. Stand nearby as it goes through the scanner, and be ready to collect it as soon as it comes out.
- If you are undergoing a body scan, try to ensure your bag enters the scanner before you do. This minimizes the time your bag is out of your control.
- Keep your bag locked if possible. TSA officers have master keys to open certain types of locks, and they will cut other locks if necessary.
- Be aware of your surroundings and report any unattended bags or suspicious activities to airport security or law enforcement.
By following these suggestions, you can help ensure the security of your belongings and contribute to the overall safety of the airport environment.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you keep your cellphone and wallet in your carry-on bag when going through airport security. You can also put them in your coat pocket before it goes through the scanner.
Keeping your cellphone and wallet in your pants when going through airport security may slow down the security line. It may also result in additional screening, as body scanners can flag any anomalies that are not clothing or body parts.
Here are some tips to get through airport security quickly and efficiently:
- Put any liquids or electronics in your carry-on bag.
- Use a clear, see-through bag for liquids.
- Keep your jewelry on unless it is bulky.
- Wear sandals or easily removable shoes to avoid screening.
- Use the MyTSA app to check security wait times.











































