Some people prepare entertainment tools to pass the time before boarding a plane. But if you carry playing cards like poker in your carry-on luggage, it may trigger an alarm during X-ray screening at the airport, being mistaken for a prohibited item and requiring additional inspection. Why does this happen?
According to a report by the US magazine “Travel + Leisure,” a stack of playing cards may appear as a dense block on the security screening equipment, which may not be accurately identified. It could exhibit characteristics of other items, prompting Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security personnel to conduct additional manual checks.
Ian Cava, a spokesperson for the agency, explained that collectible playing cards and poker decks sometimes trigger additional security procedures due to their packaging and density. When these items are tightly stacked together, the X-ray image often makes it difficult for security personnel to determine if there are any prohibited items hidden within or around them.
If security personnel cannot clearly identify whether the item is prohibited through the X-ray image and have to open your carry-on or backpack for inspection, there is no need to panic.
One simple way to reduce additional security checks is to take these items out of your carry-on or backpack and place them in the security tray, like you would with a jacket or electronic device. Cava said, “This helps speed up the security process and reduces the likelihood of delays.”
Professional tarot card reader Alicia Brayboy has made it a habit to take out her tarot cards during airport security checks and place them in the tray to avoid undergoing additional inspections. For her, it has become a reflex action, like taking out a laptop.
However, these cards may still not be clearly displayed on the X-ray machine. Cava mentioned, “If the items cannot be clearly identified through the X-ray, we may need to conduct a manual check. If you are traveling with a large quantity or expensive collectibles, it is advisable to allocate ample time for security checks.”
You might consider placing these cards in checked baggage to avoid trouble, but the TSA encourages passengers to carry such items in their carry-on luggage.
“We recommend travelers to keep playing cards in their carry-on luggage during travel. This allows passengers to keep an eye on them at all times and ensures they are not damaged or lost during transportation,” said Cava.
The UK’s “Daily Mirror” reported that although these recommendations come from the TSA, passengers departing from UK airports can also take note, as the security procedures at both locations are very similar.
Under the X-ray machine, tightly stacked playing cards may appear as a solid mass, potentially being flagged by the system as potential explosives, electronic devices, or high-density liquids, prompting further manual checks.
Once your luggage reaches the inspection counter, a standard manual check usually takes up to 15 minutes. However, during peak travel times, luggage awaiting manual inspection may queue up, significantly extending your wait time.
According to “Travel + Leisure,” during airport security checks, not only playing cards but also some everyday items may trigger additional security procedures. The most common items that might raise alarms include:
– Medical liquids: Such as prescription medication, which security personnel may inspect if it exceeds 3.4 ounces (96.4 grams).
– Powders and spices: If passengers carry such items, it is best to inform security personnel in advance to facilitate a more effective inspection before these items trigger an alarm during X-ray screening.
– High-density or uniquely shaped items: Stacked books, board games, or even piles of electronic devices may present as solid masses in security images, requiring meticulous inspection. Passengers can proactively cooperate by removing electronic devices larger than a cell phone from their carry-ons.
– Snow globes and peanut butter: Souvenirs like snow globes or several jars of peanut butter can unexpectedly be prohibited items. Some snow globes are banned due to containing over 3.4 ounces (approximately 100 milliliters) of liquid. While peanut butter may seem solid, it is classified as a liquid, especially under the TSA’s criteria.
– Prohibited items: Pepper sprays, bear sprays, other personal protective or weapon-related items, as well as hiking poles, golf clubs, and baseball bats, are considered prohibited items on commercial flights. If you unintentionally carry such items, you can check them in, return them to your car, or discard them at the security checkpoint.