Playing cards, a common source of entertainment for long flights or screen-free leisure, may lead to security concerns at airports, potentially causing delays for travelers. While certain sharp or hazardous items are clearly prohibited, seemingly harmless objects like playing cards, including classic decks and collectible sets like Pokémon, can trigger security alerts due to their appearance under scanning procedures.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), responsible for airport security in the USA, has highlighted that decks of cards, irrespective of the type, could raise suspicion during screenings if they appear unusual. According to Ian Cava from the TSA, the dense arrangement of cards can obscure X-ray readings, prompting additional scrutiny to ensure no prohibited items are hidden within or around them.
Even family-friendly games such as UNO, with thicker decks compared to standard playing cards, are subject to heightened security checks. Travelers departing from UK airports should heed similar precautions as TSA guidelines align with security protocols in the UK. X-ray scanners can misinterpret tightly packed card decks as potential threats, necessitating extended inspection processes for verification.
Standard security procedures, including manual bag searches, typically take around 15 minutes per bag at inspection points. During busy travel periods, delays can escalate as queues for manual checks may backlog, prolonging wait times for passengers.
To streamline security processes and minimize disruptions, travelers are advised to treat playing cards like other items that require separate screening. Placing the card box in a tray for individual inspection can prevent unexpected security alerts and expedite the clearance process.
Moreover, avoiding metal tins or cases for storing cards, opting instead for cardboard or plastic containers, can aid in smoother scanning procedures. Additionally, placing board games and cards in checked luggage can circumvent manual security checks for these items, reducing the likelihood of delays at security checkpoints.
As airports transition to advanced 3D scanning technology, the need to remove certain items from bags may diminish, enhancing efficiency and reducing false alarms. However, the phased implementation of these scanners across UK airports means some security lanes still rely on traditional X-ray machines, necessitating manual checks for dense objects like playing cards and games.
