TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Airport security checks often become a hiccup in travel, even for compliant passengers. Seemingly harmless everyday items can trigger alarms just for their material density or the little-known flight safety regulations. This often leads to time-consuming manual searches.
One common item that frequently triggers additional checks is a stack of cards, such as playing cards, collectible cards, or tarot cards. A tightly packed stack of cards will appear as a suspicious solid block on the monitor screen. TSA spokesperson Ian Cava explained that the density of the stack makes it difficult for scanners to ensure that no prohibited items are hidden within.
"When items are stacked tightly together, like decks, binders, or graded slabs, the X-ray image can make it difficult for officers to confirm there are no prohibited items concealed in or around them,” said Cava, as reported by Travel + Leisure. To expedite the process, travelers are advised to remove the cards from their bags and place them in the inspection tray, similar to the procedure for electronic devices.
Aside from item density, regulations regarding power banks are also becoming stricter. Major airlines like Emirates have updated safety regulations related to power bank usage. Since October 2025, the use of all types of portable chargers on board is completely prohibited after a safety review on the risks of lithium batteries, as reported by Conde Nast Traveller.
Travelers are now only allowed to carry one unit of a power bank with a maximum capacity of 100 watt-hours, which must be stored in a bag under the seat and is still strictly prohibited from being checked in as registered baggage.
Another issue frequently encountered at security checkpoints is in the category of food. Many passengers still struggle when bringing large quantities of items such as peanut butter, soft cheese, or soup because they are deemed to violate the liquid limits. As per the regulations from gov.uk, freezing these liquids to make them solid before departure will not help, as frozen liquids are still prohibited in carry-on baggage.
Furthermore, restrictions on animal products such as meat and milk in certain countries aim to prevent the spread of diseases. A survey by Saga Holidays revealed that around 24 percent of travelers are still unaware of these prohibitions.
By paying attention to small details, from how cards are packed to battery capacity, travelers can avoid long queues and tiring manual searches. Readiness for these technical regulations is the key to comfort while in the international departure terminal area.
Imanda Zahwa contributed to the writing of this article
Read: Japan Bans Power Banks on Planes Starting April 2026: What to Know
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Jet Fuel Prices in Indonesia Exceed Rp22,000 Amid Middle East Turmoil
6 hari lalu
At Soekarno-Hatta Airport, jet fuel prices surged by 72.45 percent to Rp23,551.08 per liter.
Bali Airport Records 1% Raise in Passengers During 2026 Eid Holiday
6 hari lalu
The I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali served 1.14 million passengers during the 18-day Eid holiday season in 2026.
Iran Says US-Israel Strike on India-Bound Plane a 'War Crime'
7 hari lalu
Iran has accused the US of targeting a civilian aircraft on the ground at Mashhad Airport, reportedly on a humanitarian mission.
US: Trump Orders Payment to TSA Agents After Hundreds Quit
11 hari lalu
The US Transportation Security Administration has warned it could close small airports if a partial shutdown continues.
Partial Government Shutdown Stirs Chaos in U.S. Airports
12 hari lalu
More than 450 TSA officers have quit and thousands more are absent since the partial U.S. government shutdown on February 14
Eid Traffic: Hundreds of Extra Flights Prepared Across Indonesian Airports
12 hari lalu
The number of extra flights is still potentially increasing until the Eid homecoming period ends on March 30, 2026.
Indonesia Weighs Fare Hike as Airlines Push 15% Increase
12 hari lalu
Indonesian National Air Carriers Association (INACA) proposed a 15 percent increase in airline ticket ceiling prices for both jet & propeller aircraft
US: Trump Orders ICE Agents to Airports amid Budget Standoff
15 hari lalu
Starting Monday, ICE agents will be deployed to US airports to ease congestion at security checkpoints.
Indonesia's Soekarno-Hatta Immigration Breaks Into Skytrax Top 10 in 2026
18 hari lalu
Soekarno-Hatta Immigration Service has once again been listed among the top 10 in the World's Best Airport Immigration Service category at the World Airport Skytrax Awards 2026
Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport Resumes Operations After Nyepi
18 hari lalu
The Ngurah Rai International Airport has resumed operations and conveyed that the atmosphere during the Nyepi holy day went smoothly.
