Passengers using Birmingham Airport have been issued with a crucial piece of advice to help streamline the security process and prevent unnecessary hold-ups. The guidance comes as travellers seek ways to navigate busy periods efficiently.
The Common Security Tray Error
In a recent TikTok video, travel content creator Maria Dinca highlighted a frequent mistake made at airport security gates. She labelled her clip a 'PSA: airport security tray etiquette', demonstrating what she believes is the correct method for handling the plastic trays used to scan belongings.
Maria filmed her experience at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, outlining a three-step process. First, collect your tray from the conveyor belt with your items still on it. Second, move it to a nearby counter to repack your bags calmly. Third, and most importantly, return the empty tray to the designated stacking area.
Why This Simple Act Prevents Delays
The core issue arises when passengers abandon empty trays on the belt. Maria pointed out that leaving trays 'sad and lonely' on the conveyor blocks the system, preventing subsequent trays from moving through the scanner. This creates a bottleneck, requiring airport staff or other travellers to clear the backlog, ultimately slowing down the queue for everyone.
"Every time I travel I’m amazed how many people just leave them on the conveyor belt, which leads to more delays and more work for airport staff or other passengers to deal with," she wrote in her video caption. This is particularly pertinent for Birmingham Airport passengers during peak travel times when security lines can stretch for hours.
A Transatlantic Etiquette Divide
The advice sparked discussion among viewers, revealing a potential difference in procedures between continents. Some commenters, particularly from the United States, stated they are instructed to unpack at the belt and slide the empty tray to a stack at the end, often where no tables are provided.
Maria acknowledged this difference, replying, "Oh that’s interesting! My experience is based on Europe. I’m flying out of the US today though so will now keep an eye out for how it works here." This suggests that travellers should be mindful of local airport protocols, but the principle of clearing trays efficiently remains universal.
For those departing from UK hubs like Birmingham, adopting this considerate approach can help keep security lines moving, ensuring a smoother start to your journey and reducing the risk of stress or missed flights.
