Ordinary items in luggage can sometimes lead to extra checks. One such "surprise" can be a deck of playing cards, which may appear suspicious on the scanner.
Many travelers take ordinary items with them on their journeys, often unaware that some of these can trigger additional checks at airport security. This is reported by Mirror.
The item in question is a seemingly safe object — playing or collectible cards. They are not prohibited by any airline; however, they can lead to extra scrutiny due to their shape and density.
Why issues arise at security
As explained by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the problem lies not with the cards themselves, but with how they appear on the X-ray.
Tightly packed decks — whether they are playing cards, UNO, Pokémon, or even tarot — can look like a concealed object. This makes it harder for security personnel to verify that there are no prohibited items inside.
How to avoid delays at airport security
Experts recommend that when going through security, travelers should take the cards out of their carry-on luggage and place them separately in the tray — just like a phone or other small items.
This will help speed up the screening process and reduce the risk of additional checks.
If you have a large collection of cards or bulky sets, it’s advisable to allow extra time for passing through security. In some cases, airport staff may conduct a manual inspection of the luggage — this is a standard security procedure.
Even harmless items can slow down the screening process. A simple rule — keep everything "suspicious" in plain sight — will help save time and get through security without unnecessary questions, writes bb.lv
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