B1English

Going Through Security

Use these phrases when you are passing through airport security and need to follow instructions or ask questions about your belongings.

Key Phrases

Voice
Instructions to remove items · 2 ways to say it

Please remove your shoes, belt, and jacket.

neutral

Shoes and belts off, please.

casual
Instructions for electronics · 3 ways to say it

Please take your laptop out of your bag.

neutral

Laptops in a separate bin, please.

casual

US

Laptops in a separate tray, please.

casual

UK

Instructions for liquids

Make sure all liquids are in a clear plastic bag.

neutral
Asking about items · 2 ways to say it

Do I need to take my shoes off?

neutral

Should I take my laptop out of the case?

polite
Instructions for the scanner · 2 ways to say it

Step into the scanner and hold your arms up.

neutral

Please wait behind the line until I call you.

polite
Checking pockets · 2 ways to say it

Do you have anything left in your pockets?

neutral

Empty your pockets completely, please.

casual
Mentioning a medical item

I have a metal pin in my knee.

neutral

Useful if the metal detector alarms.

Bag check · 2 ways to say it

Is this your bag? I need to look inside.

neutral

Excuse me, whose bag is this? We need to check it.

polite

Practice Dialogue

Security Officer
Laptops and tablets in a separate bin, please. Shoes and belts off.
Passenger
Do I need to take my laptop out of its sleeve?
Security Officer
Yes, take it completely out. And please separate your liquids.
Passenger
Okay. Should I take off my watch?
Security Officer
Yes, put that in the bin too. Then wait behind the red line.
Passenger
Sure.
Security Officer
Step into the scanner and hold your arms up. Okay, step out. Anything left in your pockets?
Passenger
Oh, just my boarding pass.
Security Officer
That's fine. You're all set. Have a good flight.

More Travel & Transport (B1)

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