Going Through Security
Use these phrases to navigate airport security smoothly, understand officer instructions, and ask about the rules.
Key Phrases
¿Saco el portátil de la mochila?
casualDo I take the laptop out of the backpack?
Use the present tense to ask casually about what to do right now.
¿Tengo que sacar los líquidos?
neutralDo I have to take out my liquids?
Using 'tener que' (to have to) is the standard way to ask about security rules.
¿Me quito el cinturón y el abrigo?
casualDo I take off my belt and coat?
A natural, quick way to ask if you need to remove clothing items.
¿Puedo pasar con los zapatos puestos?
neutralCan I go through with my shoes on?
A slightly softer way to check if an item is allowed through the scanner.
Tiene que poner todo en la bandeja.
neutralYou have to put everything in the tray.
A direct instruction you will often hear from security staff.
El ordenador va en otra bandeja, por favor.
politeThe computer goes in a different tray, please.
A polite instruction. In Latin America, you will hear 'computadora' instead of 'ordenador'.
Pase por el escáner, por favor.
neutralGo through the scanner, please.
¿Puede levantar los brazos?
politeCan you raise your arms?
Often asked when you step inside the body scanner.
No, no tengo nada.
casualNo, I don't have anything.
Spanish uses double negatives like 'no tengo nada' (I don't have nothing).
No llevo nada en los bolsillos.
neutralI am not carrying anything in my pockets.
'Llevar' (to carry/wear) is very common when talking about what is on your person.