Going Through Security
These phrases will help you navigate the airport security checkpoint, understand instructions from the staff, and ask practical questions about the screening process.
Key Phrases
Saquen los portátiles y tabletas de sus mochilas, por favor, y pónganlos aparte.
neutralPlease take your laptops and tablets out of your backpacks and put them aside.
A standard instruction addressed to multiple passengers.
Les pedimos que coloquen cualquier dispositivo electrónico más grande en una bandeja separada.
politeWe ask that you place any larger electronic device in a separate tray.
More formal phrasing often used in airport announcements.
Todo lo metálico, como llaves o monedas, directo a la bandeja.
neutralEverything metallic, like keys or coins, straight into the tray.
Direct, standard instruction from staff to a passenger.
Asegúrense de que todos los líquidos estén dentro de una bolsa de plástico transparente.
neutralMake sure that all liquids are inside a clear plastic bag.
Uses the present subjunctive 'estén' after the trigger 'Asegúrense de que'.
Y el abrigo, ¿hace falta que me lo quite para pasarlo por ahí?
neutralAnd the coat, do I need to take it off to put it through there?
A natural everyday way to ask about security requirements.
Disculpe, ¿sería tan amable de indicarme si debo quitarme los zapatos de cuero también?
politeExcuse me, would you be so kind as to tell me if I must take off my leather shoes too?
A very polite question using the conditional mood.
Disculpe, ¿dónde podría conseguir otra bandeja vacía para poner mi mochila y la chaqueta?
neutralExcuse me, where could I get another empty tray to put my backpack and jacket?
Standard polite question directed at airport staff.
¿Me pasas una de esas bandejas vacías que están apiladas ahí atrás, por favor?
casualCan you pass me one of those empty trays that are stacked back there, please?
Casual phrasing used when asking a fellow passenger in line.
Lo siento mucho, pero no está permitido que pase con envases que superen cien mililitros.
neutralI am very sorry, but you are not allowed to go through with containers exceeding one hundred milliliters.
A firm but standard refusal using the subjunctive.
¿Puedo pasar con esta botella de agua si ya me la he bebido casi toda?
neutralCan I go through with this water bottle if I've already drank almost all of it?
Uses a pronominal verb construction to sound natural.
Por favor, póngase en el escáner con los brazos en cruz y los pies separados.
neutralPlease stand in the scanner with your arms out and your feet apart.
Standard instruction given for body scanners.
La máquina pitó porque probablemente todavía llevaba puesto ese cinturón con la hebilla de metal.
neutralThe machine beeped because you were probably still wearing that belt with the metal buckle.
Explains an event using the imperfect tense for background context.
¿Ya puedo recoger mis cosas de la cinta transportadora o debo esperar aquí un momento?
neutralCan I pick up my things from the conveyor belt now or should I wait here for a moment?
Checking with the staff if the process is complete.