Going Through Security
Use these phrases to navigate airport security, follow instructions, and ask questions about your belongings.
Key Phrases
J'enlève mes chaussures et ma veste ?
casualDo I take off my shoes and jacket?
A quick, informal way to check what you need to take off.
Est-ce que je dois enlever ma ceinture ?
neutralDo I need to take off my belt?
The standard, polite way to ask if an action is required.
Sortez votre ordinateur de votre sac.
neutralTake your laptop out of your bag.
Direct instruction commonly used by airport staff.
Vous devez mettre votre ordinateur dans un bac.
politeYou must put your laptop in a bin.
A more polite, structured instruction using a modal verb.
J'ai juste une petite bouteille d'eau avec moi.
casualI just have a small bottle of water with me.
A natural, everyday way to mention a small item you forgot to remove.
Allez-y, passez et levez les bras.
casualGo ahead, step through and raise your arms.
Officers often give short, direct commands when busy.
Passez sous le portique de sécurité, s'il vous plaît.
politePlease walk under the security scanner.
A standard, polite direction for the metal detector.
Pourquoi ça sonne ? Je n'ai pas de métal.
neutralWhy is it beeping? I don't have any metal.
Useful if the machine beeps unexpectedly.
Je vais faire une fouille de sécurité.
neutralI am going to do a security pat-down.
Officers use this phrase before performing a manual physical check.
C'est bon ? Je peux prendre mes affaires ?
neutralAre we good? Can I take my things?
A natural way to ask if you are cleared to leave the checkpoint.