How can one avoid carry bags when queuing for the security checkpoint in an airport?

How can one avoid carry bags when queuing for the security checkpoint in an airport? - Photo of Two Teal and Pink Leather Crossbody Bags

Typically one cannot use airport luggage trolleys when queuing for the security checkpoint in an airport. Is there any way to avoid carrying bags when queuing for the security checkpoint in an airport (e.g., presenting some medical certificate showing one cannot carry the bag), aside from manually pushing the bag on the floor?

Assume that:

  • the bag cannot be checked in (e.g., due to prohibited or fragile items, such as some batteries or laptops).
  • global entry, TSA Pre✓®, NEXUS, or SENTRI can't be obtained.


Best Answer

A medical certificate is unlikely to be of that much help. It's possible that presenting one would allow you to keep a trolley in the queue, but there's really not any kind of standardized procedure for that, so it simply comes down to whatever employee happens to be overseeing the checkpoint, and that person is likely to be busy, not really interested in your individual situation, and may not even speak your language. Even if you can keep a trolley with you in the queue, the airport isn't going to allow you to bring it through security, so you'll have the same problem carrying your bags to your gate and throughout the rest of your journey.

But there are alternatives:

  • Pack light. Check everything except the essentials that must be hand-carried.
  • Bring your own wheels. Use a carry-on bag with built-in wheels. Beyond the usual full-size carry-on bags, they also make smaller laptop bags and even backpacks with wheels, which are small enough to fit under the seat in front of you if necessary, so you can keep them even if there's no overhead bin space left. Or fit your own bag to a folding luggage cart.
  • Request assistance. Airports and airlines have arrangements for people with disabilities to provide required assistance. This assistance often involves wheelchair or golf cart service, but can take different forms depending on your individual needs. Someone will escort you through security and will bring your bag along if you cannot carry it yourself. The process to receive this kind of assistance varies depending on the airport, but it can usually be requested through your airline. Airline and airport websites usually have further information on their services on their accessibility pages.



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Do you check your bag before going through security?

TSA screens approximately 1.4 million checked bags for explosives and other dangerous items daily. Upon check in, your checked baggage will be provided to TSA for security screening.

What is the procedure for airport security check in?

Security Checks
  • Place all your hand baggage for screening.
  • Place cell phones, laptops, electronics etc in the tray provided.
  • The metal objects like belts, bracelets etc are to be placed in the trays provided, as they might set off the alarms.
  • Follow the 3-3-3 rule at the Airport for carrying any liquids.


  • What is the security checkpoint at the airport?

    What is the Security Checkpoint / Airport Security Checkpoint? It includes the whole area where passengers and boarding passes are controlled under certain security parameters before getting accepted to boarding. All passengers have to follow the instructions for airport safety and to have a safe flight.

    How do you avoid TSA lines?

    Whether it's membership to security clearance programs or a higher class of airfare, it's possible to skip the line
  • Apply for TSA PreCheck.
  • Apply for Global Entry.
  • Purchase upgraded airfare with priority lane access.
  • The bottom line.




  • The Science of Airport Security




    Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

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