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Airport security is widely regarded as one of the most dreaded aspects of air travel, so once you've finally reached the front of the queue, the last thing you want is further delays holding you back.

The moment you place your bag on the conveyor belt, you're hoping it glides through swiftly, leaving you free to tackle far more enjoyable pursuits, such as browsing the duty free shops. Nobody enjoys that sinking feeling when your bag gets stuck in the scanner, or worse still, is whisked away to be searched by hand.

Yet many travellers are completely unaware that a seemingly harmless item could be the culprit behind their hold-up at the scanners, as its shape can arouse the suspicions of security staff, reports the Mirror.

If you're heading somewhere with unreliable WiFi, or simply fancy some evening entertainment, you may well be considering packing a deck of playing cards, UNO, or another card game.

Collectible trading cards such as Pokémon have also enjoyed an enormous resurgence in popularity in recent years, while some travellers even bring tarot cards along for holiday readings. However, packing any type of cards, whether collectible or mystical, can trigger a security problem.

A spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), responsible for airport security across the United States, told Travel and Leisure that they advise passengers to keep their cards inside their carry-on luggage, particularly when dealing with valuable items such as collectible trading cards. Ian Cava from the TSA explained that it was the shape of the cards that can trigger additional checks, and it can make it seem like there's something hidden inside. "Trading and playing cards can sometimes trigger additional screening because of the way they are packed and their density.

"When items are stacked tightly together, like decks, binders, or graded slabs, the X-ray image can make it difficult for officers to confirm there are no prohibited items concealed in or around them."

Ian's suggestion is that passengers should take the cards out of their hand luggage and put them in the tray beside the bag, alongside items like their mobile phone. "This helps speed up the process and reduces the likelihood of delays," he stated.

However, if the cards still don't appear clearly on the scanner, don't be surprised if the airport security personnel need to conduct a physical inspection. Passengers with large and bulky card collections should make certain they allow extra time for security screening.

A pack of cards isn't the only thing that can see you delayed at security. There are numerous personal items prohibited from hand luggage that could cause you problems. Many items are banned due to being sharp and potentially dangerous, but even harmless items such as corkscrews could potentially be seized.

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