A viral video has highlighted a simple mistake travellers make at airport security checkpoints that can lead to unnecessary delays. Maria Dinca took to social media to share her 'airport etiquette' tips after observing passengers leaving empty plastic trays on the conveyor belt.
In her video, filmed at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Dinca demonstrated a three-step routine. First, take your tray from the conveyor belt while your belongings are still inside. Second, move the tray to a nearby counter to retrieve your items and reorganise your bag. Finally, return the empty tray to its proper place so it can travel back to the start of the belt.
Dinca warned that leaving trays on the belt blocks other trays from passing through the scanner, causing delays for everyone. 'Please don't leave them sad and lonely like this,' she said, showing a queue of empty trays occupying space on the belt.
While many viewers agreed, some from the US said they were instructed to leave trays in place. 'Every airport I've been to tells you to get all your stuff out of the tray without taking it anywhere,' one commenter wrote. Dinca noted her advice was based on European airports, but said she would observe practices when flying from the US.
The video has sparked debate among travellers, but airport staff often rely on passengers to follow local procedures to keep queues moving efficiently.
