Airport security is the most stressful five minutes of any flight. A beeping detector, a misplaced tray, a bag re-checked — these 10 simple steps help you sail through security at TBS or any international checkpoint quickly and without delays.
The 3-1-1 liquids rule
All liquids, gels and pastes in your carry-on must be in containers of 100 ml or less, all placed in one clear, resealable 1-litre bag. That bag goes in its own tray before scanning.
- ✔ Perfume ≤100 ml, toothpaste ≤100 ml — permitted
- ✔ Baby food, insulin, prescription medicine — permitted (declare at checkpoint)
- ✗ Bottles over 200 ml in carry-on — confiscated
- ✔ Purchased drinks — usually must be consumed or discarded at security
Laptop and electronics
Laptops and tablets larger than 25 cm must be removed from your bag and placed in a separate tray. Key rules:
- 💻 Laptop — remove from bag, place in its own tray
- 🔋 Power bank — carry-on only (banned in checked luggage!)
- 📱 Phone — remove from pocket, place in tray
- 📸 Camera — treat like a laptop, place separately
Metal items — avoid the beep
- ⌚ Watch, bracelet — remove and place in tray
- 🔑 Keys, coins — out of pockets and into the tray
- 👟 Shoes — often removed at EU and Georgian checkpoints; always at US airports
- 👔 Belt — remove before you reach the detector
Smart dressing for security
Slip-on shoes, a belt-free waistband and minimal pockets make security the fastest part of your journey.
Before leaving home: laptop in the top compartment, liquids zip-locked and reachable, keys in an outer pocket. You can clear security in under 3 minutes.
TBS, KUT and BUS — local specifics
Tbilisi Shota Rustaveli International (TBS) follows European security standards. Kutaisi (KUT) — Wizz Air's hub — has a fast, modern checkpoint. Batumi (BUS) is seasonal and typically straightforward. The 3-1-1 rule and laptop removal are mandatory at all three.
For more on transit and layovers, see our article 'Layovers and Transit: Complete Guide'.
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