How Security Works at OR Tambo
Every passenger passes through security screening after check-in and before reaching the departure gates. The process involves an X-ray scan of your carry-on bags and a body scan or pat-down for you. The entire process takes 5–15 minutes outside peak hours, but can stretch to 30+ minutes during busy periods.
Mid-morning and early afternoon are the quietest times at both terminals.
Mornings (06:00–08:30) and evenings (16:00–18:30) see the longest queues.
December holidays, Easter and long weekends can push wait times even longer.
Step-by-Step: What Happens at Security
Have your boarding pass and ID/passport ready. Staff will check these before you enter the screening area. If your documents aren't ready, you'll be asked to step aside.
While in the queue, start removing items that need to go in the trays separately. This is the single biggest time-saver — prepare before you reach the belt.
Place your bag flat on the belt. Put separated items (laptop, liquids, jacket, belt, etc.) into the provided trays. Push everything through towards the X-ray machine.
Step through the metal detector or body scanner when directed. If it beeps, you'll get a quick pat-down or be asked to remove remaining metal items and try again.
Pick up your bags and tray items from the end of the belt. Re-pack at the bench area provided — don't block the belt for other passengers. Check you have everything before walking away.
What to Remove Before the X-Ray
🎒 Out of Your Bag
- Laptop — into its own tray, flat
- Tablet / large e-reader — same tray or separate
- Liquids bag — clear 1-litre zip bag, items ≤100ml
- Power bank — visible in tray, not buried in bag
- Camera (large) — DSLR or mirrorless bodies
🧍 Off Your Body
- Belt — metal buckles trigger the detector
- Jacket or coat — into a tray
- Watches and heavy jewellery
- Phone, coins, keys — into tray or jacket pocket
- Shoes — only if requested (less common domestically)
Pro Tip: Dress for Speed
Wear slip-on shoes, minimal metal jewellery, and avoid belts with large buckles. Pack your liquids bag at the top of your carry-on so it's easy to pull out. These small steps can cut your screening time in half.
The Liquids Rule at Security
The 100ml liquids rule is the most common reason bags get pulled aside for secondary screening. Getting it right means a faster, smoother experience.
The Rule
- Each liquid, gel or aerosol item must be ≤100ml
- All items must fit in one clear plastic bag (max 1 litre, ~20×20cm)
- One bag per passenger — no sharing
- The bag must be sealed (zip-lock style)
✅ Exempt from the 100ml Rule
- Prescription medications (keep the label)
- Baby formula, breast milk, baby food
- Essential medical liquids (insulin, etc.)
A 200ml bottle that's half-full is still prohibited. It's the container size that counts, not how much liquid is inside. Transfer liquids to travel-sized bottles before packing.
Domestic vs International Security
What Happens If…
🔍 Your Bag Gets Pulled Aside
Don't panic — it's common and usually means the X-ray operator spotted something unclear. A security officer will open your bag, inspect the flagged item, and either clear it or ask you to dispose of it. Stay calm, cooperate, and you'll be on your way in a couple of minutes.
🚨 The Scanner Beeps
You'll be asked to step back, remove the triggering item (forgotten coins, belt, watch), and walk through again. If it beeps a second time, a manual pat-down follows. This is routine and nothing to worry about.
🧴 You Forgot About a Liquid
The item will be confiscated. You won't get it back. If it's valuable (perfume, medication), ask the officer if you can step back to check-in and place it in your checked bag — some will allow this if you have time before your flight.
🔒 You Have a Medical Device
Inform security staff before screening. Pacemakers, insulin pumps, and prosthetics can usually bypass the scanner. Bring a doctor's letter or prescription as supporting documentation. Staff will arrange alternative screening.
Special Passenger Guidance
👨👩👧 Families with Children
- Children go through the scanner alongside a parent — they don't need to go alone
- Baby formula and food are exempt from the 100ml rule but may be tested
- Strollers are X-rayed separately — fold them before you reach the belt
- Nappies, wipes and spare baby clothes can stay in your bag
- Ask staff for the family lane if available — some checkpoints have one
♿ Passengers with Reduced Mobility
- Wheelchair users are screened via pat-down and manual inspection
- Mobility aids (crutches, walking frames) are X-rayed separately
- Request assistance from your airline at least 48 hours before travel
- OR Tambo offers free porter services through the terminals
💊 Passengers with Medical Conditions
- Carry medications in original packaging with pharmacy labels
- Bring a doctor's letter for injectable medications and syringes
- Liquid medications over 100ml are allowed but must be declared
- CPAP machines and oxygen concentrators must be pre-approved by your airline
Things to Never Do at Security
- Joking about bombs, weapons, threats or hijacking — even sarcastically
- Refusing to comply with screening instructions
- Physically obstructing or touching security personnel
- Attempting to carry prohibited items through knowingly
- Arguing with staff about rules
- Not having your boarding pass ready
- Wearing heavy boots, multiple layers of jewellery, or large belt buckles
- Leaving liquids buried deep in your bag
- Filming or photographing the screening area (not permitted)
Frequently Asked Questions
Solid food: yes. Sandwiches, biltong, fruit, biscuits and chocolate are all fine. Liquid or gel-like food (yoghurt, soup, hummus, jam) follows the 100ml rule. Drinks bought after security can be taken on board.
Usually not for domestic flights. International flights may require it, especially on US-bound routes where TSA-aligned screening applies. If in doubt, wear shoes that are easy to slip off.
Generally no. Once you've passed through security, you're airside and cannot easily return to the landside check-in area. If you urgently need to go back, speak to security staff — but you'll need to go through screening again.
Business class and first class passengers, as well as some airline loyalty programme members, may have access to a priority security lane. Check with your airline at the time of booking. Some lounge memberships also include fast-track access.
Prepare Before You Pack
Know what's allowed in your bags and review the full check-in process.