unexpected

This harmless item isn’t banned by any airline, and many people pack it in their hand luggage, but the shape of it can trigger warning signs at airport security and see you getting held up in the queue

Airport security is one of the worst parts of flying, so once you’ve finally got to the front of the queue, you don’t want anything to delay your progress any further.

Once you put that bag on the conveyor belt, you want it to come through quickly so that you can get on with more important tasks, such as perusing the duty free shop. Nobody enjoys that sense of dread when your bag is stuck in the scanner, or even worse, sent off to the lane of shame to be examined by hand.

But many travellers don’t realise that an innocuous item could be the thing that’s halting their progress through the scanners as it’s shape can raise the suspicions of airport staff.

If you’re off on holiday somewhere with bad WiFi, or simply want something fun to do in the evening, you might be planning on bringing a deck of playing cards, UNO, or other card game.

Trading cards such as Pokémon have also had a huge revival in recent years, and some people even travel with a set of tarot cards so they can do readings on holiday. But packing any set of cards, whether collectible or mystical, can cause a security issue.

A spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), who deal with airport security in the United States, told Travel and Leisure that they recommend people still place their cards in their carry on bag, especially if they’re valuable items like 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 recommendation is that travellers should remove the cards from their hand luggage and place it in the tray next to the bag, alongside items like their mobile phone. “This helps speed up the process and reduces the likelihood of delays,” he claimed.

But if the cards still don’t show clearly on the scanner, don’t be alarmed if the airport security staff need to carry out a physical inspection. Travellers with large and bulky card collections should ensure they leave additional time for security screening.

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A pack of cards isn’t the only thing that can see you held up at security. There are a number of personal items banned from hand luggage that could cause you issues. Many items are banned due to being sharp and potentially dangerous, but even innocuous items such as corkscrews could potentially be confiscated.

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The new series of Beyond Paradise will see ‘unexpected hurdles’ for Humphrey Goodman and Martha Lloyd

Beyond Paradise returns for a new series on Friday night and fans will be delighted.

Series four episode one sees Detective Inspector for Shipton Abbott Police Station, Humphrey Goodman, played by Kris Marshall, investigate a crime novelist’s death that eerily mirrors the details of his final novel. Humphrey must uncover whether it was a coincidence or murder by design…

Meanwhile, The Lily Bond is caught adrift leaving Humphrey and Martha Lloyd, played by Sally Bretton, back home with Martha’s mother Anne Lloyd, played by Barbara Flynn.

However, things won’t be plain sailing for the couple in series four as Martha star Sally, 45, teased that the duo will face “unexpected hurdles”.

Talking ahead of series four, Sally said: “They have so much fun in this series, but as always, there are unexpected hurdles.

“They’ve taken on a huge house project that is stunning but comes with plenty of problems, and Martha is constantly juggling her business, the builder, the new home, and Humphrey.”

Meanwhile, Humphrey star Kris, 52, teased of his character and series four: “He’s finally a married man!

“They’ve put fostering on the back burner to focus on their new house project, which, as you can imagine with Humphrey’s clumsiness, is a recipe for disaster. He’s not at all gifted in the DIY department, causing more issues than he solves.”

Talking about Humphrey being forced to part ways with his beloved houseboat this series, Kris added: “Ever since we met Humphrey in the Caribbean, he’s been a frustrated sailor.

“He loves the romanticism of being on a boat and is always drawn to the water, so he is sad that this chapter of his life has closed. However, their new house is in the perfect location, and hopefully there will be more boats in his future.”

Elsewhere, a synopsis for series four teases: “DI Humphrey Goodman and the Shipton Abbott team are back, facing a fresh wave of mind-boggling puzzles. From the suspicious death of a crime novelist, whose final plot eerily mirrors their demise, to an intruder who returns to undo the crime scene they created, the team have their work cut out for them.

“Set against the breathtaking landscapes of Devon and Cornwall, fact and folklore blur when a witness claims a mermaid wrecked a local seaweed farm, an off-grid community fight developers with the image of the Green Man, a Morris dancer is targeted in plain sight, and a stolen pirate map reappears under mysterious circumstances.

“Beyond the station, Humphrey and Martha launch into married life as they search for a new place to call home, all whilst Humphrey faces mounting pressure when tasked with an impossible decision that will change his team forever.

“Meanwhile, Anne rises to new heights as a local councillor, Esther is forced to grapple with the consequences of her past choices, and Zoe starts planning her next steps. Elsewhere, Kelby’s dating life takes an unexpected turn when he meets someone online, but Margo spots warning signs that all may not be as it seems…”

Beyond Paradise returns this Friday at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.