Using a walk through metal detector in airports is just one of the many ways to avoid mishaps in the sky. Nowadays, the airport is a common target for terrorist attacks because of the many people that gather in that area. Efforts are being exerted by airline companies to make sure that only the highest security is given to the passengers, crew, and the aircraft alike.

Metal detectors are devices that use electromagnetic induction to detect metal. Its origins can be traced back to the year 1960’s. At that time, metal detectors were only used for mining and industrial purposes. However, after a succession of aircraft hijackings, Outokumpu, a Finnish company, decided to use mining metal detectors for the purpose of screening airline commuters as they pass through. The advancement of the walk through metal detector continued on and its form evolved into the rectangular gantry now typical in modern airports.

If you travel constantly and would like to avoid any hassles and possible embarrassment brought upon by walking through the many security processes in airports, here are some things that you have to bear in mind:

· Avoid wearing heavy jewelry (necklaces, rings, watches, earrings, etc.) that might set off the alarm.
· Body piercings not visible to the public may lead to additional screening. You may be asked to remove your piercings privately as a substitute to a pat-down search.
· Metal hair barettes, belt buckles and even underwire bras could set off the alarm too.
· Coats and jackets are to be removed during the walk-through. This includes but is not limited to trench coats, blazers, sports coats and etc. You can pack these ahead in your baggage or deposit it for X-ray inspection.
· Remove all metal belongings from your pockets. This includes keys, mobile phones, etc.

Tip: You can place these items in plastic bins offered at airports before walking through the metal detector and get them back once they pass through the X-ray machine. But, you can always save yourself the trouble of doing so by not wearing these items or putting them in your carry-on baggage beforehand.

If however you set off the alarm, the security officers have to identify what set it off. This will lead to additional screening, including a hand-wand and a pat-down examination.

You are also required to remove your shoes, or any type of footwear, before passing the walk through metal detector. This is because many types of footwear can be used as a method to carry illegal weapons and contraband. Your footwear will then be deposited in bins and will have to pass through an X-ray machine. If you do not comply with this, you cannot board your flight.

All in all, you have to keep in mind that to ensure yourself of a hassle-free passage in the walk through metal detector, you just have to follow the rules and keep things simple. And don’t show an attitude when going through the processes. Remember that through the security systems, many lives have been saved, and definitely yours could be too.