Hands in pockets when going through metal detector causes problems?

Question

Had a new one this week. Went through security in Sydney Domestic airport. No problems, I've done this many times. All my stuff in a tray, send it through the scanner, and hands in pockets, I stroll through the metal detector. No beep. No alarm. No problem, normally.

Security: Sir, your hands were in your pockets. You can't do that. Please go back through.

Me: It's...a metal detector? How do my hands in my pockets affect it?

Security: Go back through please sir.

I went back through, hands out of pockets, again no beep, and security was satisfied, although didn't explain the hands in pockets and why this was an issue? Any ideas?

Answer 1

The impression I have gathered is that security staff find people keeping their hands in their pockets inherently suspicious. More than once I've gone through the metal detector with no problems, and while waiting for my bag etc. to come through I've stood with my hands in my pockets and been asked what I have in there. Usually the answer is something like "A handkerchief - but I'm holding my trousers up until I get my belt back", and so far that has always been good enough for them.

Answer 2

TL/DR: It doesn't, but those are the rules.

The rule most everywhere I've been is you must walk through the metal detector facing forward, arms at your side. Simple physics, there's nothing you can hide with your hands in or out of your pockets.

In your case the screener was either new and fresh from training or is an old stickler for such rules. I typically half crab through a) because I've bumped the machine a few times, b) to see if they're paying attention. >9/10, they're more intent on keeping the line moving.