Security - Frequently Asked Questions

• You should remove your footwear for security screening only if you are asked to do so by a security officer.

• No these cannot be taken in your hand luggage. Any liquids, gels or pastes in containers over 100ml must be packed in your hold baggage. There is a free water fountain facility available in the departure lounge near the toilets, should you wish to fill up your own empty water bottle to take onboard the aircraft.

• Yes, provided the solution is in a container 100ml or less and placed inside a transparent, resealable bag.

• Yes, you can take on board all solid cosmetics.  A standard lipstick would be acceptable as would solid deodorants. You can also take atomiser/cream/roll-on deodorants as long as they are in containers up to 100ml and placed in a transparent resealable bag.

• Yes. If you are on a direct flight to your destination, you can fly with most items you buy after security. However, we advise any hot drinks bought in departures should be consumed before boarding starts for your flight. 

• You are only allowed one bag per person. The capacity must not exceed 1 litre (20cm x 20cm, or 8in x 8in). Bags are available before security if you need one. 

If you’re travelling with infants and children you can do the following:

• You can take pushchairs, prams and buggies to the gate. These items will be subject to security screening.

• You can take milk powder to make up a bottle of milk on the plane.

• You can take pre-prepared milk and jars of baby food which may exceed 100ml and does not have to fit into a resealable bag. However, the amount must be sufficient for your journey and may be subject to additional tests.

• Car seats can be taken as part of your hold baggage.  However, please check with your airline before you are due to travel.

• You are allowed to take essential medicines sufficient for your journey. Amounts under 100ml should be placed in a transparent, plastic bag with other liquids. For amounts over 100ml, supporting documentation from a relevant qualified medical professional (e.g., a letter from your doctor/consultant), is required. All liquids should be presented at security for x-ray inspection. Additional tests may be conducted.

• There is no limit to what you carry in tablet or pill form, whether it is prescribed medication or not.

• You can carry a blood pressure monitor in your hand luggage if it complies with your airline's hand luggage rules.

• You can carry children's medication in your hand luggage.  It must only be enough that is sufficient for the trip and in containers of less than 100ml capacity.

• You are allowed to carry insulin, the insulin pump and hypodermic needles through security.

• There is no limit to what you carry in tablet or pill form (such as paracetamol), whether it is prescribed medication or not.

• You can carry essential medication in your hand luggage such as an EpiPen, inhaler, angina spray if the liquid doesn’t exceed 100ml.

• You can carry a blood pressure monitor in your hand luggage provided it complies with your airline's hand luggage rules.

• The rules for homeopathic medicines are the same as for other liquid medicines.

• Passengers with metal implants, such as artificial knees and hips, do not require any additional documentation to travel. 

• Yes, but please contact your airline before you travel.

• There are no limitations on electrical items from laptop, cameras, tablets, mobile devices and batteries?   We may ask you to remove them from your cabin baggage so they can be screened separately.  The Security Officer will advise you.

• You can take gas hair tongs in your hand baggage although you are only allowed to carry one gas cartridge that is in use and housed in the tongs.

• Umbrellas are permitted. These items will be X-ray screened at security.

• No.  Walking, hiking and trekking poles are not allowed as hand luggage when you go through security.  You should consider this when packing.  It is advisable to check them in with your hold luggage. If you need to you should use alternative walking aids to help you with your airport journey.

• Here are some images of items which are not allowed to be taken through security.  In most cases they have spiked ends, either on show or under the rubber stops.

• Yes.

• Yes, you can carry candles in your hold or hand baggage.

• Yes, providing the blades are no longer than 6cm measured from the fulcrum. Anything longer will need to be checked-in as hold baggage.

• Knitting needles are allowed.

• Yes, but please contact your airline before you travel.

• Yes at check in you can secure your hold luggage with either a padlock or a combination lock.

• Please visit the UK Department for Transport's website using this link.