Security FAQs

Any liquid, gel, cream, paste, spray or aerosol are restricted items. This includes drinks, water, toiletries, perfumes, cosmetics as well as food items that contain high volumes of liquids, such as soups or yoghurts. It also applies to spreads, jams and preserves. See our security advice for more information about liquids.

If you do take liquids in your hand luggage containers must hold no more than 100ml. Containers must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm. Contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed, it must be airtight and the bag must not be knotted or tied at the top. You’re limited to 1 plastic bag per person and you must show the bag at the airport security point.

The bags are available for free in our security areas.

The container size is measured, regardless of how much liquid it contains. It must also state the capacity of the container.

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

• carry milk powder in your hand luggage (there are no limits for powder formula).
• carry ready-to-drink cartons of formula and self-prepared milk or sterilised water in your hand luggage.
• carry baby food in your hand luggage.
• take an additional item of hand luggage (even when travelling with a child who has no seat assigned to them).
• take buggies to the gate (although you will need to take your child out while it’s being x-rayed).
• take baby car seats through security for use on the plane.

We always recommend to check baggage restrictions with your airline to be sure.

You’re allowed to take essential medicines sufficient for your trip. There is no limit on the amount, but you will be asked to provide proof such as a doctor's letter or prescription. All medicines will be subject to additional security screening. See our security advice for more information about medicines.

Oversized liquids purchased as duty free or tax free must be in a clear sealed, tamper proof bag with the receipt inside of the bag. If in doubt, ensure that your duty free purchases are checked in to the hold of the aircraft.

Yes, you can take knitting needles or crochet hooks with you both in your hand baggage and hold luggage.

Find out more about items you can and can’t take through security.

If you have a pace maker or any other medical device that may be affected by walking through an archway metal detector, please advise our security officers prior to going through security. Make sure you have your medical card to state that you are wearing a sensitive medical device.

If you have a hip/joint replacement or any metal implants in your body, they are likely to set off the metal detector. If this happens, you will need to be searched by one of our security guards. There is no need to bring any proof of metal implants with you but letting our security guards know may be helpful.

By removing shoes, metallic jewellery, belts or any other removable items you greatly reduce the chance of activating our walk through metal detectors, therefore speeding up your journey through security. We advise that any high value items you remove are placed into your hand baggage to keep them safe and secure.

Yes, anyone can request a private search for either themselves or for their hand baggage if you have a valid reason, for example a condition that you may wish to be dealt with privately or if you’re carrying items that you do not wish to be searched in a public area. Just ask a member of staff and we will arrange this for you.

Any searches carried out in private are witnessed by an additional security officer and you are welcome to have a travelling companion be there with you too.

You have the right to refuse to go through our security scanners, however your reasoning will be questioned by a member of staff for security reasons. The alternative can be a body search carried out in a private search area. Find out more about our security scanners and how they work.

Once through security, there is no way to exit before getting on your flight. Please note, there is no facility to smoke once through security.

If you need special assistance at the airport, please make sure you've booked it in advance through your airline. Once booked you will be met on your arrival by our dedicated team and assisted through the airport. More information for passengers with reduced mobility.

We’ve created special assistance and family lanes in security for departing families. Simply follow the signs for the assistance and family lanes after you've checked in.

Passengers should continue to follow current requirements for the carriage of laptops and liquids in their cabin baggage. You should also continue to follow current requirements by placing all personal items into the trays provided.

If you do take liquids in your hand luggage, containers must hold no more than 100ml. Containers must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm.