Before entering the departure lounge all passengers must pass through security. You will be asked to produce your boarding card for inspection before being screened. All hand baggage will be passed through an x-ray scanner and should be kept to a minimum.
Security checks are subject to change. Please ensure you give yourself adequate time to be processed through security. Fast Track security >>
To help make things flow as smoothly as possible, please try to be ready before reaching the search point:
- Have your travel documents ready for inspection.
- Comply with your airline's restrictions on the weight allowance for hold and hand baggage. See baggage restrictions >>
- Present transparent plastic bags containing liquids to security personnel separately from hand luggage (see below) - be prepared for items contained in this bag to undergo an additional testing process.
- Remove jackets and/or coats. These will be screened separately through the x-ray scanner.
- Remove laptop computers and other large electrical devices from your hand luggage. These will be screened separately through the x-ray scanner.
- Be prepared to remove your shoes if instructed to do so.
Online printed boarding pass
When checking-in online, please ensure the paper and print quality of your boarding pass are of a high standard. Do not fold the boarding pass across the bar code or provide a pass which is wet or damaged. Your boarding pass will be scanned at security and, if it cannot be read, you will be asked to return to check-in and obtain a replacement.
The guidelines for travelling from all UK airports state that liquids are only permitted when in containers of 100ml or less. Liquid containers must be placed together in a 20cm x 20cm re-sealable, transparent plastic bag and presented separately at the search point. For customers who are not prepared with their own clear bag, machines dispensing plastic bags are available at various locations in the terminal, including check-in and security and four bags cost £1.00. A maximum of ten items holding 100ml are allowed (1 litre of liquid) and in a maximum of one bag per passenger. Liquids can still be packed in bags that are checked-in, as the restrictions only apply to hand luggage. View dangerous and prohibited items and hand luggage restrictions >>
Liquids
Liquids including gels, pastes, creams, contents of pressurised containers, drinks, soups, syrups, deodorant, shaving gel or foam and aerosols, unless in a container with a capacity no greater than 100mls. View liquid guidelines >>
The above list is not definitive. Do not pack any sharp or restricted items in your hand luggage. At Bristol Airport lazer pointers are deemed to be such articles. View a full list of dangerous and prohibited items (doc: 179kb)
If you have any doubts, please ask your airline or travel agent in advance of travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please find links below to the latest information on Bristol Airport's security measures in accordance with the Department for Transport's updated regulations.
How many bags can I take through security, and what are the size restrictions?
Airlines flying from Bristol Airport have their own restrictions on weight allowance for hold and hand baggage.
Bristol Airport advises that it is the passenger's responsibility to ensure that the number of bags presented at security search is in line with their airline's allowance - this is in order to avoid refusal at the boarding gate. Ryanair and easyJet only allow one bag through security. For airlines details, please click here
Cabin baggage must not exceed:
- a maximum length of 56 cm (approx 22 inches)
- a maximum width of 45 cm (approx 18 inches)
- a maximum depth of 25 cm (approx 10 inches)
- all dimensions include wheels, handles and side pockets
What am I permitted to pack in my hand luggage?
Passengers are permitted to carry individual containers with less than 100ml of fluid. The containers must then be packed into one transparent re-sealable plastic bag. A maximum of ten items holding 100ml are allowed (1 litre of liquid) and in a maximum of one bag per passenger.
- You must present all liquids to the screeners at security checkpoints for examination, but you can still pack liquids in bags that you check-in.
- You must take off your jacket and/or coat. They will be screened separately. You may leave items in your jacket pocket whilst it is being screened, but you can still carry in your hand luggage medicines and dietary requirements, including baby foods, for use during the trip. You may be asked for proof that they are needed.
- You must remove laptop computers and other large electrical devices from your hand luggage. They will be screened separately, but you can still buy liquids such as drinks and perfume in the retail outlets situated in the departure lounge of the airport.
Liquid guidelines
What procedures should I expect at the security search point?
At the security search area, all laptops and large electrical items must be removed from the bag and placed in a tray to assist with x-ray screening.
- Pushchairs and walking aids are permitted but must be x-ray screened. Wheelchairs are permitted but will be thoroughly searched.
- Each passenger is permitted to carry one musical instrument in its case (no other items are permitted to be in the case). All such items must be x-ray screened.
- Passengers may be requested to remove their shoes at the security checkpoint.
- Passengers will be requested to remove coats/jackets at the security checkpoint.
What items am I permitted to purchase after security?
Please note that once through the security screening area passengers may purchase any item from the retail and catering outlets in the departure lounge as these items have been previously security screened and are deemed safe.
- All purchases from the departure lounge may be taken on-board.
- Customers may purchase liquids from the departure lounge including bottled drinks, fragrance, cosmetics and toiletries and take them on-board.
Passengers travelling with easyJet and Ryanair are permitted one bag of Duty Free shopping on-board in addition to their one piece of cabin hand luggage.
NB:- Passengers who are transiting through a hub (e.g. Schiphol or Dublin) to a country within the EU must get their purchases sealed at purchase point. Those traveling through a hub airport and onward to a non-EU destination could risk having items removed at the hub airport. Please speak to a member of staff if you have any queries.
For specific flight queries customers are advised to contact their airline or tour operator directly.