Security search

Children 1 metre tall and above who are able to hold the position needed will be scanned using the security scanner. Children under 1 metre tall, and children 1 metre tall and above who are unable to hold the position for the scanner, will be subject to a hand search.

Pushchairs, buggies and car seats cannot go through the x-ray in the passenger security area, therefore they will be subject to a more in-depth search by hand. If you are not able to check these items as hold luggage, please allow extra time for security due to the hand search requirement.

There are no restrictions on powder baby formula, and as long as you are travelling with a baby or infant you can carry a reasonable amount of liquid and liquidised food for the baby or infant.

We advise checking with your airline about restrictions on taking a pushchair, buggy or baby car seat onto your flight.

If you’re travelling with electronic devices in your hand luggage, please take the time to look through the latest Government guidelines.

If you’re travelling with liquids in your hand luggage, please take the time to look through the full list of hand luggage restrictions.

Each individual liquid container has a maximum size of 100ml and there is no longer a requirement for liquids to fit inside a clear plastic bag. As your liquids will remain in your bag, please refer to your airline’s hand baggage requirements to ensure your bag including liquids is within the size and weight limits.

You’re allowed to take the medicines with you that you need to sustain you for your flight, plus a reasonable amount to cover any delays. Anything else should go in your hold baggage. Keep liquid, aerosol or gel medicines (up to max 100ml per container) inside your bag.

Liquid, aerosol or gel medicines over 100ml must be carried separately, together with supporting documentary proof of authenticity, such as a prescription label or letter from your doctor. For prescription medicines, either the passenger’s name should be printed on the label or the passenger should have a note from a medical practitioner naming the passenger and stating that the individual requires the medicine in question. A passenger should not be carrying medicines for other persons.

Even though there is no limit on the amount of medicine you can take through security, it will go through additional security screening. You’ll be asked to prove that you need the medicine.

If you need to bring things like insulin and needles, or asthma inhalers, you are able to do so, but you will need a prescription if it is in liquid form.

You can carry contact lenses or lens solution with you, but the current liquid rules apply; each solution container or lens packet must be no more than 100ml.  Alternatively you can purchase contact lens solution from retail outlets in the departure lounge.

Bringing a wheelchair or walking frame through security is fine and, like all items, it will be searched thoroughly. Check with your airline about restrictions on taking it on your flight.

Should you need to bring medical equipment like heart rate monitors, that’s also fine, provided it meets the restrictions on size. Any equipment like this is subject to security screening.

Find out more

Food or powders should be packed into hold baggage where possible. Although these items are permitted in hand luggage, they can obstruct images on the x-ray machine, or may be mistaken for suspicious items – so putting them in the hold will help reduce the need for additional checks. If you need to take these items on board please allow extra time for any additional security checks that might be needed.

For further information visit gov.uk.

Airlines flying from Bristol Airport have their own restrictions on weight allowance for hold and hand baggage. It’s down to you to make sure the amount of bags you take through security meets your airline’s guidelines. This means you avoid being refused entry at the boarding gate.

Please check the travel advice for the country you want to travel to and read the entry requirements section.

Passport rules for travel to Europe

If you check in online, make sure your boarding pass is printed well and on good quality paper. Also, don’t fold it across the barcode, and ensure it’s neither wet nor damaged. You will scan your boarding card to access Security, so if it can’t be read, you’ll have to go back to check-in to get a replacement.

We would advise against bringing wrapped gifts in your hand luggage as they may have to be opened for security checks. If you would like to bring a sealed gift with you on your travels then we would advise to pack it inside your hold baggage.

Christmas Crackers are not permitted in hand luggage. Please ensure you pack all Christmas Crackers in your checked in luggage.

Pack Easter eggs in cabin baggage and make sure they are easily accessible. If the egg is in a sealed box, passengers may be asked to open the box if the x-ray screener has any concerns over the contents. If the bag requires a hand search advise the security agent in advance that Easter eggs are in the bag before the search commences, so extra care can be taken.

Yes, but if you have any concerns about your photographic film being processed through our x-ray machines then please speak to a member of security before you place your belongings in a tray.