Security search

Know the rules to help speed you through Security search

We’re committed to processing passengers as quickly as possible. Please give yourself additional time for security processing, particularly during peak times and remember to check your hand luggage beforehand.

Be security ready:

All cabin baggage will be X-ray screened.
Place laptops and electrical items, such as hairdryers, separately in a tray.
Put coins, keys, mobile phones and other small items in hand baggage.
Place your hand baggage and coat into a tray.
We may ask you to take off shoes and belts.
Place any liquid items, correctly bagged, into the tray.
Pushchairs are subject to hand search and walking aids will be X-ray screened.
Wheelchairs will be thoroughly searched.

Taking liquids through security:

There’s a 100 ml max rule for each liquid you take in your hand luggage.
Place all your 100 ml containers in a single, transparent, reusable plastic bag and keep this separate from your hand luggage.
Your clear bag should be no bigger than 20 cm by 20 cm and hold a maximum of 1 litre’s worth of liquids - you can pick one up at the security search area.
Bear in mind that all gels, pastes, lotions, liquid-solid mixtures (including food) and pressurised containers also count as liquids.
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.

Baggage rules vary between airlines and we recommend checking before arriving at the airport.

Frequently asked questions

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. Liquid, aerosol or gel medicines in containers of 100ml or less must be placed inside a clear 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 and fit inside your transparent liquids bag. 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.
You’re allowed to bring a pushchair, buggy or baby car seat, but it will need to go through the x-ray scanner. You’re also allowed to bring baby food, but only the amount that’s necessary for your trip; it will also need to go through the x-ray scanner.

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. You can either carry the liquids as part of your liquid bag allowance, in which case the standard liquid rules apply; or alternatively separately in containers over 100ml. Following x-ray screening, security officers may also need to carry out additional checks on these items.

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

Security search

Be security ready:

Taking liquids through security:

Frequently asked questions

What are the restrictions on electronic devices in hand luggage?

What are the restrictions on liquids?

What if I need to take medicines and medical aids with me?

What are the restrictions on food and powders?

How many bags can I take and what are the size restrictions?

How long does my passport need to be valid for?

What if my boarding card is damaged?

What if I'm travelling with children?

What if I am bringing a wrapped gift in my hand luggage?

When will the new security search technology be introduced at Bristol Airport?

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