Medicines and medical aids
We've detailed below what can and can't be carried in hand luggage and what to do if you are travelling with medication or equipment.
What to expect at Security Search
-
Medicines over 100ml, supported by a doctor's note or prescription, are allowed through security. There’s no limit for powder or pills.
All medicines are subject to additional security screening and must be kept in a transparent, re-sealable bag.
-
Insulin, Insulin pumps, EpiPens, hypodermic needles and medicines must be supported by a medical certification letter, as must children’s medicine. Please check with your airline if you have special requirements before travelling, but be reassured that if you have a genuine medical condition (supported by a letter from your GP or hospital) then there should be no problem with taking such items on board the plane.
You may carry medicines that need to be kept cold in a cool bag and include one ice pack in the bag, as long as your doctor's letter states that the medication needs to be kept cool.
-
We use a variety of different security technologies which have been assessed by government health regulators as completely safe for anyone with medical implants. If you have concerns, however, please speak to a member of our security staff.
We recommend that you carry a signed letter about your condition from your GP or medical practitioner.
Inhalers are allowed in hand baggage, but you must pack spare canisters in your hold baggage. As for essential medical equipment, you’ll need prior approval from your airline unless it fits within your hand baggage. Please clearly mark it ‘essential medical equipment’.
-
If you have a pacemaker 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.
If you have specific medical equipment that can’t be x-rayed, advise our security staff, who will be happy to carry out an alternative security check.
-
If you have booked Special Assistance, a member of the special assistance team will accompany you through the family and assistance security lane. If you’d prefer to take this part of the journey without assistance, then you’re also welcome to use the dedicated security lane. There is a member of staff outside the family and assistance lane who will be able to advise on the best route through security.
The family and assistance lane has a wider gate for wheelchairs and buggies and staff working in this area are specially trained to take extra care with passengers who have additional needs.
-
Body scanners are safe for all of our passengers. If you’re selected to use a body scanner please be re-assured that it is safe for medical implants such as pacemakers, as well as other medical conditions. You do, however, have the right to decline this and request a private manual search instead. This will be carried out in a private area with a witness and you can also bring a witness of your own.
-
If you have a wheelchair or other medical equipment which can’t pass through the x-ray, this will be swabbed by security staff. This is standard procedure for items which can’t be x-rayed.