Security FAQs

The capacity must not exceed 1 litre (20cm x 20cm, or 8in x 8in). Bags are available free of charge at the airport.

Only one bag may be carried per passenger.

Not in hand luggage. Any liquids in containers over 100ml have to be packed in your main baggage that you check into the aircraft hold. There is a free water fountain facility available by the ground floor toilets in the departure lounge, should you wish to fill up your own water bottle.

Food items and powders in your hand luggage can obstruct images on x-ray machines. Your bags may need to be checked again manually by security. You can put these items in your hold luggage to minimise delays.

Food in sauces or dishes that have a high liquid content will need to be in containers 100ml or less, and go into a transparent, resealable bag.

Yes, but these need to be in containers 100ml or less, and have to go into your transparent, resealable bag.

You may carry a couple of spare pairs in your hand baggage. The packages need to be sealed. Beyond that, you should pack in your hold luggage.

Yes. Contact lens solution must be in a container 100ml or less inside a transparent, resealable bag.

Yes, you can take on board all solid cosmetics and so a standard lipstick would be acceptable as would solid deodorants. You can also take atomiser/cream/roll-on deodorants in containers up to 100ml. These will need to go in a transparent resealable bag.

Yes. If you are on a direct flight to your destination, you can fly with everything you buy after security.

Yes, there are no limitations on electrical items. We will ask for items to be removed and screened separately - laptop computers and large electrical items must be removed from hand baggage and placed in the trays with other belongings.

Yes, but please place these items in your hand luggage or your jacket so that they can go through the X-ray machine.

Yes, you can.

No. Independent tests undertaken by the British Photographers' Liaison Committee (BPLC) to establish the full and exact details of any potential film damage caused by baggage screening machines at airports, have given the all-clear to current hand-luggage x-ray inspection systems of the kind installed at Southampton Airport.

Yes you can but you are only allowed to carry the one gas cartridge that powers the appliance. But please double check with your airline first as some carriers may restrict these items.

Yes, providing the blade is not longer than 6cm

Yes, providing the blades are not longer than 6cm (measured from the fulcrum).

Knitting needles are allowed.

Yes, you can carry on books and magazines, brought with you in your hand luggage, or purchased in the departure lounge.

You should remove your footwear for security screening only if you are asked to do so by a security officer.

Yes you can carry glass items on board

Yes, but please contact your airline as some may operate relevant cabin baggage restrictions.

Yes, the only restriction here might be that some items could be categorised as ‘sharp objects’. If you have any doubts then please check the restrictions in this area.

Yes, you may carry these either in your pocket (but remove them for screening at security) or in your hand baggage.

Yes you can

Umbrellas are permitted. They will be X-ray screened at security control.

Passengers are allowed to take essential medicines sufficient for their journey. Amounts under 100ml should be placed in a transparent, plastic bag with other liquids.

For amounts over 100ml, supporting documentation from a relevant qualified medical professional (eg a letter from your doctor or prescription), is required.

All liquids should be presented at security for x-ray inspection. Additional tests may be conducted.

Yes, you are allowed to carry both the insulin and needles.

Yes, you can. There is no limit to what you carry in tablet or pill form, whether it is prescribed medication or not.

Yes you may carry an EpiPen in your hand luggage

Yes, you can, but any spare canisters must be in your hold luggage. You may be asked to verify the item.

Yes, you may carry essential medicines for the trip. You may be asked to verify the item.

Yes, provided it complies with your airline's hand luggage rules. Please contact your airline if in doubt.

The Anthony Nolan Trust should be notified and they, in turn, should fax the details to security.

Yes, up to 100ml, and it has to be presented in a transparent plastic bag.

The rules for homoeopathic medicines are the same as for other liquid medicines.

Please confirm the arrangements with your airline, as different operators have different rules on hand baggage.

Yes, you are allowed to take pushchairs, prams and buggies to the gate. These items will need to be X-rayed, though, and so your child/children will have to be lifted out at security. The security officers may make further checks of the pushchair.

Yes, you are allowed to carry these in your hand luggage through security and you can also buy them in the departure lounge.

Yes, you can carry wet wipes with you onboard.

Yes, you can carry milk powder.

If you are travelling with an infant, these items can exceed 100ml and do not have to fit into the resealable bag. However, the amount must be sufficient for your trip only and you may be asked to open the containers and taste the contents. There are no limits for powder formula; bottled water is available in shops after security. Your airline can provide water during the flight.

You may be asked to open the containers and taste the contents. The milk should be in bottles.

If you are travelling with an infant, you may be asked to open the containers and taste the contents of infant or baby food that you bring with you. Try to only carry what you need for the journey. The jars do not need to go into the resealable bag.

For an adult, puréed food is treated as a liquid.

Yes, These may be carried through security and you should check with your airline when you check-in for your flight.

Yes, crisps are fine and sandwiches with any type of filling are also permitted.

Yes, carry sufficient for the trip and less than 100ml. You may need to test the liquid medicine by tasting it

Yes, but please contact your airline as different operators have different rules. Instruments will be subject to X-ray screening. Some accessories, such as percussion mallets or wire brushes for drums, may not be allowed in your hand luggage.

Yes, if it fits within any maximum dimensions for hand baggage set by your airline.

Yes, providing it complies with any cabin baggage restrictions imposed by your airline.

Air tanks for diving cannot be carried. Small non-toxic gas cylinders, for example, those used for artificial limbs or in lifejackets, may be carried in the cabin or in hold baggage; however, you must check with your carrier as they must approve the carriage of such items.

Yes, providing it complies with your airline's hand baggage regulations. There are limitations on sharp objects and so you should double-check none of your equipment is covered by those restrictions.

Yes, you can still padlock it, or use a combination lock. Luggage that is checked in the USA must either be left unlocked or locked with a special padlock approved by the TSA. Your carrier will be able to give you further details.

Yes, absolutely (but to be clear, this is only with items purchased after security checks). Also, if you are flying within the EU you can have it stored until you come back using our Shopping Collection Service. Just ask any of the retailers at the till.

Yes. You can take water on board all flights.

Have it ready for inspection at security. Ensure it is fastened closed and kept separate to your hand luggage.

• Remove laptops and other large electrical equipment from your bag and place them in a tray.
• Put all small items like keys, coins and mobile phones into your coat or hand baggage, then place these into a tray.
• If you have liquids in containers of 100ml or less, put them into a clear resealable bag, which should be placed alongside other items in your tray.
• If you have been asked to remove your shoes, place these in the tray too.
• Place hand baggage onto the roller bed for X-ray screening.
• Any liquid/paste medicines in containers over 100ml may require verification at the security checkpoint.
• Go through the security archway when called forward by one of the security officers.

The current state of heightened security in the UK is unprecedented and your concern is understandable. We are strictly regulated by the Department for Transport, who have always had procedures in place for us to follow to ensure adequate aviation security. We have processes in place for searching and screening both passengers and their luggage prior to their entry to restricted areas – this also includes screening of the catering provisions.

In addition, there are stringent procedures for screening and vetting all our employees prior to joining the airport’s workforce. These procedures are constantly reviewed, especially in such situations as the current security alert.