Security FAQs

Question 1

How big can my hold and hand luggage be? Are there restrictions?

Accepted Answer

Every airline has its own rules for baggage allowances so you’re best to check with them directly!

Question 2

How big is the plastic bag for hand luggage items?

Accepted Answer

You can take up to 1 litre of 100 ml containers of liquids (including gels and pastes). The
bag is 20 cm by 20 cm.

Question 3

Can I take liquids over 100 ml?

Accepted Answer

Sure! But they need to be packed in your hold luggage - if they are in your hand luggage then they will be confiscated.

Question 4

Can I take food in my hand luggage? What about my Wedding Cake?

Accepted Answer

You can take your wedding cake! Most solid food is allowed in your hand luggage. Watch out
for food in sauces as this counts as a liquid and will be treated under the normal 100 ml rules. It’s illegal to take certain meat and dairy products abroad. The defra website has all the info on prohibited products.  When you can, it’s best to pack food in your hold luggage to save hold-ups at security. Food and powders often need extra checks so allow time if you are taking them in your carry-on.

Question 5

What about yoghurts and fruit juices?

Accepted Answer

Yoghurts and fruit juices are allowed but they can’t be bigger than 100 ml and need to go in your clear plastic bag.

Question 6

I wear disposable contact lenses. Can I carry spare sets in my hand baggage?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely – just pop them in your clear liquids bag. The same goes for contact lens solution as long as its 100 ml or under.

Question 7

Do lipsticks and deodorant count as liquids?

Accepted Answer

Yep! It’s the same 100 ml rule again.

Question 8

Can I buy cosmetics, toiletries and drinks after security?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. If you’re on a direct flight to your destination there’s a ‘fly with everything after you buy” rule. The only exception is Australia, which doesn’t let you take in liquids over 100 ml. Our staff will keep you right if you’re not sure!

Question 9

What happens to my liquids that are confiscated?

Accepted Answer

You’ll get the option to put them back in your hold luggage. If not, unopened confiscated liquids are donated to our corporate charity to use in raffles or as prizes.

Question 10

Can I take milk powder, prepared milk and sterilised water in my hand baggage? What about the 100 ml rule?

Accepted Answer

Yes, even if it’s over 100 ml! Different rules apply if you’re flying with children – find out everything here.

Question 11

Can I carry frozen food and liquids?

Accepted Answer

No – unfortunately. All frozen food and drinks are prohibited in your carry-on luggage.

Question 12

Can I take electrical items like my laptop, camera, phone and tablet in hand luggage?

Accepted Answer

These are all fine to take through – laptops and tablets do need to be removed from your bag and put in the tray for scanning though. You also can’t have any electrical items on you when you walk through the scanner archway.

Question 13

Can I take hair stylers and straighteners in my hand luggage?

Accepted Answer

You can! Hair stylers and straighteners can remain in your bag when going through the x-ray. Unfortunately, if your hair tool requires a gas cartridge to power it you can only take one and no spares are allowed.

Question 14

What about spare batteries?

Accepted Answer

These are fine too!

Question 15

I'm travelling with camera film, what do I do with it?

Accepted Answer

Please speak to a member of staff in the security hall and let them know you're travelling with camera film in your hand luggage. They'll be able to give you advice and let you know the best process to follow for the lane you are going through.

Question 16

Can I take pictures or film in the Security hall?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, you can’t film or take photos in the security hall for, well, security reasons!

Question 17

Can I take a nail file/scissors on board with me?

Accepted Answer

Yes – if the blade is no bigger than 6 cm.

Question 18

Will I need to take my shoes off?

Accepted Answer

Possibly, yes! One of our security officers may ask you to remove your shoes as part of the screening process, and they'll be able to provide assistance if required.  If you are wearing wedges, heels, steel toed or heavily embellished shoes we would recommend that you remove them even if you aren’t asked to. We can't promise not to pass comment on your socks...

Question 19

Can I carry glass items on board?

Accepted Answer

Yes, just make sure they’re well protected!

Question 20

Can I take a crash helmet through security?

Accepted Answer

That’s fine for security, but it’s worth checking your airline’s rules too!

Question 21

Are umbrellas allowed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but they often go through a more thorough search.

Question 22

Can I take liquid medicine with me in my hand luggage?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Different rules apply for essential medicines – you can take quantities over 100 ml. Just have a doctor’s note handy and show your medication to one of the Security Officers so they’re aware of it. More in-depth info available here.

Question 23

What about insulin or hypodermic needles?

Accepted Answer

Both of these are also allowed.

Question 24

I’m worried about the temperature of my medicine in the hold.

Accepted Answer

For this one, you should speak to your airline as the hold area of the aircraft has different temperatures – they can help make sure your medication is kept in the right place. Bear in mind that sometimes airlines will need to have medicine verified by an airport pharmacist.

Question 25

Can I take tablet forms of medication like paracetamol if it’s not prescribed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, whether prescribed or not there’s not a limit on the amount of tablet or pill form medication you carry.

Question 26

I'm asthmatic, can I take my inhaler?

Accepted Answer

Of course – just pack any spare canisters in your hold luggage and remember to bring a doctor’s note just in case it needs to be verified.

Question 27

I have a spray for angina, is this allowed?

Accepted Answer

For sprays, the normal 100 ml rules apply for hand luggage unless you’ve got a doctor’s note.

Question 28

Can I take my blood pressure monitor in my hand luggage?

Accepted Answer

That should be fine as long as it complies with your airline’s baggage rules, so check with them directly!

Question 29

Can I carry my homeopathic medication, which is in liquid form, in my hand luggage?

Accepted Answer

Of course – the same liquid medicine rules apply, just bring your doctor’s note and show it with your items to a Security Officer.

Question 30

I’m transferring bone marrow and stem cells out of the country - can I carry them in my hand luggage?

Accepted Answer

You need to let the Anthony Nolan Trust know so that they can give the details to Airport Security. Also make sure to let your airline know.

Question 31

Can I carry a cool pack?

Accepted Answer

If it’s being used for medication, baby food, or dietary items then taking a cool pack is fine. Ice cooling packs which contain water can’t be taken though.

Question 32

Can I take milk powder, prepared milk and sterilised water in my hand baggage? What about the 100 ml rule?

Accepted Answer

Yes, even if it’s over 100 ml! Different rules apply if you’re flying with children – find out everything here.

Question 33

Can I take my baby bag as well as my personal cabin bag if my child is sitting on my lap?

Accepted Answer

Every airline has different rules so you need to check with them directly.

Question 34

Can I take my child’s pushchair to the gate?

Accepted Answer

Yes – pushchairs, prams and buggies are all absolutely fine! Just bear in mind you may need to lift your child out so that it can be searched thoroughly at security.

Question 35

Can I take wet wipes on the plane?

Accepted Answer

Yes – these don’t count as liquids!

Question 36

Can I buy formula milk in the shops after security?

Accepted Answer

You can – but it’s safest to pack as much baby milk/food as you need for your whole journey.

Question 37

My baby can’t tolerate dairy so needs soya/rice milk – is this allowed?

Accepted Answer

That’s fine – but security might need to do extra checks!

Question 38

Are baby food jars allowed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but please let one of our officers know! Baby food doesn’t need to go in your plastic bag but it does need to be screened separately.

Question 39

What about pureed food in plastic containers?

Accepted Answer

It’s the same rules as baby food jars unless the food is for an adult!

Question 40

Can I take baby car seats to use on the plane through security?

Accepted Answer

Yes, that’s fine. Just let your airline know when you check-in for your flight.

Question 41

Can I take children’s liquid ibuprofen and paracetamol in my hand luggage?

Accepted Answer

That’s fine, but the normal 100 ml rules apply.

Question 42

Can I take breast milk through security?

Accepted Answer

Of course. You can take as much expressed breast milk as you need through security. The only rule is that no container should be bigger than 2 litres and you can’t bring it frozen.

Question 43

Can I take my musical instrument on board?

Accepted Answer

That’s fine, but contact your airline and to find out how you should pack them! Sometimes accessories like percussion mallets and wire brushes for drums can’t be taken in your hand luggage.

Question 44

I’m going on a scuba-diving holiday. How do I transport equipment like air tanks and CO2 cartridges?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, you can’t take air tanks for diving. Small non-toxic gas cylinders, such as those used in life jackets, can be taken but you’d need to check with your airline to see if they’re allowed.

Question 45

Can I take my wedding dress?

Accepted Answer

Go for it – as long as it can be packed according to your airline’s baggage restrictions.

Question 46

Can I carry sports equipment like golf clubs and diving gear in my hand baggage?

Accepted Answer

You can take a sports parachute as hand baggage. Golf clubs are restricted by the sharp and blunt objects rules, as is diving equipment, but you can get in touch with your airline to find out your options for transporting them!

Question 47

If I’m transferring through Edinburgh Airport, can I carry liquid items in my hand luggage if I bought them in duty free at my previous airport?

Accepted Answer

If you bought the items in an EU, Norwegian, Icelandic or Swiss airport that’s fine as long as they’re sealed in a tamper-proof bag from the airport/airline and you’ve got proof of purchase in the bag.  If you’re coming from Canada, the USA, Croatia, Malaysia or Singapore the same rules apply – they need to be in a sealed bag with proof of purchase. Further security checks might be needed regardless of where you’re coming from!

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