Preparing for your journey

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Passengers are asked to bear in mind the following advice to help make their passage through the airport as efficient and comfortable as possible.

Before you arrive at the airport

  • Limit quantities of liquids to what you may need in the cabin for the duration of the flight.
  • Make sure you are aware of the amount of hand luggage you are able to take through the security search point - some airports still restrict passengers to one bag each. A list of the airports where the restriction has been lifted can be found here.
  • When possible, put all liquids in hold baggage. Remember do not to place lighters into hold baggage - the one lighter permitted must be carried on the person for the duration of the flight.
  • Prepare the re-sealable bag of liquids before arriving at the airport.
  • Check any queries you have with your airport or airline before travelling to the airport.
  • Please note that any gifts carried in the cabin bag should be unwrapped.

As you approach the security search point

  • Be ready to hand over your re-sealable bag of liquids for screening as you approach the security search point. It will be screened at the same time as your cabin baggage.
  • All coats and jackets will have to be removed ready to be screened and metal items may need to be placed in plastic trays and screened separately.
  • If you are carrying a laptop or any other large electrical item within your cabin luggage then please have it ready for separate screening.
  • Please note that you may be asked to remove your footwear for security screening.

Duty free/departure lounge purchases

  • You may take on board liquid items of any size that are purchased after the security search point in the departure lounge (sometimes referred to as 'Airside'), as these items would have undergone a separate screening process.
  • Most duty free or similar purchases will be given to you in a special sealed bag. Do not open this bag until you have reached your final destination. You should also retain your proof of purchase throughout your journey. You will be required to show it at all transfer points.
  • Please note restrictions apply to duty free purchases made on return journeys where passengers change flights at an EU airport. These are explained in detail in the next section.

Please remember that these are the requirements set down by the Department for Transport. Airlines and Airports may have additional measures in place, and passengers are strongly advised to check the website of their carrier or airport before travelling.