Security FAQs

No, there is no longer a requirement to place your liquids in a transparent, resealable plastic bag at Southampton Airport. You can pack your liquids directly in your hand luggage, making your journey through security faster and easier.

Passengers are no longer required to use a resealable plastic bag for carrying liquids. The important rule is that each liquid must be in a container of 100ml or less. These can be packed directly in your hand luggage.

There is no longer a limit on the number of liquids you can carry through security at Southampton Airport. However, all individual liquid containers must be 100ml or less. Larger containers will not be permitted, even if partially filled.

No, liquids in containers over 100ml are not allowed in hand luggage. If you have liquids exceeding this limit, they must be packed in your checked baggage that will be placed in the aircraft hold. For your convenience, there is a free water fountain located near the ground floor toilets in the departure lounge, where you can refill your own water bottle before your flight.

Yes, you can pack food and powders in your cabin bag, but please be aware that these items can block x-ray images, which may result in your bag being manually searched by security staff.

To avoid delays, we recommend placing larger quantities of food or powders in your hold baggage where possible.

If your food contains liquids or sauces (e.g. soup, curry, or pasta in sauce), these must be in containers of 100ml or less to pass through security.

Yes, but yoghurts, smoothies, juices, and other similar items count as liquids under security rules. They must be in containers of 100ml or less to be carried in your hand baggage.

Yes, but yoghurts, smoothies, juices, and other similar items count as liquids under security rules. They must be in containers of 100ml or less to be carried in your hand baggage.

Yes, contact lens solution is allowed in your hand baggage, but it must be in a container of 100ml or less.

Yes, you can bring all solid cosmetics, such as standard lipsticks and stick deodorants, in your hand luggage without restriction.

Liquid, cream, spray, and roll-on deodorants are also allowed, provided they are in containers of 100ml or less.

Yes, once you’ve passed through security, you can buy and take on board any cosmetics, toiletries, or drinks, as long as you're travelling on a direct flight to your destination.

All purchases made airside are security-compliant and can be carried onto the aircraft with you.

Yes, all electrical items are allowed in your hand baggage, including laptops, tablets, DVD players, and MP3 players. At Southampton Airport, there is no need to remove these devices from your bag at security, they can stay inside your cabin baggage.

Yes, digital cameras, mobile phones, and other personal electronics are allowed through security. These items can remain in your hand luggage or jacket pocket and will go through the X-ray machine as usual. No need to remove them.

Yes, spare batteries for devices such as laptops, cameras, and phones can be carried in your hand baggage. For safety, they should be kept in their original packaging or a battery case to prevent short-circuiting. Always check your airline’s policy on battery limits for high-capacity cells.

Yes, the CT security scanners used at Southampton Airport can damage photographic film, especially high-speed or undeveloped film.

While older X-ray scanners were typically safe for film rated under ISO 800, modern CT (Computed Tomography) scanners use more powerful X-rays, which can fog or ruin film of any speed. This technology is part of our enhanced security screening measures, now in use at many UK airports.

How to Protect Your Film When Flying:

• Avoid placing film in checked luggage, hold baggage scanners use even higher levels of radiation and will almost certainly destroy undeveloped film.
• Request a hand inspection for photographic film at the security checkpoint. Our security team is trained to accommodate these requests whenever possible.
• Carry film separately in a clear bag and notify a security officer before screening.

These steps will help protect your valuable images while allowing us to maintain the highest security standards.

Yes, gas-powered hair tongs are permitted in your cabin baggage. However, you're only allowed one gas cartridge, which must be fitted into the appliance. Check with your airline before flying, as individual carriers may have additional restrictions.

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.

You can carry essential liquid medications in your hand luggage.

For containers up to 100ml: These are allowed without restriction and no longer need to be placed in a transparent resealable bag.

For amounts over 100ml: You may still carry larger quantities, but you must bring supporting documentation, such as a doctor’s letter or prescription, to present at security.

All medicines must be declared at the security checkpoint for X-ray screening, and additional checks may be carried out if necessary.

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.

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 can take pushchairs, prams, and buggies all the way to the departure gate. Security

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.

Yes, if you're travelling with an infant, you can bring prepared baby milk, sterilised water, or formula in containers over 100ml.

Quantities must be reasonable for your journey, and these items may be tested using specialist liquid screening equipment. There are no restrictions on powdered formula, and bottled water is available to buy after security. Most airlines can also provide water during your flight.

Specialist drinks like soya or rice milk are permitted in larger quantities if you're travelling with an infant. These will be tested using liquid screening equipment, not by tasting. Please pack them in bottles if possible and only carry what you need for the flight.

Yes, baby food is allowed in your hand luggage when you're travelling with an infant. These items can exceed 100ml.

Security officers may screen these items with specialist equipment to ensure they are safe for travel. Only pack what you need for your journey to reduce delays.

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

Yes, baby car seats can be taken through security and onto the plane, depending on your airline’s policy. Be sure to check with your airline in advance.

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

Yes, you can bring children’s liquid medicines in your hand baggage, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. If the containers are 100ml or less, they are allowed and no longer need to be in a transparent bag.

Yes, you can bring musical instruments as hand luggage, but it’s essential to check with your airline in advance, as size and weight limits vary between carriers.

At Southampton Airport, all instruments will be subject to physical screening by security officers. Please be aware that certain accessories such as percussion mallets, drumsticks, or wire brushes may not be allowed in your cabin bag and could need to be placed in your checked 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, you're welcome to buy and carry tax and duty-free items purchased after passing through security. All purchases made airside are fully security compliant and can be taken on board with your hand luggage.

If you're flying within the EU, you can also take advantage of our Shopping Collection Service simply ask a retailer at the till, and they’ll arrange to store your purchases until you return.

Yes. You can take water on board all flights.

• Leave laptops and large electricals in your bag.

• Place small items (like keys, coins, watches, and phones) into your coat or hand baggage, then place that into the tray.

• Remove your shoes only if asked, if so, place them in the tray for screening.

• Put your hand baggage directly into the tray for X-ray screening and push your tray onto the roller bed.

• Medications in liquid or paste form over 100ml may require additional testing at the checkpoint, so keep them accessible.

• Follow instructions from our Security Officers and step into the security scanner when called forward.

• Follow instructions from our Security Officers and step into the security scanner when called forward.