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What electronic devices can I take through security and onto my flight?

You can take most portable electronic devices through security. Portable electronic devices containing Lithium-ion batteries with a Watt-hour rating typically not exceeding 100 Wh, can be taken in either hand or hold luggage. No more than two spare batteries may be carried in hand luggage only. These batteries must be individually protected to prevent short circuits. Passengers are advised to contact their airline for further guidance regarding lithium-ion battery limitations. Please see the CAA website for more details about What Items You Can Travel With

E-cigarettes are allowed in your hand luggage but must be screened through the x-ray. Once it has been screened, the e-cigarette must be removed from your bag or the tray and carried on your person.

What foods can I take through security?

You can bring solid foods through security, including cakes, sandwiches, fruit, vegetables, solid cheese, and chewing gum. However, anything with a high liquid content like soups, sauces, soft cheese, pastes (including crème eggs), and stews are subject to liquid rules. These items must be in containers of 2l or less. Frozen liquids still count as liquid. Read more about our Security screening.

Can I take baby milk, baby formula powder and baby food through security?

You can carry enough baby milk or liquid baby food for your journey in your hand luggage, but you should pack the rest in your checked-in baggage. There are no restrictions on taking baby formula in powder form through security. Find out more about what you can and can't take through security and Travelling with children.

What items are prohibited to take through security?

Certain items are strictly prohibited from being carried in your hand baggage. These include flammable solids and liquids, poisons, infectious substances, non-safety matches, radioactive materials, tools, toy or replica weapons, and items containing strong magnets.

For the complete list of restricted and prohibited items, along with details on what’s allowed in your bags, please read our Security guidance.

What are rules around taking medication and medical equipment through security?

Medicines in containers and medical equipment are permitted through security when supported by a doctors letter, prescription, or medical certificate. Theres no limit for powder or pills. All medicines are subject to additional security screening. See our Security advice for more information about travelling with medicines.

Medical equipment is permitted through security. If you have specific medical equipment that can't be x-rayed, please advise a Security Officer, who will be happy to carry out an alternative security check.

Can I take ashes in an urn through security?

Ashes can be taken in your hand luggage or hold baggage and they must be packed in a sealed outer box or case. In order to comply with regulations, please carry all necessary documentation, including a Certificate of Death. Please note that ashes in your hand luggage will need to be screened on the day. If you would like to do so, please notify a Security Officer that ashes are present before sending them through the scanner.

Can I bring frozen liquid through security?

Ice is considered a liquid. Liquids must be in containers of 2l or less.

What toileteries and cosmetics are allowed through security?

You can bring toiletries and cosmetics through security as long as they follow the liquid rules. Any liquid, gel, paste, cream or spray must be in a container of 2l or less. Solid toiletries such as bar soap, shampoo bars, solid deodorants, and non-liquid cosmetics like lipsticks, brushes, combs and toothbrushes are not considered liquids and can be packed freely in your hand luggage.

For full guidance on what’s allowed, read our Security guidance.

What are the rules around sharps such as diposable razors in my hand baggage?

You cannot take blades or sharps through security in your hand luggage. However knives and scissors with a sharp or pointed blade less than 6cm or scissors with blunt ends are permitted. Regarding razors, only razors or razor cartridges where the blade is fully and permanently enclosed and are allowed in hand baggage. Razor blades are forbidden in hand baggage. For full details please read the Security guidance on our website.

What are the liquid restrictions at security and what is considered a liquid?

You can bring liquids in your hand luggage through security at London Gatwick, but they must be in containers of 2l or less. This applies to food items, cosmetics and toiletries, anything that can be poured, spread, or squeezed, including frozen liquids. If the container itself is larger than 2l, it won’t be allowed through security, even if it’s only partially filled. There are some exemptions for those travelling with children and passengers with medical conditions.

You're welcome to take an empty water bottle through and refill it at one of our free water fountains or restaurants after security. For full details on what’s allowed, visit our Security page.

What do I need to do at security if I'm travelling with duty-free alcohol or perfumes?

Oversized liquids purchased as duty-free or tax-free must be in a clear sealed, tamper proof bag with the receipt inside of the bag. If in doubt, ensure that your duty-free purchases are checked in to the hold of the aircraft.

Can I bring large items through security?

You can bring some large items through security, particularly if they are fragile like musical instruments or essential to your journey like pushchairs or prams. These items are usually too big to fit through the standard X-ray machine, so they’ll be subject to a full hand search by our security team.

Most oversized items, especially those not needed in the cabin, are better processed as hold luggage at our oversized baggage points. We advise that you check with your airline in advance about what large items can be carried in the cabin.

For more information, visit our guidance on Security Screening.

Are bottles and containers allowed through security?

You can take any empty drinks containers (plastic or metal) of any size through security.

How many bags can I take through security and how big should they be?

You can take all your carry-on luggage through security at London Gatwick, but the number and size of bags you're allowed will depend on your airline. Usually airlines allow one large cabin bag and one smaller underseat bag, with additional allowances if you're travelling with children.

Always check directly with your airline before you travel to confirm their specific hand baggage policy. For security screening, each of your bags must not exceed 56cm x 45cm x 25cm to fit through the scanner and must follow rules on liquids and prohibited items. For more, visit our guide to Security at London Gatwick.

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