Security advice

Hand baggage is the term we use for the bags you carry through security and keep with you for your whole journey. Our general advice is to carry the very minimum of hand baggage. We also advise you to arrive early at the airport and allow plenty of time for security screening. The rules for hand baggage can be summarised as follows:

• You are allowed just one piece of hand luggage (with some exceptions) and this must not exceed 56cm x 45cm x 25cm. Most airlines do also allow passengers to carry a handbag too, but please check with your airline to make sure.
• Your hand luggage must not contain any prohibited items and these are listed below in the 'prohibited items' section.
• You may only carry small amounts of liquids, gels, creams and pastes. These must be in containers of 100ml or less and should be placed into one transparent, re-sealable, airtight bag (maximum size: 20cm x 20cm) which will be screened separately at security. You must make sure that all of the above items follow our guidelines in the section for 'guidance for specific items' below. 

Please remember all liquids must be in containers marked 100ml or less. If your container is over 100ml it will be discarded by security regardless of how much liquid is inside the container. 

Hold luggage is the term we use for the bags you check-in and are stored in the hold of the plane. We advise you to put all you can in your hold baggage. You’ll have less to carry through the terminal and getting through security will be much quicker and easier. There are several items that you are allowed to carry in hold luggage that you are not allowed to carry on-board with you in your hand luggage. Items that you can have in your hold baggage but not in your hand baggage include:

• Liquids, creams, gels and pastes in containers over 100ml
• Sharp items including scissors  
• Razor blades (razors that have the blade set into a plastic moulding are allowed in hand baggage, but other types are not)
• Knives with blades of any length
• Hypodermic needles (unless required for medical reasons, for which proof will be required)
• Tools (including multi-tools and penknives)
• Catapults
• Walking/hiking poles
• Sporting bats
• Darts
• Billiard, snooker or pool cues.

You should also bear in mind the weight of your bags and check weight allowances on your ticket or with your airline.

There are some items that you’re not allowed to take on your aircraft in either your hand baggage or your hold luggage. This is not an exhaustive list and we recommend you check with your airline if in doubt: 

• Flammable liquids and solids
• Oxidisers such as bleaching powders
• Organic peroxides
• Tear gas devices or any gas cylinders
• Infectious substances such as live virus materials
• Wet-cell car batteries
• Magnetrons
• Instruments containing mercury - however, thermometers with mercury are permitted in hold luggage (but not hand luggage) only, if they are carried in a protective case
• Instruments containing magnets
• Fireworks
• Toy/replica guns (metal or plastic)
• Non-safety matches
• Firelighters, lighter fuel, paints or thinners
• Poisons, arsenic, cyanide or weedkiller
• Radioactive materials, acids, corrosives, alkalis or caustic soda
• Creosote, quicklime or oiled paper
• Vehicle fuel system parts which have contained fuel
• Party poppers

Security is really important in air travel and making sure passengers only bring appropriate items on board is one of our biggest responsibilities. Below you can find specific information on different items to help you understand how much to bring and where to pack them.

• baby milk and products
• liquids, cosmetics and toiletries
• drinks
• electrical items
• food 
• medication, medical conditions and equipment 
• Photographic equipment
• sharp and prohibited items
• smoking materials
• writing materials
• miscellaneous items

Baby milk and products

All baby food and liquid are allowed to be carried in your hold luggage with no restrictions. If your child is two or under you are allowed to carry some items in your hand baggage that are an exception to our usual hand baggage rules. These include:

• Baby milk and sterilised water – you can carry what is needed for your journey and they can be over 100ml. These will be subject to additional screening by security. Any milk that is not specifically designed for the child or water that has not been sterilised cannot be allowed through security and will be disposed of. There are water fountains and restaurants/food places where you can get these in the departure lounge after you have been through security.
• Expressed breast milk - expressed breast milk can be taken in unlimited quantities, as long as it's in individual containers that are no larger than two litres per container. The milk cannot be frozen, but cooling gel packs or ice packs can be used to keep it cool. You can carry expressed breast milk even if your child isn't flying with you.
• Baby food in liquid, gel or paste form – you can also carry as much of these as is required for your trip and they can also be over 100ml. They will be subject to additional screening.

If your baby has a medical condition or dietary requirement which means they need other liquid forms on your journey which are over 100ml you must bring a doctors letter or prescription to authenticate this if you are carrying them in your hand baggage.

Please see ‘medication, medical conditions and equipment’ below for more information on travelling with oversized medication.

When bringing pushchairs, prams or buggies, you’ll need to lift your child out during X-ray checks. You can take infants’ car seats on to the plane.

Liquids, cosmetics and toiletries

You can carry all cosmetics and toiletries in your hold luggage. We recommend packing all toiletries in your hold luggage where possible. You can bring both solid and liquid cosmetics and toiletries in your hand baggage but they must adhere to some security rules. 

Any items considered as ‘liquids’ by security must be in containers marked 100ml or less and must also be placed into a transparent, resealable, airtight bag of approx. 20cm x 20cm in size. One of these bags is permitted per person and these are supplied at security. Contents must fit completely inside the bag so it can be sealed. Some liquids are also measured in grams i.e. toothpaste, jams, preserves, hair gels, and liquid makeup. In regards to airport security 100ml = 100g and anything considered liquid must be equal or less than 100ml or 100g.

Please remember all liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less. If your container is over 100ml it is not allowed through security with any liquid in at all, however, you may take an empty water bottle through security refill it at one of our water fountains or restaurants.  

Solid deodorants, lipsticks, brushes, combs and toothbrushes are allowed on board. Disposable contact lenses (in sealed packaging) are also allowed, as are non-disposable lenses with a small amount of solution (less than 100ml container limit applies and must be in your liquid bag). Only razors where the blade is fully and permanently enclosed and razor cartridges are allowed in hand baggage.

The following items are some of those that are considered as liquid and must be placed inside your resealable bag:

• hairspray and other aerosol items
• creams and lotions
• roll-on deodorants
• sun-tanning/sun cream products
• lip gloss 
• liquid soap
• toothpaste
• mascara
• contact lens solution
• foam
• nail varnish
• jams/preserves/spreads/syrups/pickles/humous
• ice (or any solids which can melt over short periods of time)

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Drinks

These are allowed in your hold luggage. You’re welcome to take drinks in cans, bottles, plastic containers and cartons, but these can’t be over 100ml. They also need to be placed in the same bag as your other liquids. Remember, once through security you can buy drinks in the departure area to take on to the plane. Drinks that are open or that you are consuming prior to the Security checkpoint cannot be carried through and must be fully consumed or discarded. An exception to this rule is milk or sterilised water for babies, please see ‘baby food and products’ for more information on this.

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Electrical items

At our security checkpoints you may be asked to remove MP3 and CD players, portable DVD players, tablets and laptops from your baggage to be screened separately. Digital cameras and mobile phones can stay in your hand baggage or jacket to be X-rayed. You can also bring gas hair tongs, but remember you cannot carry any spare gas refills in either your hold or hand baggage.

Portable electronic devices containing Lithium ion batteries with a Watt-hour rating exceeding 100 Wh, but not exceeding 160 Wh, can be taken in either hand or hold baggage. No more than two spare batteries may be carried in hand luggage only. These batteries must be individually protected to prevent short circuits.

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Food

You can carry cakes, fruit, vegetables, sandwiches and all solid foods in your hand baggage. However, foods in sauces or with a high liquid content (such as sauces, pastes, soups and stews) cannot come through security. 

The size of container must not exceed 100ml, regardless of the amount contained inside. Please note that jams, honey and other preserves are also subject to these restrictions.

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Medication, medical conditions and equipment

Medicines over 100ml, supported by a doctor's note or prescription, are allowed through security. There’s no limit for powder or pills. 

All medicines are subject to additional security screening and must be kept in a transparent, re-sealable bag.

Insulin, EpiPens, hypodermic needles and medicines must be supported by a medical certification letter, as must children’s medicine.

Please check with your airline about your requirements before travelling, but be reassured that if you have a genuine medical condition (supported by a letter from your GP or hospital) then there should be no problem with taking such items on board the plane. You may carry medicines that need to be kept cold in a cool bag and include one ice pack in the bag, as long as your doctor's letter states that the medication needs to be kept cool.

We use a variety of different security technologies which have been assessed by government health regulators as completely safe for anyone with medical implants. However, if you have concerns then please speak to a member of our security staff and ensure you can support this with a signed letter from your medical practitioner.

Please responsibly pack any equipment that you need to minimise the likelihood of security staff incurring puncture wounds. Please notify our security staff that your hand baggage contains your equipment when you present it at security control.

Inhalers are allowed in hand baggage, but you must pack spare canisters in your hold baggage. As for essential medical equipment, you’ll need prior approval from your airline unless it fits within your hand baggage. Please clearly mark it ‘essential medical equipment’.

Remember, non-prescription medicines for children and adults can be purchased after you’ve gone through security.

If you have a pace maker or any other medical device that may be affected by walking through an archway metal detector, please advise our security officers prior to going through security. Make sure you have your medical card to state that you are wearing a sensitive medical device.

If you have a hip/joint replacement or any metal implants in your body, they are likely to set off the metal detector. If this happens, you will need to be searched by one of our security guards. There is no need to bring any proof of metal implants with you but letting our security guards know may be helpful. 

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Photographic equipment

It is perfectly safe to carry your photographic equipment through security. Our x-ray machines won’t harm your film or camera. The British Photographers' Liaison Committee (BPLC), has fully approved our hand luggage x-ray inspection systems as safe for all normal film types (up to and including ISO 400) as well as for digital storage media.

Specialist film (ISO 800 and above) can sometimes be affected – but the effects are barely noticeable to the naked eye and do not become clearly visible until film is exposed around 32 times. We are able to make special arrangements for photographers carrying professional film (ISO 800 and above). Please contact us or your airline before travel.

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Sharp and prohibited items

The following items are forbidden in hand baggage:

• Toy or replica guns (including water pistols)
• Catapults or slingshots
• Razor blades
• Sports bats, clubs or cues
• Knives and scissors with a sharp or pointed blade longer than 6cm (scissors with blunt ends are permitted)
• Tools
• Darts
• Hypodermic syringes (unless for medical reasons)
• Items that could be used as a potential weapon

This is not an exhaustive list and if in doubt please check with your airline.

The following items are forbidden anywhere on the aircraft:

• Party poppers
• Acids
• Poisons
• Flammable liquids
• Explosives
• Matches or lighters (except on your person)
• Bleach
• Incapacitating sprays
• Ignitable gas devices
• Compressed gas
• Compressed air

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Smoking materials

Cigarettes and other tobacco products are all allowed in hand baggage. 

You can carry one lighter only on board the aircraft, which must be kept on your person throughout the flight. You will be asked to leave any additional lighters at the security point, so please make sure you only carry one on your trip. 

Both lighters and e-cigarettes must be included within the liquid allowance and placed inside the one litre plastic bag for screening. Once the one litre bag has been screened, the lighter/e-cigarette must be removed from the plastic bag and carried on your person.  

Please note the e-cigarettes are banned completely from hold luggage.

Matches and lighters are not allowed in hand or checked in baggage. You may take a single butane lighter or a box of safety matches on board the aircraft but only if carried on your person. Zippo lighters are also allowed as your one lighter. 

Smoking of cigarettes and e-cigarettes is not permitted inside the terminal building.

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Writing materials

Ballpoint pens, rollerball pens, gel pens and pencils are allowed, as are fountain pens with a single open cartridge in use, but any refills cannot exceed 100ml.

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Miscellaneous

Books, puzzles, games and stickers may be taken on board.

Hat boxes, sports equipment and wedding dresses all constitute an item of hand baggage. However, these must fit within the baggage size and weight restrictions. Please check with your airline if in doubt.

Some airlines only allow hoverboards in the hold. We advise you to check directly with your airline if you plan to travel with one. 

You can bring musical instruments in addition to your hand baggage allowance.

Drones can be carried in your hand luggage as long as you meet the airlines size and weight restriction for hand luggage. You will need to notify the airline that you are carrying the batteries. 

Portable electronic devices containing Lithium ion batteries with a Watt-hour rating exceeding 100 Wh, but not exceeding 160 Wh, can be taken in either hand or hold baggage. No more than two spare batteries may be carried in hand luggage only. These batteries must be individually protected to prevent short circuits.

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 issued by an authority from the country of departure. We do like to advise passengers in advance that ashes will need to screened along with any other items on the day. If you would like to do so, notify a security officer that ashes are present so that they're aware.

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In this section you can find advice about travelling with medication and medical equipment or if you have a medical condition. 

Carrying medication

Medicines over 100ml, supported by a doctor's note or prescription, are allowed through security. There’s no limit for powder or pills. 

All medicines are subject to additional security screening and must be kept in a transparent, re-sealable bag.

Insulin, insulin pumps and EpiPens

Insulin, insulin pumps, EpiPens, hypodermic needles and medicines must be supported by a medical certification letter, as must children’s medicine. If you do not have a medical certification letter then a named prescription label on the item should be sufficient. Please check with your airline if you have special requirements before travelling, but be reassured that if you have a genuine medical condition (supported by a letter from your GP/hospital or a named prescription label on the item) then there should be no problem with taking such items on board the plane.

You may carry medicines that need to be kept cold in a cool bag and include one ice pack in the bag, as long as your doctor's letter states that the medication needs to be kept cool.

Remember, non-prescription medicines for children and adults can be purchased at Boots in the departure lounge. 

Advice for medical conditions

We use a variety of different security technologies which have been assessed by government health regulators as completely safe for anyone with medical implants. If you have concerns, however, please speak to a member of our security staff.

We recommend that you carry a signed letter about your condition from your GP or medical practitioner.

Inhalers are allowed in hand baggage, but you must pack spare canisters in your hold baggage. As for essential medical equipment, you’ll need prior approval from your airline unless it fits within your hand baggage. Please clearly mark it ‘essential medical equipment’.

Pacemakers and metal implants

If you have a pacemaker or any other medical device that may be affected by walking through an archway metal detector, please advise our security officers prior to going through security. Make sure you have your medical card to state that you are wearing a sensitive medical device.

If you have a hip/joint replacement or any metal implants in your body, they are likely to set off the metal detector. If this happens, you will need to be searched by one of our security guards. There is no need to bring any proof of metal implants with you but letting our security guards know may be helpful. 

Medical equipment

If you have specific medical equipment that can’t be x-rayed, advise our security staff, who will be happy to carry out an alternative security check. 

Please carefully pack any equipment that you need to minimise the likelihood of security staff incurring puncture wounds. Please let our security staff know that your hand baggage contains your equipment when you present it at security control.

All passengers travelling from an airport have to go through security checks and no one is exempt from this. However, we do recognise that our passengers are individuals with different needs and some need to be treated with more sensitivity.

All your questions about security and medication are answered on these pages and here we also cover other topics of particular interest if you or a member of your group has special needs or needs assistance through the airport. Find out more about planning in advance for your trip, our facilities and services and lots of other advice in the special assistance section of our website. We always recommend that you pre-book assistance at the airport at least 72 hour in advance.

Family and assistance lanes

If you would like to be assisted through security then please go to the special assistance welcome desk in the check-in area. A member of the special assistance team will accompany you through the family and assistance security lane. If you’d prefer to take this part of the journey without assistance, then you’re also welcome to use this dedicated security lane. There is a member of staff outside the family and assistance lane who will be able to advice you on the best route through security.

The family and assistance lane has a wider gate for wheelchairs and buggies and staff working in this area are specially trained to take extra care with passengers who have additional needs.  

Medication and medical conditions

If you have specific medical equipment that can’t be x-rayed, advise our security staff, who will be happy to carry out an alternative security check. Please note that some things, such as ice packs can only be brought through security with appropriate documentation (see guidance for specific items). 

Inhalers are allowed in hand baggage, but you must pack spare canisters in your hold baggage. If you have a pace maker or any other medical device that may be affected by walking through an archway metal detector, please advise our security staff before going through security. Make sure you have your medical card to state that you are wearing a sensitive medical device.

If you have a hip or joint replacement or any metal implants in your body, they’re likely to set off the metal detector. If this happens, you’ll need to be searched by one of our security staff. There is no need to bring any proof of metal implants with you but it is helpful to advise our security staff before they carry out the search. 

Security search

Security scanners are safe for all of our passengers. If you’re selected to use a security scanner please be re-assured that it is safe for medical implants such as pacemakers, as well as other medical conditions. You do, however, have the right to decline this and request a private manual search instead. This will be carried out in a private area with a witness and you can also bring a witness of your own.

If you have a wheelchair, or other medical equipment which can’t pass through the x-ray, this will be swabbed by security staff. This is standard procedure for items which can’t be x-rayed, and is nothing to worry about.

Get more tips about getting through security smoothly and other information on what is and is not allowed in your hand baggage on this page.  

Hidden disabilities

If you or passengers you are travelling with have a disability that may not be obvious, then you can request a hidden disability lanyard from our special assistance desk in the check-in area. Staff in the airport are specially trained to recognise that anyone wearing one of these lanyards may need specific help or consideration.
Find out more information about travelling with a hidden disability.

Gatwick welcomes passengers and staff regardless of age, ethnicity, colour, religion or gender. All our staff and passengers have the right to be treated with dignity and professionalism regardless of the gender they identify with.

Everyone travelling from the airport needs to follow the same security procedures and processes. For more information about what you can and can't carry through security see our security advice page. 

Check-in: All passengers must also provide proof of identity when they check in for their flight (usually your passport). The date of birth, gender and name of the passenger on the reservation must match that on your passport or government issued photographic ID. If you have different names and genders on different documents, you may choose which one to use, provided that it satisfies the airline’s ID requirements and matches the name you used on the airline reservation. It does not matter if your current gender presentation matches that given on your documentation or that of your photograph. 

Security: If you are required to be hand searched at security, you may select the gender of the officer which you feel most comfortable with to perform the search. You should also be aware that at any point in the process, you may ask to have a private search. If you do so, you will be taken to a private area, out of view of the travelling public and other members of staff. You will then undergo a full body search both by hand and by use of a hand-held metal detector. The officer conducting the search will be accompanied by a second officer of the same sex who will act as a witness, and you may also take a witness with you (of any sex).

Some items underneath clothing such as prosthetics, binding etc. may show as an anomaly on the scan and highlighted to the security officer as previously described. Although we understand that it may be personally uncomfortable to do so, the best way of dealing with the situation is to clearly and calmly explain to the officer what the item is. You should never be asked to remove or raise any items of clothing to reveal the item to them, nor should you be asked to remove it in a public place. However you may be requested to be taken for a private search if the officer is not happy with the outcome of the search.

Wigs and hairpieces are usually not subject to additional checks, unless particularly out-of-the-ordinary. In the event that it is significantly large, the officer may wish to satisfy him or herself that there is nothing concealed within, by use of a visual or hand search and possible use of a hand-held metal detector.

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