Security officer checking tray

Security

Security officer checking tray

Security

Advice on packing hand luggage and going through Security

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Security at East Midlands Airport

LAST UPDATED MAY 2025
The safety and security of customers and staff is our absolute priority at East Midlands Airport. There are a few steps to going through Security, but we’re here to make it simple. 

This page tells you everything you need to know for a quick and easy journey through East Midlands Airport Security, including what to pack in your hand luggage (the bag you carry onto the plane) and your hold luggage (the suitcase or bag that you check in), so you can focus on enjoying your trip.


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You can pack liquids, gels and aerosols under 100ml each in your hand luggage. Liquids under 100ml no longer need to be in a plastic bag and can be left in your hand luggage. Because of this limited liquid allowance on flights, we recommend packing liquids in your hold luggage if possible.

Please note: Liquids, aerosols and gels greater than 100ml each are not permitted through Security.
Bottle of water

Drinks

Water, other drinks

Different coloured jams in jars

Food items

Jam, soup, etc

Eyeshadow palette with other make up on table

Cosmetics

Make-up, moisturiser

Nivea body milk

Toiletries

Toothpaste, shower gel, suncream, shaving foam

Coco Chanel perfume bottle

Fragrances

Perfume, aftershave, aerosols (deodorant)

Inhaler and lip balm on bed

Medical items

Inhaler, contact lens solution

Prohibited items

It's an offence to carry certain items into an aircraft cabin as they could be dangerous, and these items will be taken away at Security. Please note that this includes toy or replica guns (plastic or metal). See a full list of prohibited items below.

Body scanners

You will be required to have a body scan at Security, to make sure no one takes anything dangerous onto the plane. All the body scanning equipment has been designed to put passengers at ease - you remain fully clothed, and they only take a few seconds. Please be assured that the scanners are completely safe, and do not use x-rays.

Hand luggage sizes

Remember - each airline has its own policy on the amount of hand luggage allowed on their aircraft, so we strongly recommend you check this information directly through your airline before you travel. Your airline might have restrictions on the size and dimensions of your hand luggage too, so always check with them before you fly.

Accessibility

To find out more about accessibility at East Midlands Airport, please visit our Assistance at Security page.

Liquids

Hand luggage

You can pack liquids in your hand luggage, as long as each liquid is under 100ml. These can be left in your hand luggage during the Security search. Because of this liquid limit, we recommend packing them in your hold luggage where possible.  

Please note: Liquids in containers larger than 100ml cannot go through Security even if the container is only part full. There are some exemptions. 

If you wish to bring your own containers to hold 100ml or less, the container must have printed on it the measurement that the container can hold. Travel sets of containers that do not have measurements on them will not be allowed through security. Handwritten measurements or stickers are also not acceptable.


What is a liquid?

  • All drinks, including water
  • Liquid or semi-liquid foods, such as soup, jam, honey, and syrups
  • Pastes, including toothpaste
  • Creams, lotions, oils, moisturiser
  • Perfumes and aftershaves
  • Make-up, including mascara and lipgloss
  • Sprays, including sun lotion
  • Inhalers
  • Gels, including hair gels and shower gels
  • Contents of pressurised containers, including shaving foam, other foams, and deodorants
  • Liquid-solid mixtures (such as food)
  • Any other item of a similar consistency

Please note: Lipsticks, lip balms, and stick deodorants are not classed as liquids, so you don’t need to put these in your clear plastic bag.

Exemptions

You can take liquid containers larger than 100ml through security at all UK airports if they:
  • are for essential medical purposes (these must be accompanied with a medical note or prescription)
  • are for special dietary requirements
  • contain baby food or baby milk


Liquid medication

While the normal rule is that liquids must be under 100ml in your hand luggage, this is different for essential medicine, and you can take prescription medication in containers over 100ml through Security (including liquid dietary foodstuffs and inhalers). However, you may only carry through security the quantity of liquid medication that is required for your journey. 
 

Proof of prescription

If your medication is in liquid form and in a container larger than 100ml, you’ll need to carry proof that the medication is prescribed to you (for example a letter from your doctor, or a copy of your prescription or the medicine prescription label). 

You do not need to show proof if the medication is either: 
  • In tablet form 
  • Liquid in a container that’s 100ml or smaller 

Please note: There are different rules if you’re travelling with medicine that contains a controlled drug. Find out further information before you travel. 

World Duty Free

You can take liquids bought at World Duty Free onto your plane (such as World Duty Free perfume), or through Security that have been purchased at another Airport provided that: 
  • The items are sealed inside a transparent bag at the point of purchase 
  • The receipt for the items is sealed in the transparent bag and visible, showing it was purchased within 24 hours 
  • The bag must not be opened until you reach your final destination 
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