Carry-on bags
All airlines have their own individual policies regarding baggage allowances.
The majority of airlines will have their own individual policies regarding luggage weight and size etc. So, with that in mind, we recommend referring to your chosen airline’s website for the latest (and most up-to-date) information.
For more information on carry-on and hold luggage rules, visit easyJet’s website.
Top tips
- Measure and weigh your bags before arriving to make sure they are within your airline’s allowances.
- Check-in opens two hours before departure – give yourself plenty of time to arrive and check your baggage.
- Even if your bag meets weight requirements, please ensure that you can lift and carry it yourself.
Preparing for security
Plan ahead and be prepared for security at London Southend Airport. Learn about the latest regulations, tips and advice for an easy breezy screening experience.
And if you need extra help to get your journey off to a great start you can read all our advice on booking special assistance.
Hold baggage
Food & powders
Food and powders should be packed into hold baggage where possible as items like these can obstruct images on X-ray machines or be mistaken for suspicious items.
Restrictions on personal imports now apply to all travellers entering the EU. You cannot take products of an animal origin (POAO) such as those containing meat or dairy (e.g. a ham and cheese sandwich) into the EU. There are exceptions to this rule for certain quantities of powdered infant milk, infant food, special foods, or special processed pet feed. If you are carrying prohibited items in your baggage, vehicle or on your person, you must use, consume, or dispose of them at or before the border.
Find out more on the rules and exemptions in the European Commission guidance on personal imports.
You cannot take certain plants and plant products into the EU.
Find out more in the European Commission guidance on plant health biosecurity.
Banned & restricted items
Passengers need to make sure that items such as mobile phones, laptops, spare batteries, power banks and e-cigarettes (including vaporisers) are not packed in hold baggage. Instead, these items must be carried in cabin bags or on your person.
For the latest information on banned and restricted items in hand and hold baggage, refer to Government guidance.
Hold baggage top tips
- Measure and weigh your bags before arriving to make sure they are within your airline’s allowances.
- Arrive at least two hours before departure to give yourself plenty of time to travel and check-in your hold baggage.
- Even if your baggage meets weight requirements, please ensure that you can lift and carry it yourself.
Need help?
Check out our advice
Can I take baby milk, powder or baby food through security?
Powdered baby food is permitted in cabin baggage, and is not included in the restrictions on liquids. This may be tested by security officers at screening.
Your cabin baggage can contain:
- Breast milk up to 2 litres; however, this is not inclusive of frozen milk
- Sterilised water (must be in a suitable baby drinking vessel)
- Baby food
- Specialised baby milk formulas
Can I take liquids, aerosols and gels from home?
Yes, you can take liquids, aerosols and gels from home in your hold baggage. Liquids, aerosols and gels in cabin baggage must be below or equal to 2 litres (with some exceptions).
From 00:01 on Sunday, June 9, 2024, the Department for Transport is temporarily reintroducing 100ml restrictions on liquids. Please see more information here.
What are the rules if I’m travelling with Duty Free alcohol or perfumes?
Once in departures, liquids purchased in our retail stores can be taken onboard with you. All airlines permit one airport shopping bag. Please note that some airline rules include all Duty Free alcohol purchases are placed in the hold. This will be arranged for you at the departure gate by your chosen airline, so you can shop with confidence.
Can I take my knitting needles or crochet hooks through security?
Yes, you can take knitting needles or crochet hooks with you both in your hand baggage and hold baggage.