The latest security regulations, tips and advice
The Department for Transport (DfT) has issued the following Directive to UK airports using Next Generation Security Checkpoints (NGSC), which includes London Southend. From 00:01 on Sunday, June 9, 2024, 100ml restrictions on liquids will temporarily be reintroduced for passengers. However, passengers travelling through London Southend Airport can still keep everything, including all liquids and large electronics, in their cabin baggage when passing through security.
What to do at Security
By preparing before you reach security, you can help minimise delays for you and your fellow passengers, which means more time to relax in Departures. The full restrictions are available to read on the gov.uk website.
- Taking liquids through security
- Travelling with children
- Baby food & milk
- Food
- Plant products
- Prescribed medicines
- Sharp items & tools
- Large electrical items
Taking liquids through security
Restrictions you need to be aware of
No more plastic bags! Passengers are allowed to carry liquids and electrical items in their cabin bags, thanks to our new CT scanners. Liquids and gels are permitted in containers of up to 100ml.
Please be aware that any liquids in your cabin baggage can be subjected to testing. Metal containers and flasks need to be emptied before you enter the security screening area. But! Not to worry – you can refill after security at a nearby water fountain, or at any of our food and drink outlets.
The full restrictions are available to read on the gov.uk website, which apply to everyone departing from airports in the UK, no matter where they’re flying to.
Travelling with children
Families with young children (five and under) can use the Fast Track lane when presenting boarding passes; however, you will then join the normal security queue after this.
Children under 1m tall (including babies) will be subject to a brief search by hand and will not be screened by the body scanner.
However, children over 1m tall will be required to enter the body scanner as part of their security screening process. They should remove all outer wear and metal objects from their person before entering the body scanner. If the body scanner activates, we’ll carry out a brief search by hand in a dedicated search area – referred to by our Security staff as a ‘cabin’.
Parents/carers will be invited to carry babies or toddlers into the body scanner, where they will undergo a brief search by hand. If you wear a baby harness, please remove it and place in a tray to be screened separately.
For more information, visit our ‘Travelling with children‘ page.
Baby food & milk
Baby food is permitted in cabin baggage and is not included in the restrictions on liquids, so this can be carried in addition to your 100ml litre allowance.
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
Baby food or 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.
Powdered baby food over 100g may be subject to further screening or testing, but containers will not be opened.
Food
Passengers should be aware that restrictions on personal imports now apply to all travellers entering the EU. You cannot bring 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.
Plant products
You cannot bring certain plants and plant products into the EU. For the latest information, please read the European Commission guidance on plant health biosecurity.
Prescribed medicines
We know that you might sometimes need to take prescribed medicine through security. But here’s what you need to know in terms of restrictions – you can carry the following in your cabin baggage in addition to your 100ml liquid allowance:
- Essential medicines of more than 100ml, including liquid dietary foodstuffs and inhalers
- Medical equipment, if it’s essential for your journey
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) if it’s both:
- In liquid form
- In a container larger than 100ml
You do not need to show proof if the medication is either:
- In tablet form
- Liquid in a container that’s 100ml or smaller
For more information, please visit the gov.uk website.
Sharp items & tools
You may take small scissors (with blades no longer than 6cm), disposable razors, nail clippers, tweezers and knitting or sewing needles in your cabin baggage. No hand or power tools may be carried in your cabin baggage. This includes screwdrivers, corkscrews, allen keys, drill bits or wallet tool cards.
For more detailed information, please visit the gov.uk website.
Large electrical items
Items such as laptops, tablets, portable games consoles, hair dryers, straighteners or curling tongs can be taken through security and kept within your cabin baggage. Please be aware that electrical items may be subject to testing.
The full restrictions are available to read on the gov.uk website.
Preparing for security in advance
- Leave it in the bag – liquids up to 100ml, tablets, laptops and other electronic items can all stay in your cabin bag
- Empty your pockets – make sure there’s nothing left in your trouser or skirt pockets by the time you reach the body scanner
- Remove large items – coats, jackets, hoodies, boots, heels and heavy footwear
- Only one cigarette and/or e-cigarette allowed per person
How to enter security
To access the security screening area, you must first present your boarding pass at our boarding pass check point, so please have your digital (or printed) boarding pass at the ready.
A member of security will be available to help should assistance be required.
Placing your items on the tray
- Place one cabin bag per tray and ensure loose items have been removed from your person – this includes checking pockets
- Liquids and gels up to 100ml can remain in your cabin bag
- Laptops, tablets/iPads, hair dryers, hair straighteners can remain in your cabin baggage
Passenger screening
Passenger screening preparation
As the screening area includes detection of metal objects, we ask that you:
- Remove all outer wear, e.g. coats, hats, hoodies, and accessories, including sunglasses, belts and watches
- Check any remaining objects are removed, especially in pockets, including loose change
- Remove any heeled or platform shoes – this also includes any boots
Screening by body scanner
To ensure we comply with UK Aviation Security regulations and the Department for Transport, we now use body scanners to screen all passengers and staff.
Please note, children under 1m tall will be subject to a brief search by hand and should not enter the body scanner.
How do I use the scanner?
It’s nice and simple. Approach the body screening area, where you’ll be welcomed forward by a security staff member. They’ll direct you on where/how to stand. Don’t worry, it only takes a few seconds.
How does the body scanner work?
The scan takes a matter of seconds and produces a generic image with no distinguishing features – its only job is to detect any concealed items. If you’re unable to be screened by body scanner, a hand search will be completed by a security officer.
Occasionally the security operative will have to ask for shoes to be removed, even if you are wearing flat shoes – this is to allow for them to be separately screened.
We have the latest shoe scanning equipment in order to make this process quick and easy. Seats are available and you can also ask for disposable foot socks.
I want to opt out of the body scanner, what’s the alternative screening method?
If you wish to opt out of using the body scanner, you will instead undergo an enhanced hand search in private by a member of our staff.
This will take place in a private room or area away from the main security zone, and may involve loosening and/or removing some of your clothing. The Department for Transport considers that this method offers the same level of security assurance as being screened by the walk-through scanner.
If you do not consent to an enhanced hand search, you will not be allowed to enter the security restricted area and you will not be permitted to travel on your flight.
The full restrictions are available to read on the gov.uk website.
After passenger screening
Once your tray(s) has completed the screening process, please take it from the conveyor belt and use the repacking areas provided – this prevents delays to your fellow passengers.
Security Fast Track
Pass through security as fast as possible with our Fast Track lane. Pre-book today
Please note, you can change your booking date free of charge
Need help?
Check out our advice
Do all children need to go through the body scanner?
Children under 1m tall (including babies) will be subject to a brief search by hand and will not be screened by the body scanner.
However, children over 1m tall will be required to enter the body scanner as part of their security screening process. They should remove all outer wear and metal objects from their person before entering the body scanner. If the body scanner activates, we’ll carry out a brief search by hand in a dedicated search area – referred to by our Security staff as a ‘cabin’.
Parents/carers will be invited to carry babies or toddlers into the body scanner, where they will undergo a brief search by hand. If you wear a baby harness, please remove it and place in a tray to be screened separately.
Can I carry my baby/toddler with me into the body scanner?
Parents/carers will be invited to carry babies or toddlers into the body scanner, where they will undergo a brief search by hand. If you wear a baby harness, please remove it and place in a tray to be screened separately.
How do I need to prepare for security?
As the new screening equipment and processes come into effect across the UK, passengers are advised to check with their airline and the airport they are flying from for up-to-date information on what may be taken through airport security. Airport websites provide information on any restrictions on carrying items through security.
London Southend now uses state-of-the-art screening equipment, known as C3 technology, which means passengers leave all electrical items and liquids in their bag. Liquids and gels only allowed in containers of up to 100ml in cabin bags.
Always check the restrictions at all the airports you will be travelling through on your outward and return journeys in case different rules are in place.
What rules should I expect to follow when passing through security?
Aviation security regulations in the UK can be found on the CAA website. Refer to advice for UK passengers.
Is the amount of liquids that may be carried through security changing?
In future passengers may be able to carry Liquids, Aerosols and Gels (LAGs) in larger containers through airport security, up to a maximum volume of 2 litres. However, this will depend on the equipment and screening processes used at each airport for the screening of liquids. For the time being liquids should continue to be carried in individual containers of up to 100ml, which can remain in your cabin bag.
The volume of some liquids that may be carried on aircraft are limited due to dangerous goods rules. The limits on dangerous goods can be found on the CAA website.
What are the rules if I’m travelling with medicines and medical equipment?
You can carry essential medicines with you. There is no limit on the amount, but you will be asked to provide proof such as a doctor’s letter or prescription. All medicines will be subject to additional security screening.
Is there a child-friendly way through security?
Families with young children (five and under) can use the Fast Track lane when presenting boarding passes; however, you will then join the normal security queue after this.