With many people across Glasgow heading to the airport for the first time since before the pandemic, there will inevitably be queues — particularly at security.
Those who have not been on a plane in over two years may have forgotten some of the common airport security rules, which may lead to longer delays.
In order to speed things up at security, and to prevent people missing their flights, Glasgow Airport has shared a list of the most common questions passengers ask.
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These range from common security questions regarding luggage size and content to more unusual questions about things like medicines and food.
They have been broken down into categories for easier reading.
Bag size and volume
What is the bag size for hand luggage (carry on)?
Your airline may enforce restrictions on the size and number of cabin bags. Please contact your airline for further information.
Can I take a handbag and a piece of hand luggage?
We recommend you contact your airline about hand baggage allowances as these vary between operators.
Transparent, resealable bags
How big can the transparent, resealable bag be?
The capacity must not exceed 1 litre (this is about 20cm x 20cm, or 8in x 8in).
How many liquid bags can be taken through Security?
1 bag per travelling passenger. Exceptions for prescribed medication/dietary supplements, food/milk for infants under the age of 2.
Bag content
Can I take liquids in containers over 100ml?
Not in hand luggage, these have to be packed in your main baggage that you check-in to the aircraft hold.
Can I pack food and powders in my hand baggage?
Food items and powders in your hand luggage can obstruct images on x-ray machines. Your bags may need to be checked again manually by security. You can put these items in your hold luggage to minimise delays.
Food in sauces or dishes that have a high liquid content will need to be in containers 100ml or less, and go into a transparent, resealable bag.
Following outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease, it is now illegal to take some meat and dairy products abroad. To find out more, please visit the Defra website or call 0845 933 5577.
Can I pack yoghurts and fruit juices in my hand baggage?
Yes, but these need to be in containers 100ml or less, and have to go into your transparent, resealable bag.
Contact lenses
I wear disposable contact lenses. Can I carry spare sets in my hand baggage?
You may carry a couple of spare pairs in your hand baggage. The packages need to be sealed. Beyond that, you should pack in your hold luggage.
Can I take contact lens solution in my hand baggage?
Yes. Contact lens solution must be in a container 100ml or less inside a transparent, resealable bag.
Toiletries
Can I take my lipstick and deodorants on board in my hand luggage?
Yes, you can take on board all solid cosmetics and so a standard lipstick would be acceptable as would solid deodorants. You can also take atomiser/cream/roll-on deodorants in containers up to 100ml. These will need to go in a transparent resealable bag.
Can I buy cosmetics, toiletries and drinks after security?
Yes. If you are on a direct flight to your destination, you can "fly with everything you buy" after security. The exception is Australia where you cannot buy any liquids over 100ml. If in doubt, please ask a member of store staff.
Phones, cameras, electrical items
Can I take electrical items such as an MP3 player, a portable DVD player and a laptop?
Yes, there are no limitations on electrical items. We will ask for items to be removed and screened separately - laptop computers and large electrical items must be removed from hand baggage and placed in the trays with other belongings.
Can I take my digital camera and mobile phone through security?
Yes, but please place these items in your hand luggage or your jacket so that they can be placed in our security trays and pass through the X-ray machine.
Can I carry spare batteries in my hand baggage for my electrical items, such as laptop, DVD player, digital camera and mobile phone?
Yes, you can.
Do the increased security measures affect camera film?
No, absolutely not. Independent tests undertaken by the British Photographers' Liaison Committee (BPLC), to establish the full and exact details of any potential film damage caused by baggage screening machines at airports, have given the all-clear to current hand-luggage x-ray inspection systems as installed at Glasgow Airport. Please see our website for further detail on this if you are carrying professional film ISO 800 or above.
Can I carry gas hair tongs in my hand baggage?
Yes you can but you are only allowed to carry the one gas cartridge that powers the appliance. But please double check with your airline first as some carriers may restrict these items.
Sharp items
Can I take a nail file on board in my hand luggage?
Yes, providing it is not longer than 6cm.
Can I take nail scissors in my hand luggage?
Yes, providing the blades are not longer than 6cm (measured from the fulcrum).
Can I take knitting needles in my hand luggage?
Knitting needles are allowed.
General
Can I take reading material with me in my hand luggage?
Yes, you can carry on books and magazines, brought with you in your hand luggage, or purchased in the departure lounge.
Will I have to take my shoes off for security screening?
You should remove your footwear for security screening only if you are asked to do so by a security officer.
Can I carry glass items on board in my hand luggage?
Yes you can carry glass items on board.
Can crash helmets be carried through security?
Yes, but please contact your airline as some may operate relevant cabin baggage restrictions.
Can I take my jewellery on board?
Yes, the only restriction here might be that some items could be categorised as ‘sharp objects’. If you have any doubts then please check the restrictions in this area.
Can I carry my house keys and car keys in my hand luggage (including the remote lock device)?
Yes, you may carry these either in your pocket (but remove them for screening at security) or in your hand baggage.
Can I carry my glasses case with my glasses in them in my hand luggage?
Yes you can.
Can I carry an umbrella in/with my hand luggage?
Umbrellas are permitted. They will be X-ray screened at security control.
Medicines
What quantities of liquid medication can I take with me on my flight?
Passengers are allowed to take essential medicines sufficient for the trip. Amounts under 100ml should be placed in a transparent, plastic bag with other liquids.
For amounts over 100ml, prior approval from the airline and departure airport, and supporting documentation from a relevant qualified medical professional (eg a letter from your doctor or prescription), are required.
All liquids should be presented at security for X-ray inspection. You may be asked to verify the liquid by tasting.
I carry insulin and hypodermic needles. Is this allowed in my hand luggage?
Yes, you are allowed to carry both the insulin and needles.
I am concerned about the temperature of my medicine in the hold.
The hold areas of an aircraft have different temperatures and customers should speak to their airline to ensure the medication could be stored correctly. The airline may wish to have medicines verified by an airport pharmacist.
I would like to carry some non-prescribed medicine in tablet form, such as paracetamol. May I do that?
Yes, you can. There is no limit to what you carry in tablet or pill form, whether it is prescribed medication or not.
Can I carry an EpiPen in my hand luggage?
Yes you may carry an EpiPen in your hand luggage.
I am asthmatic, can I carry an inhaler in my hand luggage?
Yes, you can, but any spare canisters must be in your hold luggage. You may be asked to verify the item.
I have a spray for angina. Is this allowed in my hand luggage?
Yes, you may carry essential medicines for the trip. You may be asked to verify the item.
May I carry a blood pressure monitor in my hand luggage?
Yes, provided it complies with your airline's hand luggage rules. Please contact your airline if in doubt.
Can I carry my homoeopathic medication, which is in liquid form, in my hand luggage?
The rules for homoeopathic medicines are the same as for other liquid medicines.
We are transferring bone marrow and stem cells out of the country – can we carry them in our hand luggage?
The Anthony Nolan Trust should be notified and they, in turn, should fax the details to security.
I need to carry a liquid wig spray. Can I have this in my hand luggage?
Yes, up to 100ml, and it has to be presented in a transparent plastic bag.
Families and babies
Am I allowed to take a baby-bag as well as my own cabin bag, if my child is sitting on my lap?
Please confirm the arrangements with your airline, as different operators have different rules on hand baggage.
Am I allowed to take my child’s pushchair to the departure gate?
Yes, you are allowed to take pushchairs, prams and buggies to the gate. These items will need to be X-rayed, though, and so your child/children will have to be lifted out at security. The security officers may make further checks of the pushchair.
Am I allowed to take children’s puzzle books, games and stickers on board?
Yes, you are allowed to carry these in your hand luggage through security and you can also buy them in the departure lounge.
Can I take wet wipes on the plane?
Yes, you can carry wet wipes with you onboard.
Can I take milk powder with me to make up a bottle of milk on the plane?
Yes, you can carry milk powder.
Does a bottle or carton of prepared milk or sterilized water need to be a maximum of 100ml?
If you are travelling with an infant, these items can exceed 100ml and do not have to fit into the resealable bag. However, the amount must be sufficient for your trip only and you may be asked to open the containers and taste the contents. There are no limits for powder formula; bottled water is available in shops after security. Your airline can provide water during the flight.
Can you buy cartons of formula milk from the shops after security?
Yes, this is available from Boots which is adjacent to WHSmith.
What happens if the baby can only tolerate non-dairy and needs soya milk or rice milk?
You may be asked to open the containers and taste the contents. The milk should be in bottles.
Can jars of baby food be taken on board in my hand luggage?
If you are travelling with an infant, you may be asked to open the containers and taste the contents of infant or baby food that you bring with you. Try to only carry what you need for the journey. The jars do not need to go into the resealable bag.
Can I take puréed food in plastic pots or containers in my hand luggage?
For an adult, puréed food is treated as a liquid.
Can we take baby car seats (for use on the plane) through security?
Yes, These may be carried through security and you should check with your airline when you check-in for your flight.
Can we carry sandwiches and crisps for the children through security?
Yes, crisps are fine and sandwiches with any type of filling are also permitted.
Can we carry children’s liquid ibuprofen and paracetamol in our hand luggage?
Yes, carry sufficient for the trip and less than 100ml. You may need to test the liquid medicine by tasting it.
Exceptional items
Can I take my musical instrument on board?
Yes, but please contact your airline as different operators have different rules. Instruments will be subject to X-ray screening. Some accessories, such as percussion mallets or wire brushes for drums, may not be allowed in your hand luggage.
I have a hat box. Can I take it with me in the cabin?
Yes, if it fits within any maximum dimensions for hand baggage set by your airline.
Can I carry my wedding dress on board?
Yes, providing it complies with any cabin baggage restrictions imposed by your airline.
I am going on a scuba-diving holiday. How do I transport equipment such as air tanks and CO2 cartridges for buoyancy aids?
Air tanks for diving cannot be carried. Small non-toxic gas cylinders, for example, those used for artificial limbs or in lifejackets, may be carried in the cabin or in hold baggage; however, you must check with your carrier as they must approve the carriage of such items.
Can I carry sports equipment such as flippers and fishing tackle in my hand baggage?
Yes, providing it complies with your airline's hand baggage regulations. There are limitations on sharp objects and so you should double-check none of your equipment is covered by those restrictions.
Can I still padlock my hold luggage? Or does it have to be left open?
Yes, you can still padlock it, or use a combination lock. Luggage that is checked in the USA must either be left unlocked or locked with a special padlock approved by the TSA. Your carrier will be able to give you further details.
Shopping after security
Can I still buy and carry on my tax and duty-free goods?
Yes, absolutely (but to be clear, this is only with items purchased after security checks). Also, if you are flying within the EU you can have it stored until you come back using our Shopping Collection Service. Just ask any of the retailers at the till.
Can I buy water and food in the departure lounge to take on board the flight?
Yes. You can take water on board all flights, including flights to the USA.
Can I buy duty and tax-free goods if I am flying to the USA?
Yes. If you are on a direct flight to the USA, you can "fly with everything you buy" after security. If you are transferring within the USA or Canada you will need to place your purchases over 100ml in your hold baggage, which all passengers have to pick up before transferring to their next flight. Please speak to a member of store staff for details.
Connections and transfers
I am transferring through your airport. Can I carry liquid items in my hand luggage if they were purchased in the duty free store at my previous airport?
If your journey involves transferring or transiting through Glasgow Airport, you may be permitted to carry liquids, aerosols or gels – including duty free – through security in either of the following cases:
1. The items have been bought in the passenger-only zone at an airport in the European Union*, Norway, Iceland or Switzerland, or on board an aircraft operated by an EU carrier or one from Norway, Iceland or Switzerland . The items must be packaged in a sealed tamper-proof bag provided by the airport/airline, inside of which is proof of purchase showing that the items were bought on the day of travel.
Or
2. The items have been bought in the passenger-only zone at one of the following airports: all international airports in Canada and the USA; Dubrovnik, Pula, Rijeka, Split, Zadar and Zagreb in Croatia; Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia; or Changi in Singapore. The items must be packaged in a sealed tamper-proof bag provided by the airport, inside of which is proof of purchase showing that the items were bought within the last 36 hours.
* The EU member states are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
Security control
What do I need to do with my transparent resealable bag?
Have it ready for inspection at security. Ensure it is fastened closed and kept separate to your hand luggage.
What else can I do to help me go through security faster?
- Remove laptops and other large electrical equipment from your bag and place them in a tray.
- Put all small items like keys, coins and mobile phones into your coat or hand baggage, then place these into a tray.
- If you have liquids in containers of 100ml or less, put them into a clear resealable bag, which should be placed alongside other items in your tray.
- If you have been asked to remove your shoes, place these in the tray too.
- Place hand baggage onto the roller bed for X-ray screening.
- Any liquid/paste medicines in containers over 100ml may require verification at the security checkpoint.
- Go through the security archway when called forward by one of the security officers.
How can you assure me that there will be no terrorists on my plane? What checks do you make on airport staff? How do you know there are no terrorists working in security? Or smuggling bombs on to planes via in-flight food?
The current state of heightened security in the UK is unprecedented and your concern is understandable. We are strictly regulated by the Department for Transport, who have always had procedures in place for us to follow to ensure adequate aviation security. We have processes in place for searching and screening both passengers and their luggage prior to their entry to restricted areas – this also includes screening of the catering provisions.
In addition, there are stringent procedures for screening and vetting all our employees prior to joining the airport’s workforce. These procedures are constantly reviewed, especially in such situations as the current security alert.
