Advice on packing hand luggage and going through Security
Last updated: June 2024
The safety and security of customers and staff is our absolute priority at Manchester 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 Manchester 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.
You can pack liquids in your hand luggage, but there is a liquid allowance on flights - this is why we recommend packing liquids in your hold luggage if possible. Any liquids in your hand luggage must follow these rules:
All liquids, gels and aerosols must be under 100ml each
These must be packed in a clear, resealable plastic bag, no larger than 20cm x 20cm
Passengers can only pack one of these clear bags of products in their hand luggage - the limit is one per person
This clear plastic bag should be removed from your hand luggage and placed clearly in the tray provided
_ Water
_ Other drinks
_ Toothpaste
_ Hand sanitiser
_ Sun cream _
_ Moisturiser _
_ Perfume/aftershave
_ Make-up
_ Inhaler
_ Contact lens solution _ _
_ Shower gel
_ Shaving foam
_ Aerosols
_ Food items
_ Jam
_
Top tip – You can use any type of clear, resealable plastic bag, such as a make-up bag, or a freezer bag. If you forget this, you pick up a clear plastic bag at the airport (limited to one per customer), but preparing your liquid bag before you arrive at the airport will help speed up the queue going through Manchester Airport Security.
You can bring some electrical items in your hand luggage, but any electrical item over the size of A5 (20cm x 20cm) should be removed from your bag and placed in your tray to be screened separately at Security.
_ Tablets and iPads
_ Laptops
_ Hair appliances
_ E-cigarettes/vapes
_ Cameras_
_ Docking station _
_ Chargers
_ Speakers
_ Electric shaver
_ Iron_ _
_
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.
You might 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.
Manchester Airport Security is in the process of upgrading its equipment. This next-generation security will transform the passenger experience by making it smoother, seamless, and stress-free. However, until we've upgraded all of our security screening equipment, passengers should prepare for Security as normal.
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.
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