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Airport Security Made Simple – The Tips Every Traveller Should Know
Taking a flight can be an exciting experience, whether you’re going on a vacation, visiting family, or just returning home. But one thing that stands in the way of you and your seat on the plane is airport security.
Sometimes it feels like the rules and procedures are constantly changing: do you take off your shoes? Do you need to separate liquids and electronics? How long does it take? We’ll answer these questions as we take you through a step-by-step guide to navigating airport security in the UK and beyond.
Understanding the Basics of Airport Security
Simply put, airport security is crucial to keeping passengers, crew, and anyone at the airport safe. It’s thorough and highly-regulated for good reason. Regardless of which airport you visit, the security standards should be uniform and strict.
The main purpose of airport security, other than generally keeping us safe, is to enact counter-terrorism measures and detect prohibited items early in the process.
In the UK, airport security is overseen and audited by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). This government body sets the policies and procedures you’re subject to at every UK airport.
Recent Updates to Airport Security Measures
The airport security landscape is constantly evolving. New technology is helping with everything from efficient bag screening to smart queues.
- CT scanners – Some UK airports, like Edinburgh, London Luton, and Birmingham, now have special computed tomography (CT) scanners at security checkpoints. The good news is that this innovation in scanning technology means you no longer need to remove your liquids and electronics.
- Relaxed liquid rules at certain airports – Currently, two airports, Birmingham and Edinburgh, go even further. They allow up to 2L of liquids through security.
- Technology and automation – Airports around the world are making use of technology for things like queue management and automatic tray return systems to reduce passenger wait times.
Hand Baggage Allowances
Generally speaking, airport security enforces rules related to liquids and other items, although, as mentioned above, some airports are more lenient.
Liquids in Your Carry-On Bag
At airports other than Birmingham and Edinburgh, you’ll be limited to liquid containers that are 100mL or smaller. The total liquid allowance is 1L, and all items must fit into a resealable clear plastic bag that measures no more than 20cm x 20cm. Anything over this will be discarded by the security agents.
The exception to the 100mL rule is for medically-necessary liquids, liquids required due to dietary restrictions, and baby food/formula.
Prohibited Personal Items
Airport security will not allow the following items in your hand luggage:
- Corkscrews
- Knives with a sharp or pointed blade and/or blade longer than 6cm
- Large scissors
- Flares, fireworks, or pyrotechnics of any kind
- Lighters (must be on your person and fit in the 20x20cm liquids bag)
- Non-safety matches
Leave all these items at home to avoid additional screening and confiscation. If you need the items on your trip, put them in your checked luggage, assuming it’s permitted by the airline.
The Simple Steps to Breeze Through Airport Security
1. Choose your outfit wisely
Before you even get to the airport, there are a few things to keep in mind that will make your airport security experience easier.
- Wear outer layers that are easily removed
- Avoid big, bulky shoes like winter boots
- Choose trousers that don’t require a belt
- Don’t wear unnecessary jewellery
2. Put items in the screening tray
Once you get to airport security, be ready to empty your pockets and remove items from your person and your bag. This is what goes in the tray:
- Coins, wallet, phone, and anything metallic
- Belts
- Watches and other large jewellery
- Electronics, which go in a separate tray (most airports)
- Liquids in a clear bag (most airports)
- Medication
3. Follow instructions
Don’t be distracted when you’re passing through airport security. Put your phone away and focus. Listen to the instructions given by airport security and comply. This isn’t the place for jokes, especially ones related to weapons or other prohibited items.
The agents may ask you to remove additional items like your shoes and put them in the screening tray. They may also ask you to turn on your electronics. Since rules change frequently, listening to the airport security agents’ info might save you some hassle, so it’s valuable.
4. Walking through the security scanner
Now that you’ve sent your hand luggage and clothing items through the scanner, it’s time for you to be scanned. This will either be by a standard metal detector or a full-body scanner.
Metal detectors are straightforward. Wait for the agent to give you the go-ahead and walk through. If it doesn’t beep, you can go and wait to collect your carry-on items. If it does beep, you will either be asked to remove items and walk through again or taken aside for a quick manual search by an agent of your same gender. It may also beep if you’ve been randomly selected for an additional test.
Body scanners require you to enter a tall, booth-like device shaped like a rounded rectangle that’s open on both sides. The floor mat shows where to put your feet, and you stand with your arms raised (hands almost meeting above your head). The agents get the display of a generic human outline that highlights possible areas requiring extra checks.
5. Additional screening
Either you or your bag may be flagged for additional screening. This happens when the scanning equipment fails to show a clear result or the agents have concerns. Your bag may be taken aside and opened for a better look. In rare cases, you can also be taken to another area for more in-depth screening or questioning.
6. Collect your items
Once everything has passed the airport security check, you’re free to collect everything and proceed to the gate. Be mindful of other passengers trying to get to their items. If you need to put your shoes, belt, or clothing back on or re-pack your bag, it’s best to do it in the dedicated areas away from the conveyor belt.
Typical Wait Times at Airport Security
In the UK, the airport security wait times are quite reasonable. On average, it will take between 15 and 30 minutes to get through the entire process. This applies as long as you’re not selected for more in-depth screening away from the normal security area.
The average wait times in September 2025, as reported by Qsensor, are as follows:
London Heathrow – 10 minutes
London Gatwick – 10 minutes
London Stansted – 20 minutes
London Luton – 15 minutes
London City – 4 minutes
Birmingham – 10.5 minutes
Manchester – 6 minutes
Edinburgh – 10 minutes
Although these wait times are perfectly manageable, it’s possible to see a significant rise on any given day. Staffing shortages and popular travel days will all add time to these waits.
Also, even if your flight is delayed, don’t leave getting through security to the last minute. Allow plenty of time for longer-than-average queues and additional screening. In general, it’s best to get to the airport two hours before a domestic/EU flight and three hours before an international/overseas one.
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Final Tips for a Smooth Security Experience
Navigating airport security is much easier when you know what to expect. Stay calm and follow instructions, keep prohibited items out of your bags, and understand that random checks are a routine part of maintaining safety.
The process may feel repetitive at times, but every step is designed to protect passengers, speed up screening, and ensure everyone gets to their destination safely and efficiently.
Author:
Amy Lancelotte
Job/Position: Senior Writer & Content Strategist
Amy Lancelotte is a Senior Content Writer and editorial contributor at AirAdvisor with over seven years of experience producing research-based articles for international audiences. Her work focuses on travel, aviation, and air passenger rights, with an emphasis on factual accuracy, verified data, and clear, reader-first explanations.
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