Luton Airport Security

Getting through security at Luton Airport may seem like a daunting thought to some, but it needn't be! This page should hopefully answer some of those questions about what you can and can't take on board, but first, we'll start with this one; “How long should I give myself to get through the airport?”

Well, to allow yourself sufficient time to check-in, get through security and make your way to the gate, as well as spend a little time in Duty-Free, of course, we'd advise allowing yourself the following times;

For domestic arrivals leave 90 mins at Luton Airport Departures
Leave 2 hours for European Flights from Luton Airport
Leave 3 hours when travelling internationally from Luton

How many bags am I allowed?

Passengers are now permitted to carry more than one item of hand luggage through security. You will, however, need to check with your airline before arriving at the airport. Some airlines will only allow you to carry one item of hand baggage, and the weight and size allowances differ between airlines. Many low-cost carriers will now allow you to take one airport shopping bag as well as your hand luggage but please check before you fly.

Luton Airport Hand Luggage Rules - What you can and can't pack

baby
bag
bags
medicines
sharp objects
sports

Luton Airport Security - additional things to note:

Luton Liquid Allowance:

  • Essential medicines in liquid form sufficient and essential for the flight (e.g. diabetic kit), as long as it is verified as authentic.
  • Baby milk and liquid baby food (the contents of each bottle or jar must be tasted by the accompanying passenger).

Please note: Other bags, such as handbags, may be carried within the single item of cabin baggage. However, depending on the airline, it may be required to be placed within your hand luggage when boarding the plane.

Screening

All items carried by passengers will be x-ray screened, including.

  • Pushchairs, walking aids and wheelchairs.
  • Laptops and other large electrical items (e.g. a large hairdryer) have to be removed from cabin baggage and screened separately. (A laptop bag will be regarded as your one item that is allowed in the cabin)

Before Security

All shops and catering outlets are open to all passengers. Hand baggage is now allowed BUT any liquids and gels must be packed into your hold luggage for check-in. Any other purchases must fit into your hand baggage.

After Security

All shops and catering outlets are open to all passengers. Passengers can take all items purchased in the departures lounge into the aircraft cabin unless they are travelling to the USA. For more information, please visit www.tsa.gov.

Duty-Free and Departure Lounge Purchases

 Security at Heathrow Airport
Any liquid items purchased in Duty-Free can be taken on board the plane, but be sure to retain any proof of purchase as this may be required at transfer points. The above requirements are enforced by HM Revenue & Customs, whilst airlines and airports may have additional measures in place. It's always advised that you check the additional requirements when you book your flight.

Presents and Gifts

Wrapped Christmas presents are not exempt from the current aviation security measures and are subject to searching and screening measures by airport security staff when flying from the UK. Passengers may be asked to unwrap any presents by security staff at the airport before their journey. Therefore, passengers should travel with any presents unwrapped.

Presents in liquid form (e.g. perfume, toiletries or alcohol) can be carried in cabin baggage but this is subject to the current measures. It would therefore be advisable to place such presents - unwrapped - in hold baggage. Liquids of any amount can still be stored in hold baggage.

Luton Airport Prohibited items - What Not To Pack

Here are a number of other items that must not be taken on board an aircraft or through security, either as hand luggage or in the hold. Please do not pack the following anywhere in your carry on or check-in luggage:

Prohibited Items
Flammable liquids and solids Oxidisers
Organic peroxides Gas cylinders
Infectious substances Wet car cell batteries
Instruments containing magnets Instruments containing mercury
Magnetrons Fireworks
Non-safety matches, firelighters, lighter fuel Paints, thinners
Poisons, arsenic, cyanide, weedkiller Acids, corrosives, alkalis, caustic soda
Creosote, quicklime, oiled paper Radioactive materials