Manchester Airport Security Information

As we know, enhanced security measures mean that checking in can take longer than it used to. It is advised that you arrive at the airport in plenty of time:

Want to speed up the process? Opt for Fast Track!

This service is available to all travellers for the small cost of £6 per person when booked in advance. It offers rapid routing through security clearance and leads you through to the Departure lounge. We suggest that FastTrack isn’t suitable for those travelling with transport accessories for children.

Please also note that FastTrack is not available at the Ground Floor security area in Terminal 1. If you are a Jet2 passenger checking in at Ground Level and want to use the FastTrack service, please make your way upstairs to Main Check-In and follow signs for Departures where the FastTrack lane is located.

Cabin baggage and size allowed

The ‘strictly one item of hand baggage per passenger’ rule has now been lifted at Manchester Airport. However, each airline has their own policy regarding the amount of hand baggage they allow on board of their planes so please remember to check with your airline before travelling.

Below we have answered some of the more common questions about hand luggage allowances, icluding what not to pack, to stop you getting caught out at security!

security at manchester airport

In addition to the above;

All items of luggage which do not fit in the permitted cabin baggage size must be checked in to be placed in the aircraft hold.
Musical instruments which do not fit in the permitted cabin baggage size are allowed as a second item of cabin baggage; they will need to be screened and passengers should check with their airlines if special arrangements (e.g. purchasing an extra seat) for these large instruments will be required.
Laptops and other large electrical items (e.g. a large hairdryer) have to be removed from cabin baggage and screened separately.
Pushchairs, walking aids and wheelchairs are permitted but will be screened.
Each passenger may carry only one such bag of liquids. The bag must be presented for examination.

Liquids that can not be placed inside the re-sealable bag must be packed into the hold luggage and checked in. Liquids of any amount can still be carried in luggage checked into the aircraft hold.

Medicines and Baby food

Essential medicines and baby food may be permitted in larger quantities above the 100ml limit, but will be subject to authentication. Please check with the airport prior to your arrival.

Duty free / departure lounge purchases

You may take on board liquid items of any size that are purchased after the security check in the Departure lounge.
Remember to retain your proof of purchase throughout your journey as you will be required to show it at all transfer points if applicable.

Please Note: Restrictions apply to duty free purchases made on return journeys where passengers change flights at an EU airport. These are explained in detail on the Department of Transport’s website

These are the requirements set down by the Department for Transport. Airlines and Airports may have additional measures in place. Passengers are strongly advised to check the website of their carrier or airport before travelling.

Hand Luggage – Restricted Items

Ensure that your hand luggage does not contain any of the restricted items detailed in the above image.

If items are confiscated at security control you will not be compensated and, with the exception of unusual circumstances, the confiscated items will not be returned.

Syringes that are needed for diabetics and other medical reasons will only be allowed in hand luggage if you can prove the medical necessity. You may wish to phone the airline in advance to find out what they require as proof of your medical condition.

All Luggage – What Not To Pack

In addition to the restrictions on what is allowed in hand luggage, there are a number of items that must not be taken on board an aircraft, 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, fire lighters, lighter fuel	Paints, thinners
Poisons, arsenic, cyanide, weedkiller	Acids, corrosives, alkalis, caustic soda
Creosote, quicklime, oiled paper	Radioactive materials