Security

At London Stansted Airport, we make the safety and security of customers and staff our absolute priority

To make your journey as smooth as possible and avoid unnecessary delays, we ask that you pay special attention to our security procedure.

Security rules for hold luggage

For security rules and packing advice for hold luggage (luggage that is checked in), please see our dedicated Luggage page.

Security checks

For the benefit of all passengers’ security, departing passengers may be required to be screened using security (body) scanning equipment at Stansted Airport.

Our advanced technology scanners are part of a range of security measures, some of which may not be obvious. These include a deliberate element of unpredictability in their deployment. This means you may experience a different process than you did on your last visit to Stansted.

Scanners are the safe*, quick, and simple to use solution for speeding passengers through security whilst achieving higher levels of security detection than has previously been possible.

Assessment of scan data is conducted using the latest computer algorithms and no personal data is saved.

You may opt out of being screened by security scanner. In this instance, you must either be screened by an alternative method which includes at least an enhanced hand search in private or you will not be permitted to enter the security restricted area, or, if applicable, you will be removed from it. An enhanced hand search in private will take place in a private room or an area away from the main search comb. This may involve the loosening and/or removal of clothing.

For more information please visit www.gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions

*They do not use x-rays.

Hand luggage

It is an offence to carry any of the following items into the aircraft cabin:

• Acid
• Billiard, snooker or pool cues
• Builder's tools
• Catapults and sling-shots
• Darts
• Explosives
• Gas cartridges, or gas cartridge re-fills
• Hammers, nails or screw-drivers
• Hypodermic syringes (unless supported by medical evidence)
• Knives with blades more than 6cm
• Lighter fuel
• Lighter top-up fuel (passengers are allowed to carry one disposable lighter in a clear re-sealable plastic bag)
• Mercury
• Paint*
• Razor blades
• Scissors - specifically, blades measuring greater than 6cm in length
• Sporting bats
• Toy or replica guns (plastic or metal)
• Umbrellas - unless foldable

Hand luggage sizes

We would remind all passengers that each airline has their own policy regarding the amount of hand baggage allowed on their aircraft and we strongly recommend that information regarding this is sought directly from the Airline before travel. The current restrictions on the size of hand baggage taken into the restricted area of the airport remain in place with no bag larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm being permitted.

Accessibility

Those requiring accessibility services while travelling throughout security will find plenty of assistance.

Find out more.

Essex Police and Project Servator

Essex Police run Project Servator, which involves intelligence-led, unpredictable, visible police deployments designed to deter and detect criminality. They can occur any time across the entire airport and also include vehicle checkpoints and use of other policing assets such as dogs so don’t be surprised if you see them! The Servator team regularly briefs and liaises with staff and businesses around the airport so they know what to be on the lookout for and how to report anything suspicious. They love to talk to our passengers to explain what they are doing, so do feel free to chat to them!

In addition, Essex Police work in partnership with British Transport Police to run joint Servator deployments, so you may come across these on your journey into the airport. For further information visit their website and follow the Project Servator team on social media - @EssexPoliceSTN.

What you can take through security in hand luggage