People putting items in security tray

Security

People putting items in security tray

Security

Advice on packing hand luggage and going through Security

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Security at London Stansted Airport

LAST UPDATED NOV 2025

The safety and security of our customers and staff is our top priority at London Stansted Airport. We're here to make your journey through security simple.

Discover everything you need to know for a quick and easy experience. This including what to pack in your hand luggage (the bag you carry onto the plane) and your hold luggage (the suitcase or bag you check in), so you can focus on enjoying your trip.
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You can pack liquids, gels, and aerosols under 100ml each in your hand luggage. Liquids under 100ml no longer need to be in a plastic bag and can be left in your hand luggage. Because of this limited liquid allowance on flights, we recommend packing liquids in your hold luggage if possible.

Please note: Liquids, aerosols, and gels over 100ml each are not permitted through Security.
Bottle of water

Drinks

Water, other drinks

Different coloured jams in jars

Food Items

Jam, soup, etc

Eyeshadow palette with other make up on table

Cosmetics

Make-up, moisturiser

Nivea body milk

Toiletries

Toothpaste, shower gel, suncream, shaving foam

Coco Chanel perfume bottle

Fragrances

Perfume, aftershave, aerosols (deodorant)

Lipbalm and inhaler on sheet

Medical

Inhaler, contact lens solution

Prohibited items

It's an offence to carry certain items into an aircraft cabin as they could be dangerous. These items will be confiscated at Security, including toy or replica guns (plastic or metal). See the full list of prohibited items below.

For a full list, please check with your airline or check the following websites:

UK Government: Luggage restrictions at UK Airports
UK CAA: What items can I travel with and which are restricted
Medical and special requirements

Body scanners

You'll need to go through a body scan at Security to ensure no dangerous items are taken onto the plane. The scans take just a few seconds while you remain fully clothed. The scanners are designed with passenger comfort in mind - they're completely safe and do not use x-rays.

Hand luggage sizes

Each airline has its own policy on hand luggage allowances, including size and weight restrictions. We strongly recommend you check this information directly with your airline before you travel.

Accessibility

To find out more about accessibility at London Stansted Airport, please visit our Assistance at Security page.

Liquids

Hand luggage

You can pack liquids in your hand luggage, as long as each liquid is under 100ml. These can be left in your hand luggage during the Security search. Because of this liquid limit, we recommend packing them in your hold luggage where possible.
Please note: Liquids in containers larger than 100ml cannot go through Security even if the container is only part full. There are some exemptions.

If you wish to bring your own containers to hold 100ml or less, the container must have printed on it the measurement that the container can hold. Travel sets of containers that do not have measurements on them will not be allowed through security. Handwritten measurements or stickers are also not acceptable.

What is a liquid?
  • All drinks, including water
  • Liquid or semi-liquid foods, such as soup, jam, honey, and syrups
  • Pastes, including toothpaste
  • Creams, lotions, oils, moisturiser
  • Perfumes and aftershaves
  • Make-up, including mascara and lip gloss
  • Sprays, including sun lotion
  • Inhalers
  • Gels, including hair gels and shower gels
  • Contents of pressurised containers, including shaving foam, other foams, and deodorants
  • Liquid-solid mixtures (such as food)
  • Any other item of a similar consistency


Exemptions

You can take liquid containers larger than 100ml through security at all UK airports if they:
  • Are for essential medical purposes (these must be accompanied with a medical note or prescription)
  • Are for special dietary requirements
  • Contain baby food or baby milk


Liquid medication

While the normal rule is that liquids must be under 100ml in your hand luggage, this is different for essential medicine, and you can take prescription medication in containers over 100ml through Security (including liquid dietary foodstuffs and inhalers). However, you may only carry through security the quantity of liquid medication that is required for your journey. 
 

Proof of prescription

If your medication is in liquid form and in a container larger than 100ml, you’ll need to carry proof that the medication is prescribed to you (for example a letter from your doctor, or a copy of your prescription or the medicine prescription label). 
You do not need to show proof if the medication is either: 
  • In tablet form 
  • Liquid in a container that’s 100ml or smaller 

Please note: There are different rules if you’re travelling with medicine that contains a controlled drug. Find out further information before you travel. 

World Duty Free

You can take liquids bought at World Duty Free onto your plane (such as World Duty Free perfume), or through Security that have been purchased at another Airport provided that: 
  • The items are sealed inside a transparent bag at the point of purchase 
  • The receipt for the items is sealed in the transparent bag and visible, showing it was purchased within 24 hours 
  • The bag must not be opened until you reach your final destination 
Family walking through airport with suitcases
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