Newcastle Airport prepares for busy summer holidays with advice for passengers

With the summer holidays fast approaching and just under 1 million passengers expected to travel through the terminal, the North East’s largest airport, Newcastle International Airport, is encouraging travellers to be ‘Travel Aware’ before they set off for their trip.

The airport, which was recently voted Airport of the Year, has issued guidance to ensure all those travelling to and from the airport are as prepared as possible.

Advice for outbound passengers

Approaching security:

You will be required to present your boarding pass to gain entry to the security search area. This needs to be scanned face-down at the gates, using the bar code.

• You do not need to show your passport at this stage.
• If you’re carrying any liquid items they should be in a clear, resealable bag.
• Take them out of your hand baggage ready for inspection.
• Take off your coat, belt and boots when you reach the front of the queue so you’re ready for the X-ray machines.
• Place your hand baggage and coat into a tray.
• Pushchairs and walking aids will be X-ray screened.
• Wheelchairs and other mobility aids will be thoroughly searched.
• You may be asked to remove your shoes and/or other items or clothing or jewellery before going through the security archway.

Permitted items:

• Liquids, gels and pastes should be packed into hold baggage where possible.
• If you do choose to carry these in your hand luggage, they must be in containers that hold 100ml or less, and packed into a resealable, clear plastic bag (maximum 1 litre capacity) which must be placed in the tray at security.
• Liquid items larger than 100ml will be not be permitted through security. Foods or powders should be packed into hold baggage where possible.
• Although these items are permitted in hand luggage, the can obstruct images on the X-ray machines or may be mistaken for suspicious items, therefore may be subject to additional checks.
• Passengers who take these items in their hand luggage should allow extra time at security.
• Liquids which are to be used during the trip for medical purposes or special dietary requirements, including baby food, are allowed. These items will be subject to a separate liquid screening process and supporting documentation and/or authenticity may be required.
• All electrical items must be removed from hand baggage and placed in a separate tray along with any cables and wires that accompany them. This includes but is not limited to mobile phones, tablets and laptops.
• Sharp items, projectile-firing weapons, stunning devices and incapacitating devices, tools, blunt instruments, explosive or incendiary substances, and dangerous goods are strictly prohibited.

Advice for inbound passengers:

Newcastle’s International Arrivals hall has been expanded and five new ePassport gates have been installed. These are available to use for all passengers aged 12 or above holding ‘chipped’ biometric UK, EEA and Swiss passports.

Using the ePassport Gates:

• Enter the gate when it is available (a green arrow is displayed)
• Open your ePassport to the biographic and picture page. Place it face down on the reader and push it slightly to the back so it can scan the picture and read the key information, holding it down in place
• Look straight at the camera directly in front of you
• Stand still until the green light shows it has captured your image successfully. Remove your passport when instructed to do so – this could take a few seconds
• Exit the gate

If, for any reason, you are not allowed to go through the ePassport gates, you will be directed to a Border Force officer nearby who will be able to process your arrival.

Jon Sunderland, Security Manager at Newcastle International Airport, said: “With a little bit of preparation, there’s a lot our passengers can do to ensure they have a quick, hassle-free experience here at Newcastle Airport.

The safety and security of our passengers and staff is the airport’s number one priority and so it is imperative that these restrictions are adhered to. In 2017, 98% of our passengers passed through security in under six minutes and we hope that issuing these simple guidelines will help us to continue offering a speedy, smooth and secure process.”

The world’s fifth happiest airport is also encouraging passengers to behave responsibly as they prepare to travel. In July 2016, Newcastle International signed up to the Aviation Industry Code of Practice on Disruptive Passengers, aimed at creating a common, consistent approach that co-ordinates and enhances existing efforts to prevent and minimise disruptive passenger behaviour.

Jon Sunderland added: “While disruptive behaviour is very rare at Newcastle Airport, we would remind and urge all those travelling to act responsibly and respect their fellow passengers, to make sure everyone has the best possible experience both here and on their journey.”

For more information on travelling to and from Newcastle International Airport, visit www.newcastleairport.com/security-advice