Security FAQs

For more information about the new security screening process, please click on the links below:

How has the security screening process changed?

The UK has a robust aviation security system, and new technology to enhance security screening of passengers and hand luggage is being rolled out at UK airports. Newcastle International Airport has installed new screening technology that allows passengers to leave electrical items such as tablets and laptops, and liquids in their hand baggage during the screening process.

There are no changes to the rules on the carriage of dangerous goods, detail of which can be found at https://www.caa.co.uk/passengers/before-you-fly/baggage/banned-items/

What are the liquid rules?

Passengers must ensure any Liquids, Aerosols and Gels within hand luggage, are in individual containers up to 100ml. Liquids, Aerosols and Gels greater than 100ml are not permitted. All Liquids, Aerosols and Gels will be subject to an automated screening process which will ultimately determine if they can be taken on your journey. We would recommend for a more seamless journey, that passengers continue to pack as many liquids as possible in their hold baggage, and only carry in their hand baggage what is required for the flight.

What are the electrical rules?

Passengers are permitted to take electricals within hand luggage, provided they are not a prohibited item.  Electricals can remain in hand luggage during the screening process.

What do I need to take out of my hand luggage?

When transiting through the security search process, passengers can leave everything in their bag.  Liquids and Electricals do not need to be removed from hand luggage.

What items am I not permitted to take?

Passengers are reminded that the following items may not be carried in hand baggage. Please note that the examples below are not given as an exhaustive list, and many other items fall under these categories. For more information, please click here.

Sharp items: Knives (with a blade over 6cm) or any sized knife with a locking blade, razor blades, corkscrew, box cutters, scissors (with blades longer than 6cm or any size with sharp points)

Projectile-firing weapons: Firearms, toy guns, replica/imitation guns, BB guns, bows or crossbows, arrows, harpoons, catapults

Stunning devices and incapacitating devices: Stun guns, Tasers, incapacitating chemicals, gases, or sprays (e.g., Mace or pepper sprays)

Tools: Chisels, Stanley knives, crowbars, drills, drill bits, saws, blowtorches, screwdrivers, hammers, pliers, wrench/spanner, nail guns

Blunt instruments: Baseball/softball bats, cricket bats, snooker/billiard cues, golf clubs, hiking poles, fishing rods, clubs, batons, martial arts equipment

Explosive or incendiary substances: Ammunition, blasting caps, replica/imitation explosive devices, grenades, fireworks, flares, pyrotechnics (including party poppers and toy caps), non-safety matches

Dangerous goods: Flammable or harmful substances such as gases, oxidisers, poisons, corrosives and hazardous biological or chemical material

A single cigarette lighter may be carried by a person on any non-US flights which must be kept on the person during the flight.

Can I travel with medicine or medial equipment?

Passengers are permitted to carry essential medicines or medical equipment, required for the period of the trip, in their hand baggage. These items will be subject to a separate screening process, authentication, and passengers must have obtained prior agreement from their airline.

If passengers need to carry medicine or medical equipment of this nature, they must also carry supporting documentation, either a prescription and/or letter from a relevant qualified medical professional.

Please note: Boots at Newcastle Airport is NOT a dispensing pharmacy. Make sure you have any essential prescription medicines with you before travelling to the airport, as you will not be able to purchase them once you arrive.

Have the rules changed at all airports?

Not all Airports have deployed the new security screening equipment and may not follow the same rules as Newcastle. Passengers are strongly advised to check the security screening rules for the airport they transit through or using on their return journey to ensure they adhere to their restrictions.

Will I be able to arrive at the Airport later?

Passengers should continue to follow the instructions from their airline as to what time to arrive at the Airport prior to their flight and to ensure they leave plenty of time to check-in and transit through security - remembering that at peak times these areas can get busy.