Airports are stricter than ever about baggage allowances and what's allowed on a plane and what isn't. Aberdeen airport is no exception and passenger security is the highest priority. Because of this there are numerous restrictions in place on your luggage and it's best to find out what you can take on-board before arriving at the check-in desk. Prior knowledge will ensure that you do not try to innocently take any banned items on-board and risk having them confiscated.

Baggage allowances

Specific rules for hand luggage and baggage allowances will vary with each airline. We strongly advise you to check for the exact restrictions with your airline before you arrive at the airport. However here are some general guidelines that should be fine with almost every airline.

Hand baggage size guidelines: Hand luggage is not allowed to exceed 56cm in length, 45cm in width and 25cm in depth. Laptops and large electrical devices must be removed from bags and screened separately. Mobile phones and small devices can stay in the bags as you pass through security. Wheelchairs, pushchairs and walking aids will be thoroughly checked.

Sharp items: Sharp and pointed items are not permitted in hand luggage and will be confiscated if attempted to be brought on-board. This includes;

• • Household cutlery
• • Knives of any kind
• • Paper knives
• • Razor blades
• • Darts
• • Scissors with blades longer than 3cm
• • Knitting needles
• • Pointed hair clips

Liquids restrictions: In order to reduce the threat of liquid explosives there are restrictions in place on what passengers are allowed to take onto the aircraft. Hand luggage will be checked to make sure that any liquids are within the guidelines. All liquids and pastes are counted in these guidelines, regardless of function. The execptions being baby milk/food and medicines. You will need to provide evidence that you require more than 100ml of these substances if you intend to carry them onto the aircraft.

Liquids containers must be no larger than 100ml. The containers must be stored in a clear, re-sealable plastic bag no larger than one litre. Each passenger is allowed one bag for liquids. The bag must be no larger than 20cm x 20cm.

Aberdeen airport security

Checking in: When arriving at the security desk there are a number of things you can do to make sure you get through smoothly.

• • Make sure you have all the relevant documents to hand.
• • Check your hand luggage, including liquids, fits the restrictions.
• • Take off any jackets or coats and ready them for a separate screening.
• • Take laptops out of cases to be screened.

Locked suitcases: When you are travelling from the UK it is generally accepted that you lock your suitcase. You may be called upon open up a bag where the contents are unclear.

If you are flying from the USA the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) asks that bags be left unlocked to make the job of security screeners easier and quicker. The TSA has recently listed on its website a number of brand names that have accepted and recognised locks. These are locks that airport security screeners can open and relock. The list also contains the names of several makes of travel padlocks that screeners can open and relock.