Faster and smarter in the app... Open app

East Midlands baggage and security

Check what you are permitted in your hand luggage.

You will find very strict and tight security procedures at East Midlands Airport and it is a good idea to be prepared for these before your arrival. We kindly ask you to read the following carefully to ensure you do not cause delay to yourself and your fellow passengers when traveling through the security at East Midlands airport.

Baggage allowances

Airlines have differing allowances for their flights. The variations are too extensive for us to list in detail, however you should be made aware of the luggage limitations imposed by your airline when you book. These details should also be printed on your airline ticket when you receive it. If you are issued with an electronic ticket (e-ticket) then the details of your allowances should be printed on your conformation slip. This information can in most cases also be found on the airlines website, or by telephoning their information line.

Overweight baggage

Please be aware that if you take baggage that is heavier than your allowance to check-in on your flight you will be charged an additional fee for this. The charges tend to be quite high in order to discourage passengers from exceeding their weight allocation. If your hand luggage is too heavy you may be asked to include it into the hold baggage you check-in. We strongly advise finding out before you set off for the airport what your luggage allowance is to be to prevent delays for yourself and fellow passengers.

Hand luggage

East Midlands airport recommend that passengers check with their airline before they travel to ensure they are aware of the hand baggage allowances that will be permitted on the flight. The generic maximum hand luggage size in the U.K. is 56cmx45cmx25cm so you should expect those to be the dimensions you will be required to have when arriving at security. As we have previously mentioned if you are in any doubt then we strongly recommend contacting your airline before you leave for the airport.

Liquids restriction

When travelling from East Midlands airport you are permitted to carry a small quantity of liquids in your hand luggage. All liquids should be contained within a small single clear re-sealable plastic bag. All liquids should be no more than 100ml and stored within containers of 100ml capacity or less. The containers should be stored within the clear re-sealable bag and presented to security. PLEASE NOTE: containers of a larger capacity than 100ml will not be permitted even if they only contain 100ml of liquid.

The definitions of a liquid are extensive and we have outlined below some of the most common examples to prevent confusion. When planning your journey through the airport please pay close attention to them, and if you are in any doubt as to the definition of a liquid then we strongly suggest that you contact your airline or airport prior to travel.

  • Water and other drinks, syrups and soup.
  • Oil, cream, and lotions.
  • Perfumes and sprays.
  • Shower gels and shaving gels.
  • All pressurised containers containing such items as hair spray and deodorants.
  • Toothpaste and other similar pastes.
  • Mixtures of solids and liquids.
  • Makeup such as mascara.

This is by no means a definitive list and if you have doubts over any items you intend to take with you then we suggest ringing or emailing your airline ahead of your visit to the airport.

If you wish to carry liquids of a greater quantity then these will have to be stored and transported in your hold luggage where the same restrictions do not apply.

Any essential medicines that are required for the duration of your journey will have to be stored in your clear re-sealable plastic bag if they are 100ml or less. Any medicines that are of a larger capacity than 100ml will need to be presented seperately and will require prior approval from your airline as well as supporting documentation from a medical professional explaining the reasons for the medicines transportation.

If you require the transportation of liquid baby food or sterilised water in your hand luggage then these will need to be declared at security and the adult travelling with the baby will be required to taste each liquid. Liquids such as nappy rash cream may also be required to be tested by applying a small quantity to your skin.

Items never to be packed in hand luggage.

Please note that there are many items that should not ever be packed in hand luggage. We have listed the most common below. However this is not a definitive list. If you are thinking of taking an item in your hand luggage and have the slightest doubt as to if it will be allowed, please contact your airline or airport before you set off for the airport.

  • Petrol.
  • Thinners.
  • Lighter Fluids.
  • Fire Starters.
  • Magnesium.
  • Flares.
  • Fireworks.
  • Party poppers.
  • Ammunition.
  • Bleaches.
  • Car body repair kits.
  • Weed killer.
  • Infected blood samples.
  • Insecticides.
  • Any radioactive materials.
  • Dry Ice.
  • Magnetised Material.
  • Mercury.

Please be aware that when travelling through airport security it is very likely that you will have your bags searched. If you are chosen by staff to be searched then please comply with their requests which will not only make your journey through the airport quicker but that of your fellow passengers as well.