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Belfast airport baggage information

There are numerous security procedures and restrictions in place at Belfast. It is advised that you understand these before you pack your luggage so that you are prepared before you arrive at the airport.

Airlines will let you know what their allowances are by various means:
If you have a ticket, the hold allowance will be printed on the ticket. Ticket wallets also contain general information about carry on bags.
On electronic tickets (e-tickets) baggage allowances are usually on the confirmation notice. Hand luggage allowances are also given on individual airline websites.

Overweight baggage: If your hold baggage is heavier than the allowance, the airline is entitled to charge an excess baggage charge. If your cabin luggage is overweight or too big, you might be asked to check it in to the hold. If doing so takes your hold luggage above your hold baggage allowance, you might have to pay excess baggage charges. The best way to avoid any problems is to stick to the allowances.

The baggage allowances do vary from carrier to carrier. If in doubt check with your airline:

Hand luggage sizes vary but most airlines limit their carry-on bags to a range of 14" to 16" high, 21" to 24" wide, and 8" to 9" deep.

A 45" total (height+width+depth) can be used as a basic guideline

The standard allowance typically provides for a bag of up to a certain size plus one 'personal item'.
Examples of a personal item include a briefcase, camera, handbag/purse, laptop (in carry bag) or reading matter.

Belfast airport security information

We all know security measures at UK airports are tight. Seasoned travellers will be aware of the heightened airport security but if you fly less frequently what can you expect to find when you arrive at Belfast airport?

It is important to give yourself plenty of time for your check in at the airport. For long haul flights the check in is 2 or 3 hours prior to your flight. Give yourself longer! Everything takes longer than it used to at the airport, particularly during peak times. You can expect delays and long queues for check-in and screening. Allow extra time just in case of special circumstances.

Air travellers are limited to one carry-on bag and one personal item (such as a purse or briefcase) on all flights. When you are packing keep the climate of high security in mind. It's common sense - any item or hazardous substance that could cause danger or injury for others will not be allowed in you carry on bag. There are a few every day items that could be overlooked in your hand luggage.

Liquids restriction update

Passengers are able to take liquids through security check points again, however, some restrictions still apply. Individual containers of liquids must not exceed a maximum capacity of 100ml.

All containers must be presented for examination to security in a 'single, transparent, re-sealable plastic bag'. The re-sealable bag must not exceed a capacity of 1 litre or 20cm x 20cm.

Liquids include:

  • All drinks, including water, soup and syrups.
  • Creams, lotions, oils, perfumes and make-up including mascara etc.
  • Sprays and other pressurized containers such as shaving foam and deodorants
  • Toothpastes and other pastes.
  • Hair and shower gels.
  • Other solutions and items of similar consistency.

Cabin baggage restrictions:
Each passenger can carry only one item of hand-luggage through the airport search point, with a maximum size of 56cm x 45cm x 25cm.

Please note: Essential medicines or baby food can be carried on in larger volumes than 100ml, however, these items will be subject to authentication.

Some of the items not to pack in hand luggage:
Household cutlery, any knives, razor blades*, tools, scissors, hypodermic syringes *, knitting needles, corkscrews, and sporting bats.

These Items are allowed in your hand luggage:
Cellular phones, walkman, notebook computer, ;non-metal nail files, *disposable razor, *syringes for personal medical use secured with caps, and medication in its original, labeled container, cane and umbrella (after it has been checked).
Pack jewellery, cash and laptop computers, in your carry-on baggage. Put undeveloped film and cameras with film in your carry-on bag. Checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film.

Expect to have your bags searched
Carry-on and checked bags are subject to being hand-searched, particularly if the contents can't be seen by the X-ray. Don't wrap gifts until you get there. Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.

You can avoid setting off the metal detectors by not wearing jewellery clothing, shoes, and accessories that contain metal.

Locked suitcases
When you are travelling from the UK it is generally accepted that you lock your suitcase.
You may be called on to 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 listed on its website ( www.tsa.gov ) a number of brand names- that have "accepted and recognised locks". These are locks that airport security screeners can open and relock.

Belfast airport travel tips

Plan ahead and try not to pack at the last minute. It only takes 1 banned item in your carry on or checked baggage to cause delays for you and possibly other passengers.

In emergency situations where there is danger to life or a crime in progress, call 999 - but if you have any non- urgent airport security enquiry or to report a crime that occurred earlier - please contact the Police for Belfast Airport.

Belfast airport Police
dial +44 (0)28 9065 0222.