Prestwick Airport Security Information
It goes without saying that you should always leave yourself plenty of time to get to the airport, check in, pass through security and head to your boarding gate. No-one wants to be the person being called urgently over the tannoy to make their way to the gate! As a guide, we suggest allowing the below amount of time for checking in to ensure you avoid any delays;
- International flights: 3 hrs
- European flights: 2 hrs
- Domestic flights: 90 minutes
Cabin baggage and size allowed
In most cases at Prestwick Airport, you’ll be allowed at least two pieces of hand luggage. However, each airline will have their own policy when it comes to the amount of hand baggage they allow on board, so please check with your airline before travelling.
Need a bit of a refresh? Use our handy guide below to what can go in your hand luggage, as well as a reminder of what not to pack!
In addition to the above;
- Any bags bigger than the permitted cabin baggage size per airline must be checked in and placed in the aircraft hold.
- Musical instruments are allowed as a second item of cabin baggage. Be aware that the instrument(s) will need to be screened as part of the security procedure, just like any other time of hand baggage. Always check with your airline as to whether special arrangements (e.g. purchasing an extra seat for large instruments) will be required.
- Laptops and other large electrical items (e.g. a large hairdryer) have to be removed from cabin baggage and screened separately.
- Pushchairs, walking aids and wheelchairs are permitted but will be screened at security.
- Each passenger may carry only one such bag of liquids as mentioned in the graphic above. The bag must be presented for examination.
- Liquids that can not be placed inside the re-sealable bag must be packed into the hold luggage and checked in. Liquids of any amount can still be carried in luggage checked into the aircraft hold.
Medicines
Essential medicines and baby food may be permitted in larger quantities above the 100ml limit, but will be subject to authentication. Please check with the airport prior to your arrival.
Duty free and departure lounge purchases
- You may take on board liquid items of any size that are purchased after the security check in the Departure lounge. Please note however, that you are not permitted to consume alcohol purchased in the airport on the plane.
- Remember to retain your proof of purchase throughout your journey as you will be required to show it at all transfer points if applicable.
Please note: Restrictions apply to duty free purchases made on return journeys where passengers change flights at an EU airport. These are explained in detail on the Department of Transport’s website
These are the requirements set down by the Department for Transport. Airlines and Airports may have additional measures in place. Passengers are strongly advised to check the website of their carrier or airport before travelling.
Hand Luggage – Restricted Items
Ensure that your hand luggage does not contain any of the restricted items detailed in the above image.
If items are confiscated at security control you will not be compensated and, with the exception of unusual circumstances, the confiscated items will not be returned.
Syringes that are needed for diabetics and other medical reasons will only be allowed in hand luggage if you can prove the medical necessity. You may wish to phone the airline in advance to find out what they require as proof of your medical condition.
All Luggage – What Not To Pack
In addition to the restrictions on what is allowed in hand luggage, there are a number of items that must not be taken on board an aircraft, either as hand luggage or in the hold. Please do not pack the following anywhere in your carry on or check in luggage:
Prohibited Items
| Flammable liquids and solids | Oxidisers |
| Organic peroxides | Gas cylinders |
| Infectious substances | Wet car cell batteries |
| Instruments containing magnets | Instruments containing mercury |
| Magnetrons | Fireworks |
| Non-safety matches, fire lighters, lighter fuel | Paints, thinners |
| Poisons, arsenic, cyanide, weedkiller | Acids, corrosives, alkalis, caustic soda |
| Creosote, quicklime, oiled paper | Radioactive materials |