Security Information

Your safety and security is Cardiff Airport's number one priority.

Hand Luggage

Passengers are advised that the restriction previously imposed limiting hand baggage to one item per person no longer applies at Cardiff Airport.

However airlines apply their own operational policies regarding the number of items which may be taken into the aircraft cabin, and therefore we strongly advise you to check with your airline or handling agent on the arrangements before departing.

Hand baggage sizes differ between airlines so please check with your airline but the MAXIMUM for the airport is:

• 56 centimetres long
• 45 centimetres high 
• 25 centimetres deep

Smaller hand baggage sizes may apply depending on which airline you are travelling with. Please check with your airline prior to travelling to ensure your hand baggage does not exceed their maximum permitted size.

In addition, each passenger is permitted to carry through one musical instrument in its case, but no items other than the musical instrument and its accessories can be carried within the case.

When going through security all laptops and other electrical items must be removed from the hand luggage and placed in a tray and pushchairs and walking aids will also need to be X-ray screened. Wheelchairs will also need to be thoroughly searched.

Click here for information on items which are and are not allowed to be taken on to the aircraft as hand luggage.
 

Liquids

We highly recommend that you pack liquids (including gels, pastes, lotions, liquid solid mixtures and pressurized containers) in your checked-in baggage as there are strict rules about taking them through security.
If you must take these items through security, you are limited to no more than ten 100 mls containers in a transparent, resealable plastic bag (see illustration) which can be shown separately from your bag at security.

The only exceptions are essential medication for your flight, supported by a Doctor's letter; baby food and milk, which parents/guardians must taste at the security point.

Cardiff Airport encourages all passengers preparing for travel to supply and ultimately re-cycle their own bags.  Re-sealable plastic bags meeting the Government's criteria are available from a variety of commercial sources and should be acquired before arriving at the airport.

For those still requiring a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag at the airport, Cardiff Airport will make available 4 bags for £1 from new, on-site dispensing machines beginning 2 November 2009.   Free bags offered since the establishment of new hand baggage rules in 2006 will no longer be available after this time.

Checked-in Luggage

The usual baggage allowance on scheduled and charter flights may vary, depending on the airline operator. Please check with your travel agent or airline prior to travelling.

Outsize or unusual items of baggage must be notified to the airline, handling agent or travel agent well in advance of departure. It is also advisable to allow more time when checking in.

Click here for a list of articles that are not allowed in any baggage.

Travelling with Babies or Small Children

Baby milk and baby food are considered to be essential items and therefore you will be able to carry the milk in bottles containing more than100ml in your hand luggage if necessary.  However, you will be asked to taste the milk to prove its authenticity.

Jars are preferable to cartons as the jars are easier to check and can be resealed.
Nappies and wet wipes are permitted but any creams, pastes, lotions or gels must be of no more than 100ml maximum placed in a 1 Litre resealable clear plastic bag as per the restrictions on liquids.

You may pack jars of food and prepared cartons of sealed formula milk in your hold luggage.
A pushchair or buggy may be taken through security search.  You will be asked to remove your baby for a few minutes as the buggy will need to go through the x-ray machine separately.
 

Other Security Advice

Never leave baggage or personal items unattended at any time as they will be removed and may be destroyed. Any unattended items should be reported to a member of staff

• Always use your own bag and pack it yourself
• Always answer all questions about your baggage at check in. This procedure is taken very seriously and is for your own safety. Any jovial remark could result in you not being allowed on your flight. It is a criminal offence to give false details 
• Never check bags in for other people
• Never carry anything onto an aircraft for somebody else
• Your name and home address should be inside your baggage with your name and destination details outside
• Keep money, jewellery, cameras and all other valuables with you- don't check them in with your hold luggage
• Carry travellers' cheques and credit cards rather than large amounts of cash

Further Information

For the latest UK government travel advice visit www.fco.gov.uk.