Tips for travelling through airport Security

Bag. Tray. Go. Sail through Security.

At London Luton Airport, we want to help you enjoy a smooth experience, and that starts with making Airport Security stress-free and simple. We understand Security checks will never be top of your travel wish list. But our friendly Security staff are there to guarantee everyone’s safety. We’ve also invested in a new Security hall with the very latest technology. 

Before arriving at London Luton Airport

1. Think before you pack

Whether you’re packing for a short city break, a longer holiday, or condensing your life into a few suitcases for a one-way trip, you’ll need to decide what’s needed for your trip.

There are strict rules about what you can pack in your hold and hand luggage. Before each flight, we’d recommend double-checking what’s allowed and taking extra care when you pack to avoid any Security delays.

For more details, see our list of do’s and don'ts for Hand Baggage and Hold Baggage.

2. Know your liquid limits

All liquid containers in your hand luggage must be under 100ml each (that includes creams, pastes, lotions and gels). Please keep your liquids inside your bag for Security screening.

Once you’re through Security, you can purchase full-sized liquid products and if you’ve got an empty water bottle, you can take it through Security to refill at one of our water fountains.

Read our full rules on liquids for more information.

3. Check-in online

Most airlines now allow passengers to check in online, so you can save yourself time by doing this. Have hold luggage? Head to the check-in desks to drop off your suitcases.

Travelling with cabin luggage only? Make your way through Security up to 3 hours before your flight and you’ll be browsing the shops and grabbing a bite to eat in departures in no time.

What to do when going through Security

4. Scan your boarding pass

Get through Security quickly with our electronic boarding pass gates. Simply present the barcode on your boarding pass face down on the scanner – it’ll work if it’s printed or on your smartphone. The gate will automatically open, and you can walk straight through. Need any assistance? Our teams will be available to help.

5. Find a Security lane

Once you’re in the Security hall, follow the guest route to a security lane. We have 10 Next Generation Security lanes, with five positions per lane. When it’s your turn to join a queue (and the British love a queue!), look out for the shortest and head straight there.

Remember, Airport Security isn’t a race. It’s about making sure everyone is safe, secure, and ready to fly.

6. Put your bag in a tray

Once you’re called forward, put your belongings (bags, coats, etc.) into a tray and remember not to overfill one tray. If you need two or more trays, or if you have any items that don’t fit in a tray, overhang, or sit too high above the top of the tray, a Security Officer will assist you.

7. Don’t forget the little things

Airports are busy places. There’s lots going on that can be distracting, so make life easy for yourself... Put small items like watches, jewellery, money, wallets, phones, belts, passports, etc. in your hand baggage or coat pockets. That way, you’ll only have to grab a couple of things once you’re through. Easy!

8. Help yourself by helping us

You may find you’re randomly selected for a scan. This isn’t personal, it’s just one of our essential safety measures. So be prepared to do your bit. Wait patiently and you’ll be through Security in a matter of minutes. Remember, we’re here to make your trip as simple, safe and friendly as possible.

9. One final check

Take a moment to check that everything you collect from your Security tray matches what you put in. Those few seconds may be all the difference between a comfortable wait in Departures and worrying you’re missing something. You can always return to Security if you need to.