Manchester Airport gives tips on getting through security quickly

Going through security is vital in keeping everyone safe and making sure you stick to the rules can help make sure you’re not caught up in delays.

If you have your items pulled aside for further checks, this can add to your waiting time.

To help you fly through airport security, Manchester Airport has shared some tips so your bags, coats, electricals and liquids can be checked quickly.

Manchester Airport advises people to start getting prepared for the security checks while in the queue (Image: Getty Images)

5 tips for flying through security at Manchester Airport

Prep before you get to the front of the queue

Security staff are only able to screen you with one layer of clothing so to save time, you can take off any outer layers and belts while you’re in the queue.

Also whilst queueing, make sure you know what needs to be removed from your bag including small liquids bags and large electrical items such as laptops and you’ll need to know where to find them in your bag.

Empty your pockets

Make sure you check all your pockets and put any items into your bag or the tray at security.

If items are left in your pockets, these will be picked up by the CT body scanners and you might need to be searched.

Take electrical items out of your bag

All large electrical items, whether they’re battery or mains powered, must be removed from your bag and placed in a tray.

As a guide, anything bigger than A5 size or an iPad mini needs to be placed in a tray with nothing covering it up. 

Liquids carried in your hand luggage can’t be packed in quantities of more than 100 ml and must be put into a 1 litre resealable plastic bag (Image: Getty Images)

Know the rules on liquids

In aviation security terms, anything you can spray, spread or pour at room temperature counts as a liquid.

This includes aerosols such as asthma inhalers and foodstuffs like butter or jam.

Liquids carried in your hand luggage can’t be packed in quantities of more than 100 ml and must be put into a 1-litre resealable plastic bag.

Medicines containing liquids and prescribed by a medical professional can be taken and must be presented in a separate bag. The security officer will need to see evidence that these medications are prescribed to you.  

You can read more about the items that are not allowed in hand luggage via our explainer.

What happens if you miss your flight due to airport delays?

Manchester Airport and other UK airports will phase in new screening technology over the next two years which will see the restrictions on large containers of liquids removed and it will allow passengers to leave liquids in their hand luggage during screening.

This new technology will take time to be installed though so travellers should stick to packing liquids separately in 100 ml containers.

Keep items in your tray uncovered

Remember to make sure coats and jackets don’t cover up any liquids or electrical items in your tray or the tray is likely to be pulled aside for a manual search.

If you have a lot of outerwear, you can use more than one tray if necessary.

You can keep wristwatches and small items of jewellery such as wedding rings on but other metallic objects including belts must be placed into your tray.