What’s the best advice to get me through security screening as smoothly as possible?

Pack all liquids into checked-in luggage or cabin baggage.  This will ensure a smooth journey through the passenger security screening area.

What do you mean by liquid?

Some things are evidently liquid, like drinks and perfume.  Others are less obvious, like gels, pastes, lotions, mixture of liquids and solids and the contents of aerosols.  Some examples of these are toothpastes, hair gels, face creams, liquid cosmetics, lip-gloss, deodorants, perfumes and shaving foam.

Even bottle water?

Yes, even water needs to be inside your cabin baggage for scanning through security.

What are the limits?

Some other airports still only allow liquids in containers of 100ml or less, however with our new security scanning system in Shannon Airport we no longer have this limit requirement with your liquids but they must fit comfortablyinside your cabin baggage when fully closed.  

Do I have to place the liquid in a transparent plastic bag?

This is no longer required in Shannon Airport, however please be aware if you are transiting or using another airport to return it could be a requirement elsewhere. When passing through the Shannon Airport passenger security screening point for hand luggage all liquids must be placed inside cabin baggage for screening.

Can I take my contact lens solution?

Contact lens solution should be packed into checked in luggage.  

Can I bring my cough medicine or nose spray in my hand luggage?

Yes, provided these items are stored within your cabin baggage at passenger security screening point.   If these items are not essential for use during your flight we strongly recommend that you pack them into your checked in luggage.

What about passengers that need medicines, dietary foods or baby food in liquid form?

Passengers can bring essential medicines, or baby food and dietary requirements in liquid form.  Passengers are allowed to bring these items to the screening points in the quantities that they need during their trip, please ensure they are stored within your cabin baggage.

However, as a safeguard, passengers may be required to demonstrate that the product is real medicine or special food, and not something less innocent.

Can I still buy liquids, cosmetics or other substances covered by the regulations in the airport shops beyond the passenger security points, and take these on board the aircraft?

You can still buy liquids and other substances covered by the regulations, in containers of any size, after the security screening point and on board European airline flights. Liquids and gels purchased after the security screening point or on board will be packed and sealed for you in a tamper-evident bag as necessary by the shop or cabin personnel.

Does this new liquid screening process to apply to certain flights only?

No the new liquid screening process applies to all flights departing from Shannon Airport, regardless of final destination.

What about transferring passengers?

If the first flight begins at an airport in the EU and items have been purchased beyond the passenger security points, these liquids will be placed in a tamper evident bag and therefore will conform to the regulations.  Therefore passengers can take these liquids on-board their second flight, as long as the items are still packed in tamper-evident bags.

If the first flight originates in a country outside the EU the items will need to placed withing cabin or hold baggage for security screening. Transferring passengers will then be subject to EU security regulations when they transfer through an EU airport.

Is Shannon Airport alone in introducing these new restrictions?

No, this is an EU Regulation (EC NO 1546/2006) adopted by the European Commission responsible for Aviation Security. These rules will come into effect at all EU member state airports from November 6th.

What if I absolutely have to bring liquid items with me

All liquid items should be carried in your cabin baggage for passenger screening at Shannon Airport, all liquids should be placed in your cabin baggage before you reach the passenger security screening area and preferably before you set out on your journey. 

What happens if I have liquids of over 100mls going through the passenger security screening point?

If I am travelling on a day trip i.e. departing early morning, arriving back later that day, and I purchase items e.g. perfume, cosmetics etc. over 100mls can I carry this through security on my return trip?

Yes, provided they are still intact in the tamper-evident bag containing the receipt.   This practice will be accepted at all EU airports. Don't forget that you can avail of our free Shop & Collect service if you are travelling within the EU. Buy before you fly and shop on your return.  Please note other airports may not have the newer screening systems so the old restrictions may still apply there.

Can I bring my medication on board the aircraft?

Yes, passengers are allowed to bring essential medication and dietary requirements in liquid form through the screening points in the quantities needed during their trip.

Passengers may be required to demonstrate that what they are carrying is real and for genuine purposes, and not something less innocent.

If I am travelling on business or on a short weekend break and have hand luggage only what should I do?

Items such as shampoo, conditioner, liquid foundation, perfume, deodorant, toothpaste and contact lens solution should be carried in containers inside your cabin baggage. These items should be presented at the security screening area inside your cabin baggage.

Pre-planning in this way will help to get you through security screening more efficiently.

What about my mascara and lip gloss/vaseline?

Liquid mascara, lip-gloss and Vaseline should also be placed into your cabin bag.

Should I include my face compact, solid lipstick and blusher?

Yes. A simple rule is to put the contents of your cosmetic/make-up bag into your cabin baggage.

Can I bring baby food/milk through security?

Yes, baby food or food for people on special diets is exempt from the new regulations.  Passengers are allowed to bring these items through the screening points in the quantities needed during their trip once stored in your cabin baggage.

Passengers may be required to demonstrate that what they are carrying is real and for genuine use and not something less innocent.