Security and Baggage
Project Servator
Together, we've got it covered.
Prepare for a fast and smooth Security check
When you reach London City Airport’s Security area, an officer will check your hand baggage and clothing to see whether you have any dangerous or banned goods with you. Security can take longer if you have a lot of bags with you, so please put any items you don’t need during your journey into your check-in bags.
Please leave everything in your bag
Thanks to the new CT scanners at London City Airport, you can leave liquids and electronics in your hand baggage at the security check.
Security checklist for travellers
Please follow the instructions on video screens to go through Security as smoothly and speedily as possible:
- You are no longer required to take liquids, laptops, tablets, or other electronic devices out of your hand baggage.
- Only liquids and gels in containers of up to 2 litres are allowed in your hand luggage.
- Please note only one cigarette lighter is allowed per person.
- Be sure to declare any camera film to the Security Officer before it enters the CT scanner.
- Always follow the Security officer’s instructions.
Thermal water bottles
Thermal bottles have a double layer of insulation that our liquid test machines cannot penetrate. When our scanning equipment can’t verify this type of bottle, it may automatically reject the tray.
For this reason, please empty all contents before placing a bottle in the security tray. You can refill it in the Departures lounge. Thanks for your patience and cooperation to help speed up this process.
Security at the airport isn’t just about screening your bags, find out how we work with The Metropolitan Police and Project Servator.
Baggage rules vary between airlines and the type of ticket purchased. You are advised to check baggage rules with your airline before arriving at London City Airport.
Click here for airline contact details.
Please note that other airports across UK and Europe may not have the same liquids allowance.
Thank you for your cooperation. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey.
Body Scanner
In accordance with DfT regulations, body scanners are in use in LCY security search areas and are used to screen passengers and staff.
The scanners are the latest in security screening technology, scanning passengers quickly, easily and unobtrusively. The scan, which takes a matter of seconds, displays a generic mannequin figure with no distinguishing features.
In accordance with CAA regulations, new body scanners have been installed at LCY and are to be used with both passengers and staff.
For the benefit of every individual’s security, individuals may be required to be screened using security scanner equipment using millimetre waves. The amount of electromagnetic radiation emitted by millimetre wave security scanners is many times lower than that emitted by a mobile phone. Assessment of the scan data will be conducted by a computer algorithm. No images of individuals are created, and no scan data will be saved.
Individuals who refuse to be scanned will be offered an alternative screening method, involving at least an enhanced hand search in private. Any refusal of the body scanner or an enhanced search will result in the passenger unable to fly.
Why is the scanner being introduced?
The scanners represent the future of security screening and are installed in accordance with CAA regulations throughout UK airports.
How does it work?
Scanners use millimetre wave technology to produce an outline image of the passenger’s body, highlighting any concealed objects.
What happens when a passenger is scanned?
The passenger steps in to the machine, and, while they are in the machine will receive instructions from a security officer. The process takes a matter of seconds and an outline image is produced immediately.
Is the scanner safe?
All security scanners must use millimetre wave technology, as it poses no known health and safety risks. Millimetre wave scanners utilise a very low power, non-ionising form of electromagnetic technology. Non-ionising radiation refers to electromagnetic waves which do not alter atoms in molecules by removing electrons. The amount of electromagnetic radiation emitted by millimetre wave security scanners is many times lower than that emitted by a mobile phone.
Is the passenger’s privacy protected?
Yes. The image is a generic image without distinguishing features which, in any case, is not retained.
Are children, or any other groups, exempted from random selection? No. No-one is exempt from scanning if they are selected, unless they are physically unable to stand in the scanner.
Is there an alternative screening method?
If a passenger opts out of the security scanner, the alternative screening method will be at least a private search (an enhanced hand-search in private which may involve the loosening and/or removal of clothing). The DFT considers that this alternative offers a comparative security assurance to passengers as being screened by a security scanner.