Check-in and security procedures at Leeds Bradford Airport
Please note that the following information is based on the current check-in and security measures in place at Leeds Bradford Airport and may be subject to change. For the most up to date airport information, please visit LBIA’s website or the website of Leeds airport parking specialists LCS Parking.
Arriving at the airport
Leeds Bradford Airport currently recommends that you arrive around 2 to 3 hours prior to your flight’s departure even if you plan to check-in online before leaving home. This is to allow sufficient time for your passage through security at peak times of day.
Check-in and hold baggage allowances
The amount of hold baggage you’re allowed to check-in depends on your airline. The following gives you a guide to some of the current hold baggage restrictions with some of Leeds Bradford Airport’s main operators:
- Eastern Airways - 15kg (no charges)
- Flybe - First 20kg bag charged at £9.99, second 20kg bag charged at £28
- Jet2 - First 22kg bag charged at £9.99, second bag (total of 30kg) charged at £24.98
- Ryanair - First 15kg bag charged at £15-£20, second 15kg bag charged at £35-£40
- KLM - 23kg (no charges)
- Air Southwest - 20kg (no charges)
- BMI - 20kg (no charges)
- PIA - 30kg (no charges)
- Manx2 - 20kg total allowance, charged at £6.99 per bag.
Hand baggage restrictions
Leeds Bradford Airport is currently restricting hand baggage to one piece per passenger, including any handbags or laptop cases. All airlines have their own particular size restrictions on hand baggage, some of which are listed below (L x W x H):
- Eastern Airways - 55cm x 40cm x 20cm
- Flybe - 50cm x 35cm x 23cm
- Jet2 - 56cm x 45cm x 25cm
- Ryanair - 55cm x 40cm x 20cm
- KLM - 55cm x 25cm x 35 cm
- Air Southwest - 53cm x 34cm x 22cm
- BMI - 55cm x 40cm x 23cm
- PIA - 7kg weight limit
- Manx2 - 55cm x 35cm x 20cm.
Items prohibited in hand baggage
Current government restrictions limit the amount of liquid you can carry on a flight in your hand baggage. At the time of writing, you can only take liquids on-board a flight if they meet the following conditions:
- The liquid is in a container of less than 100ml
- Any containers are carried in a single, transparent, re-sealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm
- The contents fits comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed
- The bag is not knotted or tied at the top
- Each passenger can carry only one of these bags
- The bag must be presented for examination at the airport security point.
Containers larger than 100ml (excluding essential medicines) will not be allowed through the security point even if they are only part full.
Substances defined as liquids Include:
Cosmetics, gels, pastes, lotions, liquid/solid mixtures and the contents of pressurised containers, e.g. toothpaste, hair gel, drinks, soups, syrups, perfume, deodorant, shaving foam aerosols etc.
Essential medicines and baby milk/food in liquid form are permitted, subject to the amount being a) sufficient for the trip, b) as long as they are verified as authentic and c) the contents of each bottle/jar of baby food is tasted by an accompanying passenger.
In addition to liquids, it is also an offence to carry any of the following items in your hand baggage:
- Toy or replica guns
- Knives of any sort
- Razor blades
- Disposable lighters/gas refills
- Corkscrews
- Scissors
- Tweezers
- Safety pins
- Hypodermic syringes (unless supported by medical evidence)
- Builders tools
- Hammers, nails, screwdrivers
- Darts
- Knitting needles
- Sporting bats
- Billiard/ snooker/ pool cues
- Catapults
- Some umbrellas
- Household cutlery
- Acid
- Explosives
- Gas cartridges/refills
- Paint
- Lighter fuel
- Mercury.
The security process
Once you’ve checked-in for your flight, you will then make your way to the security screening area. As you enter the security area, your boarding card will be checked by a member of staff and you will be directed through the personal screening process.
At this point you will be required to remove any outer garments such as a coat or jacket, along with your shoes, and any jewellery, belts or accessories which could interfere with scanning and detection equipment.
You will also be asked to pass your hand baggage through a scanner, placing your clear plastic bag of liquids and any electrical items such as a laptop in a separate tray.
Once you’re clear of the security area, you will then be free to enjoy the facilities in the departure lounge or to simply relax in preparation for your trip.