Manchester Airport security: how to speed through in 2026

Top tips for a quick and easy journey through airport security

Welcome to a new era of security at Manchester Airport

With upgraded scanners and our newly introduced two-terminal layout, it’s never been quicker to get through security.

You may be wondering what’s changed - we’re here to give you the key updates, as well as some top tips. Going through security should be simple and straightforward, but a little preparation helps to speed things up.

What you’ll find in this guide:

Essential update: Terminal 1 is now closed

In March 2026 we closed the doors to Terminal 1 for good. Whilst it’s the end of an era, Terminal 2 has been transformed into a state-of-the-art facility, with Terminal 3 also undergoing its own revamp. Security is now faster and more seamless across our two-terminal layout.

With these new changes, you may be wondering which terminal am I flying from? Simply visit our terminal guide to find out.

A quick overview:

Terminal 2: The primary hub for Jet2, TUI, Emirates, EasyJet, and more. Find your Terminal 2 parking today to save money.
Terminal 3: The dedicated home for solely Ryanair. Search Terminal 3 parking to secure the best deal.

New security scanner rules: liquids and electronics

With the introduction of new scanners, there’s a few new rules for you to be aware of. You can also find an extensive list of what you can and can’t bring through on our security hub.

Keep it in the bag

Gone are the days of removing liquids, laptops, and tablets from your hand luggage. Our new technology means that you can leave them in your luggage. Our smart scanners allow officers to see inside your bag without you having to unpack it.

The 100ml container rule

Although liquids no longer need to be removed from your hand luggage, or placed in a plastic bag, each liquid still needs to be under 100ml. Liquids, aerosols, and gels over 100ml each are not permitted through security.

For this reason, we recommend packing liquids in your hold luggage if possible so you can avoid any restrictions.

1. Book a FastTrack or TimeSlot lane

The fastest way to speed through security, these services are available in both terminals. Gain access to a dedicated lane straight to the security checkpoint.

FastTrack - From £5.49 per person

• Arrive any time up to three hours before your flight

• Perfect if you want greater flexibility with timings

TimeSlot - Either free or up to £4.99 per person

• Select your preferred time to enter security

• Great for organised travellers who like to stick to a schedule

2. Place anything from your pockets into your bag

Get ahead before you reach the tray - transfer anything from your pockets into your bag. Items to transfer include phones, keys, and wallets.

3. The "one lighter" rule

You’re able to bring one lighter through security, but this must be kept on you in the airport and on the flight. It also needs to be stored within a resealable plastic bag. You must not:

Put it in your hold luggage
Put it in your hand luggage after screening

4. Dress for the scanner

Everyone loves planning their airport outfit, but does it pass the test of the security scanner?

When you’re thinking about what clothes to wear for your journey, layers are a great idea to help you keep warm or cool – especially if you’re travelling to a different climate.

But security can only scan through one layer of clothing, so remove large jackets and belts and place them in your tray, to help keep the queue moving along quickly. There’s no need to remove watches or smart watches.

5. Prepare for your return flight

Not all airports follow the same security rules. Check what rules your return airport follows so you can be prepared ahead of time. Some airports may still need liquids to be removed from your bag for example.

FAQs

What is Manchester Airport’s liquid allowance?

Although liquids no longer need to be in plastic bag and can be left in your hand luggage, each liquid still needs to be under 100ml.

Liquids, Aerosols and Gels greater than 100ml are not permitted.

Read our security page to find out more details about packing liquids for a flight / plane.

Can you take food through airport Security?

Yes, you can take some foods through airport security. However, might be easier to pack food in your hold luggage (the bag that you check in). Some food items in your hand luggage can obstruct images on X-ray machines, meaning bags may need to be checked again manually by security, and this can slow things down. There’s also a couple of rules about packing food in your hand luggage:

You can’t take any frozen food through security.
Some food might count as a liquid - eg. jam or butter. These would need to be under 100ml each to follow the liquid rules.

How does the body scanner work?

You will be required to have a body scan at security, to make sure nothing prohibited is taken onto the plane. All the body scanning equipment has been designed to put passengers at ease (you remain fully dressed and they take just a moment). Please be assured that these scanners do not use X-rays.

Can you take an electric water gun through security?

No, you can’t take toy guns through security. Although this might sound like an unusual question, but this is a popular toy that’s often packed by parents taking children on a summer holiday!

But unfortunately, even if it’s just a toy, toy and replica guns are strictly prohibited in your hand luggage, so please don’t pack them - they will just be confiscated at security.

Visit our security page to find a list of prohibited items.

Can you take deodorant on a plane?

This depends on the type of deodorant you have. An aerosol or spray deodorant will be allowed in your hand luggage if it’s 100ml or under. As standard aerosol deodorants are more than 100ml, they are often confiscated at security.

The same applies for roll-on deodorants - it might be more obvious as an aerosol deodorant, but roll-on deodorants are liquids, so will also count as part of the liquid allowance, which is 100ml per item.

However, solid stick deodorants don’t count as a liquid, so you can take these through security in your hand luggage. If you’re unsure, please ask a member of staff at security, who’ll be more than happy to help.

Can I take a razor in my hand luggage?

Yes, you can take disposable razors or closed cartridge razors in your hand luggage (these are standard razors, which have been designed for a safe, close shave) - but razor blades, including open razors, are strictly prohibited.

This is due to aviation security rules that prohibit sharp items or blades (with a length of more than 6cm) in your hand luggage. Frequently confiscated items also include scissors, multi-tools, and packs of darts.

Visit our security page to find a list of prohibited items.

Can you take darts on flights?

No, you cannot take darts onto a flight. Darts are strictly prohibited from being carried onto the plane in your hand luggage and will be confiscated at security.

This is due to aviation security rules that prohibit sharp items or blades (with a length of more than 6cm) in your hand luggage. Frequently confiscated items also include scissors, multi-tools, hacksaws, and open razors and razor blades.

You may be able to pack darts in your hold luggage, but please contact your airline for more information.

Can you pack a lighter in your hand luggage?

No, you can’t pack lighters in your hand luggage. You’re able to bring one lighter through security, but this must be kept on you in the airport and on the flight. It also needs to be stored within a resealable plastic bag.

You can’t: