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Nervous about security at London City Airport? Most travellers worry about the same three things: liquids, laptops and queues.
Here’s the good news. London City is small, it uses modern CT scanners, and you can usually keep your liquids and laptop in your bag.
But the rules have changed more than once in the last few years, and some guides online are out of date. This one tells you what applies now.
At London City Airport, liquids must be in containers of 100ml or less, but you can leave them, plus laptops and tablets, inside your hand luggage because the airport uses CT scanners. You don’t need a separate clear plastic bag. The airport asks passengers not to arrive more than two hours before departure. Rules have changed before, so check the airport’s security page before you fly.
What to Expect at London City Airport Security
London City has one terminal, and security sits on the ground floor after check-in.
The airport uses CT scanners, which create detailed images of what’s inside your bag. That’s why you can usually keep liquids and electronics where they are, instead of unpacking at the tray.
Staff check hand baggage and clothing for dangerous or banned items, and the airport uses body scanners in the security search area. The airport’s own advice is to put anything you don’t need during the flight into your checked luggage, which keeps your bag easier to scan.
Opening hours: London City Airport lists its hours as Monday to Friday 04:45 to 22:00, Saturday 04:45 to 13:00 and Sunday 10:30 to 22:00. Special hours can apply, so check the airport’s opening hours page.
The Liquid Rule at London City Airport
This is where older guides cause the most confusion.
London City was the first major UK airport to relax liquid rules in 2023, allowing containers of up to two litres. But the Department for Transport later reintroduced the 100ml limit at airports using next-generation checkpoints, including London City, from 9 June 2024.
Here’s what the airport’s own security page says now:
- Liquids and gels must be in containers of 100ml or less
- You can keep them inside your hand luggage
- You don’t need to unpack them or use a separate plastic bag
So if you read elsewhere that London City allows two litres, that information is out of date.
Why it matters: Liquid rules are set by the airport you leave from, not by your airline. Your return airport may use different rules, so pack for the strictest one.
Rules have changed before and may change again. Check the airport’s security and baggage page and GOV.UK’s hand luggage guidance before you travel.
What Counts as a Liquid?
Think of anything you can pour, spread, spray or squeeze:
- Drinks, water and soup
- Toothpaste, gels and creams
- Perfume, aerosols and deodorant sprays
- Make-up, such as mascara and liquid foundation
- Yoghurt, jam and other spreads
Medicines
Essential medicines are treated differently. GOV.UK says you can carry essential medicines of more than 100ml in your hand luggage, including liquid dietary foodstuffs and inhalers, but you’ll need proof, such as a letter from your doctor or a copy of your prescription. Tablets, and liquids in containers of 100ml or less, don’t need proof.
Laptops, Tablets and Electronics
At London City, you can leave laptops, tablets and other electronic devices in your hand luggage. The airport’s CT scanners are designed for exactly this.
Some older guides, including an earlier version of ours, say you must take laptops out. That advice is outdated for London City.
Practical tips:
- Keep the bag as organised as you can, so the scan is clear
- Keep your phone, keys and watch handy in case staff ask for them
- Follow staff instructions on the day, because they can ask you to take items out
If you’re connecting through or returning from another airport, check its rules too. Not every airport uses the same scanners.
How Early Should You Arrive?
London City is compact, and the airport’s own advice is unusual: it asks passengers not to arrive more than two hours before departure, because check-in is quick and terminal space is limited.
| What | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Earliest to arrive | No more than two hours before departure |
| Check-in desks and baggage drop | Cut-off times are set by your airline, often around 30 to 45 minutes before departure |
| Gate closing | Set by your airline, so check your booking |
| Busy periods | Queues vary by time of day, and early morning and evening business-travel periods are often busier |
These are general guidelines, not guarantees. Always check your airline’s own cut-off times, which you’ll find in your booking or on the airline’s website.
Expert tip: If you’ve checked in online and have hand luggage only, you can usually go straight to security. If you need to drop a bag, use the airport’s check-in and bag drop page to confirm the cut-offs for your flight.
Is There Fast Track Security at London City?
Many guides say London City sells a Fast Track lane for a small fee. We couldn’t find a general Fast Track product advertised on the airport’s website, so we’ve removed that claim.
What the airport does say is that passengers who need extra support can email in advance to arrange fast-track screening, or separate or alternative screening.
If you think you may need support, see the airport’s Assisted Travel page and contact the airport before you travel. If you have a premium ticket, ask your airline what priority services come with it.
What You Can and Can’t Pack
Rules for banned items come from the UK government, not just the airport, so the best source is GOV.UK’s hand luggage restrictions page.
In general:
- Not allowed in hand luggage: knives, tools, open razor blades and other items that could be used as weapons
- Check before you pack: scissors, tools, sports equipment, power banks and items with batteries
- Items for hold luggage: anything sharp or oversized should go in checked baggage
When in doubt, put it in your checked bag, or leave it at home. If you’re unsure about a specific item, check GOV.UK or ask your airline before you travel.
Baggage rules also vary by airline and ticket type, so check your airline’s guidelines for size and weight limits.
Quick Packing Checklist
Before you leave for the airport:
- Liquids: 100ml or less per container, kept easy to reach in your bag
- Medicines: pack a prescription or doctor’s letter for any liquid over 100ml
- Electronics: charged, and kept in your bag
- Sharp or banned items: moved to your hold bag, or left at home
- Documents: passport, boarding pass and any visa or ETA ready
- Pockets: empty enough that you can walk through quickly
Should You Wrap Gifts Before Security?
It’s best not to. If staff can’t see what’s inside a wrapped gift, they may ask to open it, and they won’t rewrap it afterwards.
Wrap gifts when you arrive, or pack the wrapping paper separately.
After Security: What’s Next?
Once you’re through, you’ll have plenty of time to relax.
London City doesn’t currently have a public lounge, but there are cafés, bars, shops and seating with charging points. We cover all of it in our guide to London City Airport lounges and facilities, and you can read about the building itself in our London City Airport terminal guide.
Getting to London City Airport Without the Stress
Security is the easy part if you arrive calm. A late train or a missed connection can undo that.
A pre-booked London City Airport taxi gives you a fixed price and a driver who tracks your flight in real time, so you can plan your arrival with confidence. For arrivals, add meet and greet and your driver will be waiting for you.
Common Mistakes at London City Airport Security
- Relying on old liquid rules. The two-litre allowance no longer applies. Pack 100ml containers.
- Unpacking when you don’t need to. The airport says liquids and laptops can stay in your bag.
- Arriving too early. The airport asks you not to arrive more than two hours ahead.
- Forgetting your airline’s cut-offs. Check-in, bag drop and gate times are set by the airline.
- Packing sharp items in your hand luggage. Check GOV.UK before you pack.
- Forgetting medicine paperwork. Carry proof for liquid medicines over 100ml.
- Assuming the return airport has the same rules. Check before you fly home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the liquid limit at London City Airport?
Liquids and gels must be in containers of 100ml or less. You can keep them in your hand luggage, and you don’t need a separate plastic bag. Rules have changed before, so check the airport’s security page before you travel.
Can I take a laptop through security at London City Airport?
Yes. The airport’s CT scanners mean you can leave laptops, tablets and other electronics in your hand luggage. Follow staff instructions on the day.
Can I take more than 100ml of medicine through security?
GOV.UK says essential medicines over 100ml are allowed in hand luggage, but you’ll need proof, such as a prescription or a letter from your doctor.
How early should I arrive at London City Airport?
The airport asks passengers not to arrive more than two hours before departure. Check your airline’s check-in, bag drop and gate-closing times for your flight.
Does London City Airport have Fast Track security?
We couldn’t find a general paid Fast Track lane on the airport’s website. Passengers who need extra support can email the airport in advance to arrange fast-track or alternative screening.
Are security queues long at London City Airport?
Queue times vary by time of day. The airport is compact, but early-morning and evening business-travel periods can be busier, so allow extra time.
What’s the easiest way to get to London City Airport?
The DLR stops at the airport, or you can pre-book a private transfer for door-to-door convenience with flight monitoring.
