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Dublin Airport Baggage and Security

There are numerous security procedures and restrictions in place at Dublin. It is advised that you understand these before you pack your luggage so that you are prepared before you arrive at the airport.

Dublin airport baggage information

Airlines will let you know what their allowances are by various means:

  • If you have a ticket, the hold allowance will be printed on the ticket. Ticket wallets also contain general information about carry on bags.
  • On electronic tickets (e-tickets) baggage allowances are usually on the confirmation notice. Hand luggage allowances are also given on individual airline websites.
  • Overweight baggage: If your hold baggage is heavier than the allowance, the airline is entitled to charge an excess baggage charge. If your cabin luggage is overweight or too big, you might be asked to check it in to the hold. If doing so takes your hold luggage above your hold baggage allowance, you might have to pay excess baggage charges. The best way to avoid any problems is to stick to the allowances.
  • The baggage allowances do vary from carrier to carrier. If in doubt check with your airline:
  • Hand luggage sizes vary but most airlines limit their carry-on bags to a range of 14" to 16" high, 21" to 24" wide, and 8" to 9" deep.
  • A 45" total (height+width+depth) can be used as a basic guideline.
  • The standard allowance typically provides for a bag of up to a certain size plus one 'personal item'.
  • Examples of a personal item include a briefcase, camera, handbag/purse, laptop (in carry bag) and reading matter.

Dublin airport security information

Seasoned travellers will be aware of the heightened security at airport but if you fly less frequently what can you expect to find when you arrive at Dublin airport?

It is important to give yourself plenty of time for your check in at the airport. For long haul flights the check in is two or three hours prior to your flight. Give yourself longer! Everything takes longer than it used to at the airport, particularly during peak times. You can expect delays and long queues for check-in and screening. Allow extra time just in case of special circumstances.

Air travellers are limited to one carry-on bag and one personal item (such as a purse or briefcase) on all flights. When you are packing keep the climate of high security in mind. It's common sense -

  • Place identification tags in and on all of your baggage.
  • Avoid wearing shoes, clothing, jewellery, and accessories that contain metal.
  • At the passenger screening checkpoint take your laptop computer out of it's carrying case and place it in the tray provided.
  • Carry-on baggage is limited to one carry-on bag plus one personal item.
  • Personal items include laptops, purses, small backpacks, briefcases, or camera cases.
  • Any item or hazardous substance that could cause danger or injury for others will not be allowed in you carry on bag.

There are a few every day items that could be overlooked in your hand luggage.

Some of the items not to pack in hand luggage:

Household cutlery, any knives, razor blades*, tools, scissors, hypodermic syringes *, knitting needles, corkscrews, and sporting bats.

These Items are allowed in your hand luggage:
Cellular phones, walkman, notebook computer, non-metal nail files, *disposable razor, *syringes for personal medical use secured with caps, and medication in its original, labeled container, cane and umbrella (after it has been checked).
Pack jewellery, cash and laptop computers, in your carry-on baggage. Put undeveloped film and cameras with film in your carry-on bag. Checked baggage screening equipment will damage undeveloped film.

Expect to have your bags searched
Carry-on and checked bags are subject to being hand-searched, particularly if the contents can't be seen by the X-ray. Don't wrap gifts until you get there. Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.

You can avoid setting off the metal detectors by not wearing jewellery clothing, shoes, and accessories that contain metal. You may be searched by hand and you may be selected at random for further searches by security staff. Most searches carried out are random so do not be alarmed or offended if you are selected - security searches are for the safety and security of all passengers.

Locked suitcases
When you are travelling from the UK it is generally accepted that you lock your suitcase.
You may be called on to open up a bag where the contents are unclear.

If you are flying from the USA the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) asks that bags be left unlocked to make the job of security screeners easier and quicker.
The TSA has recently listed on its website ( www.tsa.gov ) a number of brand names- that have "accepted and recognised locks". These are locks that airport security screeners can open and relock. The list also contains the names of several makes of travel padlocks that screeners can open and relock.

Dublin airport travel tips

Plan ahead and try not to pack at the last minute. It only takes 1 banned item in your carry on or checked baggage to cause delays for you and possibly other passengers.

If you have a wait before your check-in - put your bags in the left luggage (Left-luggage facilities are provided by the individual airlines, on request). Do a bit of shopping or just relax - never leave your luggage unattended at the airport.

In emergency situations where there is danger to life or a crime in progress, call 999 - but if you have any non- urgent airport security enquiry or to report a crime that occurred earlier - please contact the British transport Police for Dublin Airport .

Dublin Airport Police can be contacted for non-urgent matter by telephoning:
+353 1 8144300