Quiz: Are you a security star – or slacker?
Your laptop and liquids are ready in an outer suitcase pocket, itching to be decanted into a grey tray. You’ve gone free of a belt, hat or sunglasses, while slip-off shoes adorn your feet in case a foot-to-tray transfer is required. Airport security is a serious matter and doesn’t offer lifetime achievement awards but, if it did, you’d be in line for one… Or would you? Take our ultimate airport security skills test to find out exactly where you rank.
Illustrations: David Doran
17/06/2026
NEED TO BRUSH UP ON YOUR SECURITY KNOWLEDGE?
Read on for an in-depth lesson. (Spoiler alert! The quiz answers are below)
1. Can you take honey through airport security in your carry-on?
Yes, but only if it’s 100ml or less and, at some airports, in a liquids bag. Honey counts as a liquid under global aviation rules. Even if it feels gloriously gloopy rather than pourable, security officers judge it by one criterion only: if you can spread it, squeeze it or smear it, it’s a liquid. Anything over 100ml belongs in checked luggage.
2. Which document will you need for the security scanners after check-in at a UK airport?
Boarding pass. UK airports require passengers to present their boarding pass at security; your passport is checked later at border control, not at the scanners. It’s one of the few moments in modern travel where a single sheet of paper (or QR code) still rules.
3. Which liquids rule still applies in most places worldwide?Liquids must be under 100ml. Although advanced CT scanners are slowly reducing the need for liquids to be separated, the global standard remains the longstanding 100ml limit. Many airports have not yet fully adopted new scanning technology, so the old rule still governs most journeys.
4. Can you bring baby formula, breast milk or baby food through security?
Yes, they’re all allowed in carry-on. These are classed as essential items, and security staff will permit reasonable quantities even when other liquids are restricted. The needs of an infant trump the 100ml rule – though expect containers to be screened separately.
5. Can you keep your shoes on at US airport security in 2026?
Yes, shoes stay on. The TSA scrapped its shoes-off policy across the US in 2025, thanks to improved scanning and detection systems.
6. You’re at a UK airport. Do you need to remove your laptop from your bag?
Sometimes. The rule hinges on whether your lane uses CT scanners. At airports such as London City, Gatwick or Birmingham, laptops can stay put. At others, the familiar “Laptop out, please” instruction still applies.
7. Which laptop technical hitch could get you held up at security?It fails to switch on. If staff cannot confirm your device is genuine and functional, they may consider it a security risk. A dead battery can therefore cause far more trouble than you’d think, so charge before you travel.
8. Where must your power bank go when flying from a UK airport?
Carry-on only. Power banks, portable chargers and vapes contain lithium batteries, which present a fire hazard in aircraft holds. For this reason, they must remain with you in the cabin (stored either in the seat pocket or in a bag placed under the seat in front) and must never be placed in checked baggage. Power banks must not exceed 100Wh and customers can travel with a maximum of two per person.
9. Will gold jewellery trigger the metal detector?
Possibly. Small pieces usually don’t, but larger ones can. Metal detectors look for mass, not glamour. A slim chain or ring typically passes unnoticed, but chunky bracelets or heavy gold pieces are far more likely to set off alarms.
10. At Gatwick airport, which of these is not classed as an extra, individual item of hand baggage?
Musical instrument. Gatwick permits passengers to carry a musical instrument as part of their hand luggage allowance, whereas items such as sports equipment or hat boxes are classed as extra pieces and require approval.
11. What is the maximum number of bags Heathrow airport allows customers to take through security as hand baggage, regardless of airline allowance?
Two. Heathrow applies its own security-lane rules, independent of airline generosity. Even if your ticket entitles you to more, only two pieces may pass through the scanners with you.
12. Are liquid rules the same on your outbound and inbound flights?
No. Security standards differ from country to country. A UK airport may allow certain items, but the airport you return from may enforce stricter interpretations of the 100ml rule. Your outward journey is no guarantee of your homeward one.
Enjoyed this quiz? Why not test yourself with another?
