Hand Luggage
At Malta International Airport, there is no restriction on the number of hand luggage items you can carry through security controls. The airline you are flying with is likely, however, to have its own limitations. Different airlines flying to and from Malta also have varying rules about luggage size and weight, so it’s best to get this information from your airline before departure.
Passing Through Security
All hand luggage and all items carried are x-ray screened at Malta International Airport.
- Before proceeding to the screening area, remove all items such as coins, keys, mobiles and other metal objects in your jacket/coat pockets or hand luggage;
- Once at the screening area place your hand luggage and jacket/coat into a tray;
- Laptops, tablets or other large electrical items are to be kept in the luggage;
- Pushchairs, prams and walking aids shall also be security checked;
- Wheelchairs shall be searched comprehensively
It is advisable that valuable jewellery, watches, cameras, tablets and mobile devices are placed in hand luggage, jacket/coat pockets before screening, since they may be accidentally picked up by other fellow passengers.
Liquids, Aerosols & Gels (LAGs)
Passengers departing from Malta International Airport are now permitted to carry liquids in containers of up to 2 litres, as well as electronic devices, in their hand luggage without the need for removal at the central security checkpoint.
Guidelines:
- During the security screening process, liquid containers of up to 2 litres are allowed in hand luggage without the need to remove them or place them in plastic bags.
- Liquid containers larger than 2 litres may only be transported in hand luggage if they are empty. Otherwise, they must be packed in checked (hold) luggage.
- Given that the 100ml liquid restriction has not been uniformly lifted across all EU airports, passengers are advised to check security regulations at their destination airport for their return journey.
What is Allowed?- Liquids, Aerosols, Gels
Baby Food and Drinks– Allowed only if you are travelling with a baby or infant (aged 0-24 months). Passengers are requested to only carry what is needed for the duration of the trip until they reach their final destination. Baby food and other dietary products may be subject to additional screening with liquid analysers. If you are not travelling with a baby or infant, liquids exceeding regulations should be transported in the hold baggage.
Liquid Medicines – You are only allowed to carry quantities exceeding the regulation allowance when it is necessary for the duration of your journey. All medication should be accompanied by documentary proof of authenticity, such as a letter or prescription from a medical practitioner confirming that you need them for the trip. Liquid medication not needed on the flight/s should be transported in hold baggage. Medicines and special dietary products may be subject to additional screening with liquid analysers.
Shopping at Malta International Airport’s Duty Free Shops – Liquid, aerosol and gel items bought duty free may be carried aboard provided they are sealed in a security bag purchased from any airport or air carrier. The purchased items, together with the receipt, must remain sealed inside the security bag provided at the time of purchase. Duty free products may be subject to additional screening with liquid analysers. In such cases, security personnel will re-seal them in new security tamper evident bags.
Importing Duty Free Liquids from Third-Country Airports Becomes Easier
In light of a new regulation issued in January 2014, transfer passengers are now allowed to transport duty free liquids bought at third-country airports or on board aircraft to any connecting flights via EU airports.
Food
You can carry fruit, vegetables and all solid foods in your hand baggage. However, foods in sauces or liquid can remain in your luggage when passing through security screening.
Cosmetics and Toiletries
Solid deodorants, lipsticks, brushes, combs and toothbrushes are allowed both as hand and hold luggage. Disposable contact lenses, non-disposable lenses with a small amount of solution, disposable razors and razor cartridges are also allowed in hand baggage.
The following non-exhaustive products (along with drinks and liquid-based food) are also limited to 2 litres:
- Hairspray and other aerosol items
- Creams
- Roll-on deodorants
- Sun-tanning products
- Lip gloss or lip balms
- Liquid soap
- Toothpaste
- Mascara
- Contact lens solution
It is strongly advised that items referred to in this page should be placed in the hold luggage in order to avoid problems and inconveniences at the Security Screening Point.
Smoking Materials
Cigarettes and other tobacco products are allowed in hand luggage. Only one small packet of safety matches or one single cigarette lighter may be carried on one’s person, however. Matches and lighters are not allowed in the hand or checked in baggage. Lighter fuel and lighter refills are not permitted on one’s person or in checked or hand luggage. Furthermore, ‘strike anywhere’ matches are forbidden for air transport.
Smoking is not permitted inside the terminal building, on the aprons, or on board aircrafts. Smoking is only permitted in designated smoking areas.
Writing Materials
Passengers at the airport in Malta may carry ball point pens, rollerball pens, gel pens, pencils, and fountain pens with a single (open) cartridge in use.
Confiscated Items
Items confiscated by security and requested to be kept are accepted as part of our Left Item Service, if and only if they are sealed in an A4 security envelope. Items can be collected by the person depositing them or by someone on their behalf within 90 days of their deposit from the Security Office at Malta International Airport (Administration Offices – Second Floor) between 8am and 1pm. Items that remain unclaimed after this 90-day period will be disposed of as deemed fit by Malta International Airport.
VERY IMPORTANT: Hand Luggage Restrictions vary by airline; Malta International Airport encourages you to check with your chosen airline before departure.