Security control
At Cologne Bonn Airport the Federal Police is responsible for aviation security control. The security checks are carried out by personnel of a security service company, who are specifically trained for this function. The security checks are an essential prerequisite to gain access to the security area of the Airport.
Flight passengers should observe the following instructions to avoid any inconvenience and delays at the security check.
Dangerous objects
Hand luggage may not contain weapons or articles that could be used as a weapon, nor any pointed, sharp or blunt objects that can cause injury. Depending on the size and type, this also includes pocket knives, nail files and nail scissors; these should therefore be stowed in the hold baggage. Explosives and incendiary substances have no place in an aircraft – for this reason Zippo lighters, for instance, may only be carried on board if they are empty.
Fluids to be bagged
Liquids and similar substances in hand luggage are only allowed in containers with a maximal volume capacity of 100 milliliters. Every passenger can carry as many of these that fit into a transparent, re-sealable 1-litre plastic bag. Such bags are available in the Kirschner stores or at the automatic vending machines before the security checkpoints (2 bags for 1 Euro). Please note: this regulation not only applies for liquids such as drinks, but also for creams and gel-like substances, such as honey, jam, hand cream or toothpaste.
Exceptions: The 100-milliliter hand luggage restriction does not apply for baby food. Medications required during the flight are likewise exempt. However, a medical certificate must be on hand to prove the medical necessity.
Laptop, camera & co.
Technical devices such as mobile phones, laptops, e-book readers, digital cameras or MP3-players can as a rule be carried in hand luggage. E-cigarettes must in fact be stowed there. However, these devices should be shown separately at the hand luggage security checkpoint; therefore if possible, they should not be at the bottom of the bag. It is possible that the screening staff will also do a wipe test to check the devices for explosives. As proof of functional capability the batteries of the appliances should not be completely empty.
People screening / Body scanner
The security screening of persons is generally carried out with body scanners. Using active millimetre wave technology, (no x-rays), these can detect hidden objects and mark these on a pictogram (“stick figures”). They do not generate any realistic body images.
To ensure a quick screening procedure, passengers should consider the following guidelines:
Place the following articles in the tray provided for the x-ray check:
- All loose articles of clothing (jackets, coats, waistcoats, headgear),
- The entire contents of your trouser and shirt pockets,
- Documents you may be carrying in your hand.
Depending on the kind of shoes, these may have to be screened separately.
Wait until you are asked to approach the scanner, and then
- stand on the yellow markings,
- raise your arms and hands slightly above your head,
- wait till the scan process is over (approx. 1 seconds)
If an alarm sounds, a follow-up body frisk check will be carried out.
The body scanner check is voluntary. Alternatively, a manual will be carried out which, however, takes more time. In this case, please contact the security staff.
