Safety and Security at the airport is top priority. Cochin Airport ensures safety by strictly enforcing safety regulations that apply from time to time.
We request all passengers to kindly cooperate with the airport/airline officers with the safety/security checks at every phase, to enable a hassle-free travel experience.
Enhanced security measures means that check in can take longer than it used to. It is advised that you arrive at the airport in well in advance:
- International flights – Check in 3 hours prior to departure
- Domestic flights – Check in 2 hours prior to departure
Hand Luggage
Passengers are requested to be patient while additional security measures are in place, allow extra time for their journey and be prepared for possible delays.
How Many?
Passengers are now permitted to carry more than one item of hand luggage through security. You will, however, need to check with your airline before arrival at the airport. Some airlines will only allow you to carry one item of hand baggage, and the weight and size allowances differ between airlines.
How Much?
Cabin baggage must be no bigger, including wheels, handles and any side pockets, than:
- 55 centimeters length
- 35 centimeters breadth
- 25 centimeters Height
Check with your airline as some have further restrictions on the size of bags.
What is allowed?
- All items of luggage which do not fit in the permitted cabin baggage size must be checked into be placed in the aircraft hold.
- Musical instruments which do not fit in the permitted cabin baggage size are allowed as a second item of cabin baggage; they will need to be screened and passengers should check with their airlines if special arrangements (e.g. purchasing an extra seat) for these large instruments will be required.
- Laptops will need to be removed from your bag at Cochin International Airport and screened separately in the trays provided. A laptop bag will be regarded as your one item that is allowed in the cabin.
- Push chairs, walking aids and wheelchairs are permitted but will be screened.
Liquids
Some liquids (e.g. gels, lotions, pastes, liquid cosmetics, foams and other liquid-based items) are now allowed through airport security check points. The following restrictions apply to the quantity of liquids:
- Liquids may only be carried in containers no greater than 100ml.
- These containers must be brought to the airport contained in a single,transparent,resealable plastic bag, which itself must not exceed 1 litre in capacity(approximately 20cm x 20cm).The contents of the plastic bag must fit comfortably and the bag must be sealed.
- Each passenger may carry only one such bag of liquids. The bag must be presented for examination.
Liquids that can not be placed inside the re-sealable bag must be packed into the hold luggage and checked in. Liquids of any amount can still be carried in luggage checked into the aircraft hold.
Please note ‘Liquids’ include:
- All drinks, including water, soup, syrups
- Creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, lip gloss or lip balms, mascara etc.
- Sprays and pressurized containers including shaving foam and spray deodorants
- Pastes, including toothpastes
- Gels, including hair and shower gel
- Any other solutions and items of similar consistency
Essential medicines are permitted in larger quantities above the 100ml limit but will be subject to authentication. Exceptions to the 100ml rule may also be made for those carrying baby food and milk, but you may be asked to taste the liquid when you go through security.
Duty Free and Departure Lounge Purchases
You may take on board liquid items of any items that are purchased after security check in the departure lounge. Most duty free or similar purchases will be given to you in a special sealed bag (Security Tamper Evident Bags - STEB) – do not open this bag until you have reached your final destination. You should also retain your proof of purchase throughout your journey as you may be required to show it at a transfer point.
These are the requirements set down by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security. Airlines may have additional measures in place. Passengers are strongly advised to check the website of their carrier or airport before traveling.
Restricted Items
You should always check the exact hand luggage restrictions with your airline prior to packing. Widely restricted items include:
Prohibited Items
Scissors
Razor blades
Knives with blades of any length
Household cutlery
Tweezers
Hypodermic needles (unless required for medical reasons)
Tools
Catapults/slingshots
Knitting needles
Sporting bats
Billiard, snooker or pool cuses
Darts
Toy or replica guns (metal or plastic)
If items are confiscated at security control, you will not be compensated and, with the exception of unusual circumstances, the confiscated items will not be returned.
Syringes that are needed for diabetics and other medical reasons will only be allowed in hand luggage if you can prove the medical necessity. You may wish to phone the airline in advance to find out what they require as proof of your medical condition.
Banned Items
In addition to the restrictions on what is allowed in hand luggage, there are a number of items that must not be taken on board an aircraft, either as hand luggage or in the hold. Do not pack the following anywhere in your carry on or check in luggage:
Prohibited Items
Flammable liquids and solids
Oxidizers
Organic peroxides
Gas cylinders
Wet car cell batteries
Infectious substances
Instruments containing mercury
Instruments containing magnets
Fireworks
Magnetrons
Paints, thinners
Non-safetymatches,firelighters,lighterfuel
Radioactivematerials Acids,corrosives,alkalis,caustic soda
Poisons,arsenic,cyanide,weedkiller
Creosote,quicklime,oiled paper