Yes, you can take a pushchair through security at Bristol Airport, but it will go through a hand search rather than the X-ray belt with your bags. Bristol Airport's own security guidelines confirm that "pushchairs are subject to hand search," alongside wheelchairs and walking aids, which are "thoroughly searched." Checked 2026.
What happens to your pushchair at security
Unlike cabin bags, a pushchair cannot go through the X-ray scanner in the normal way. Instead, Bristol Airport's published security rules state that pushchairs are subject to a hand search by a security officer, in the same way that wheelchairs and walking aids are thoroughly searched. In practice, this means a member of staff will check the pushchair by hand at the checkpoint, which can take a little longer than a standard bag search, so it is worth allowing extra time if you are travelling with a young child.
Can you keep the pushchair with you to the gate?
Most parents are able to use their pushchair right up to the aircraft door, with airline staff tagging it at the gate for loading into the hold, then returning it at the aircraft door or baggage reclaim on arrival, depending on the airline's own procedure. Policies do vary by airline rather than by the airport itself, so it is worth checking your specific carrier's rules on buggies and car seats before you travel, particularly around size and weight limits for gate-checking versus needing to check it in at the bag drop desk.
Folding the pushchair
Fold your pushchair as you approach the security search point, in the same way you would remove a laptop from a bag, so the search process runs smoothly and you are not holding up the queue behind you. If you are travelling with an infant, it is easier to have your child out of the pushchair and in your arms, or being carried in a sling, while the pushchair itself is searched and then folded.
Liquids for baby food, milk and formula
Baby food, formula, and expressed breast milk are treated as exempt from the standard container size limits at UK airport security, including Bristol, which currently allows liquid containers of up to 2 litres. You do not need to decant these into smaller containers, though security staff may still ask to open and check them. It is sensible to carry a reasonable amount for the flight, including a margin for delays, rather than only exactly what you expect to need.
Other family facilities to know about
Bristol Airport has baby changing facilities and family-friendly spaces across the terminal, covered in more detail in our guide to baby changing and family facilities at Bristol Airport. If you are checking hand luggage sizes for the rest of the family before you travel, our hand luggage size guide sets out current allowances, and our guide to Bristol Airport's liquids rules covers the wider container limits in more detail.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fold my pushchair at Bristol Airport security?
Yes. Fold it as you approach the security search point so staff can carry out the required hand search, in the same way you would take a laptop out of your bag.
Will my pushchair go through the X-ray scanner?
No. Bristol Airport's published rules state that pushchairs are subject to a hand search rather than the X-ray belt, in the same way as wheelchairs and walking aids.
Can I take the pushchair all the way to the gate?
In most cases, yes, with the airline gate-tagging it for loading into the hold at the aircraft door, though this depends on your specific airline's policy and the size of the pushchair.
Is baby milk exempt from the liquid limit at Bristol Airport?
Yes. Baby food, formula and expressed breast milk are exempt from the standard container size limit, up to the airport's current 2 litre maximum per container, though staff may still check them.
Does security take longer with a pushchair?
It can, since the pushchair itself needs a hand search rather than going through the scanner, so allow a little extra time, especially at busy periods.
Where can I change my baby at Bristol Airport?
Baby changing facilities are available across the terminal; see our dedicated guide to family facilities at Bristol Airport for locations.