Security control

After check-in, passengers and their carry-on luggage go through security control, before entering the gate area. Any baggage going to the cargo hold will be handed over for security control during check-in.

On this page, you will find instructions for security control at Helsinki Airport, and Finavia's regional airports.

Please prepare for security control by packing your luggage correctly at home. Before arriving at the airport, please check, what items can be packed into carry-on luggage, and what goes into cargo. See our packing instructions.

How to go through security control

Helsinki Airport

1) Proceed to security control by presenting your printed or electronic boarding pass to the digital gate scanner.

Read more about using the digital gate scanner.

Matkustaja asettaa puhelimensa matkalipun lukijaa vasten

2) When you come to the security control line, place all hand luggage and loose items on a tray for scanning.

A passenger sets their hand luggage on a tray for security check

Keys and coins: Put your keys and coins in your bag or coat pocket. If they are carried in trouser pockets and other clothing, they will set off unnecessary alarms.
Clothing and accessories: Take off your coat or jacket and any other items containing metal, such as watches, belts and large pieces of jewellery. Often, the heels of shoes also contain metal, so you can remove your shoes for scanning if your wish.
You can leave your electronics in the bag.
Pack liquids amounting to less than 100 ml in one 1-litre resealable bag. If necessary, a security officer will ask you to take the liquids out of the bag before scanning.
You can carry the baby food and medicines you need during your trip in your hand baggage.

3) Walk through the metal detector gate. If you set off the metal detector, you will be asked to be checked using the security scanner.

A passenger stands in front of a security scanner

You can also ask for your body and clothes to be checked by hand. If the check is done by hand, the security officer will need to check the inside of your trouser or skirt waistband using their fingers. If you are wearing tall boots or high-top shoes, you may be asked to take them off.

Finavia's regional airports

Security control at Finavia’s regional airports

1) When you come to the security control line, place all hand baggage and loose items on a tray for scanning.

Liquid products and electronics on a security control tray.

Keys and coins: Put your keys and coins in your bag or coat pocket. If they are carried in trouser pockets and other clothing, they will set off unnecessary alarms.
Clothing and accessories: Take off your coat or jacket and any other items containing metal, such as watches, belts and large pieces of jewellery. Often, the heels of shoes also contain metal, so you can remove your shoes for scanning if your wish.
Electronics: Remove any laptops, tablets, cameras, power banks and other devices containing a battery or batteries from your bag. Laptops and tablets should also be taken out of their sleeves. The tablet’s protective cover does not need to be removed. Small devices containing a button cell battery, such as car keys, can be left in the bag.
Liquids: Be prepared to present all liquids you intend to take into the airplane cabin. Pack your liquids in containers that hold no more than 100 ml, and place the liquids in a transparent and resealable one-litre plastic bag. Each passenger is allowed a single one-litre bag. Families are allowed a one-litre bag per each family member with an airline ticket. Liquids over 100 ml are not allowed, excluding medicines and baby foods.

2) Present your printed or electronic boarding pass to the security officer.

3) Walk through the metal detector gate.

If you set off the metal detector gate, a security officer must determine why this has happened. You will be asked to remove any items that may have caused the alarm and then walk through the metal detector again.

It may also be necessary to conduct a pat-down search on your body and your clothes. If necessary, the security officer will check the inside of your trouser or skirt waistband using their fingers.

More information on security control

Learn more about security control

For families with young children

For those with impaired vision or hearing or reduced mobility

Background information about security control

In EU Member States, the security control of air passengers is regulated by common rules that aim to ensure the safety and smoothness of travel. In Finland, the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom, which is also the national authority supervising security control, is responsible for the regulations on security control.

At Finavia airports, the checks based on random selection are carried out using an explosive trace detector (ETD).

The Traficom website has more information about airport security control.

Privacy statement: Security control and security services reporting system (PDF)