Security check at Frankfurt Airport: process, new scanners & tips

Frankfurt is a hub with many long-haul and transfer flights, three passenger terminals and tens of thousands of passengers every day. Accordingly, waiting times at the security check can vary widely. On top of that, some security lanes already use modern CT scanners, which X-ray luggage in three dimensions and relax some of the old rules. In this guide we explain how the check works in Frankfurt, what is different at the new lanes, what you are not allowed to carry in your hand luggage and how to get through security as quickly as possible.

Who carries out the checks at Frankfurt Airport?

In Germany, passenger screening is a sovereign task of the Federal Police, which uses security service providers for it. At Frankfurt Airport, the airport operator has taken on a bigger role in organising the checks in recent years. For you as a traveller this changes little: the EU-wide rules apply, and the staff at the lane give the instructions. The airport publishes current information on waiting times and procedures on frankfurt-airport.com.

The process step by step

1. Scan your boarding pass: your boarding pass is checked at the entrance to security – digital or on paper.
2. Fill the trays: hand luggage, jacket, belt and the contents of your pockets go into trays. Depending on the lane, laptop and liquids separately.
3. Personal screening: you walk through a body scanner or metal detector.
4. Secondary check if needed: if anything looks unusual, your bag is opened or you are briefly patted down.
5. Collect your things: take everything out of the trays and only repack calmly at the tables behind the belt.

CT scanners: what is different at the new lanes?

Some security lanes in Frankfurt use computed tomography scanners that create three-dimensional images of luggage. According to reports, areas in Terminal 1 are already equipped, and Terminal 3 was planned with this technology from the start. At these lanes, laptops and liquids can often stay in your bag, and in some cases larger liquid containers are allowed.

But be careful: you don’t know for sure in advance which lane you will get. And on the return flight, the rules of the departure airport there apply, which may not have CT scanners yet. Our recommendation: pack liquids according to the 100 ml rule and keep electronics within easy reach. That way you are on the safe side everywhere. More on liquids in the guide Liquids in hand luggage at Frankfurt Airport.

What is prohibited in hand luggage?

• Knives with longer blades and scissors with long cutting edges
• Tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, drills
• Weapons, ammunition, replica weapons and realistic-looking toys
• Fireworks, flammable liquids and gases
• Sports equipment such as bats that could be used as a striking weapon

For power banks and spare batteries the opposite usually applies: they belong in your hand luggage, not in your suitcase. Your airline sets the details. The German Federal Police publishes the complete list.

Tips for a quick check

1. Check in online: with hand luggage only, go straight to security.
2. Electronics on top: laptop and tablet in a separate compartment.
3. Liquids in a bag: containers up to 100 ml in a transparent one-litre bag, on top.
4. Empty your pockets: put away keys, coins and phone while still in the queue.
5. Comfortable clothing: little metal, a jacket that is easy to take off, uncomplicated shoes.
6. Finish your drinks: empty water bottles before security and refill them afterwards.
7. Document medication: liquid medicines with a certificate or the package leaflet.
8. Prepare children: explain what will happen. More in the guide With children at Frankfurt Airport.
9. The correct terminal: if you go to the wrong terminal first, you lose time – see Terminals at Frankfurt Airport.
10. Stay calm: secondary checks are routine.

Changing planes in Frankfurt: a repeat check is possible

Frankfurt is a major transfer airport. If you come from a country outside the EU and change planes in Frankfurt, you often have to go through security again, because other countries’ screening standards are not automatically recognised. Passport control may be added if you continue into the Schengen area. So plan generously for transfers in Frankfurt. Liquids from the duty-free shop of a non-EU airport can cause problems at the repeat check if they are not in a sealed bag with the receipt.

What if you are carrying something prohibited?

As a rule you have to hand over prohibited items. You can repack some of them into your checked luggage – if there is time – as long as the suitcase has not yet been checked in. Going back to the car is usually not an option: with valet parking the car has already been handed over, and with shuttle parking it is outside the airport. That is why you should pack correctly at home.

Body scanner and pat-down

The body scanner does not show the staff any photos, but a neutral figure with marked areas. If an area is marked, a brief pat-down of that spot follows, usually by a person of the same gender. If you have a pacemaker or implants, tell the staff beforehand and show your implant card if necessary.

Timing: think of parking and security together

In Frankfurt, more time often passes between leaving the car and the start of the security check than you might think – especially if the terminal is far from the car park. With valet parking at Frankfurt Airport you hand over your car near the terminal and carry straight on. With shuttle parking, the handover and transfer come on top. You can find all offers with the final price including the service fee here: Search for parking at Frankfurt Airport. How to calculate it is explained in the guide When do I need to be at Frankfurt Airport?

When time is running short

If you are standing in a long queue and your departure is getting close, speak to the staff politely. There is no right to go first, but help is often given. Inform the airline at the same time. And if you return later as a result, let your parking provider know. More in our frequently asked questions about problems.

Security check with assistance needs

Travellers in wheelchairs, with walking aids or other impairments are screened at security in a way that is reasonable for them. If you cannot walk through the scanner or detector, you will be checked in a different way. If you have booked assistance through your airline, it will accompany you through security to the gate. More in the guide Accessible travel from Frankfurt Airport.

Business travellers and frequent flyers

Many business travellers fly from Frankfurt with hand luggage only and know the procedures. Some airlines offer separate access to security for certain fares or status customers. Whether this applies to you is stated in the documents from your airline or frequent flyer programme. Tips for a quick day at the airport can be found in the guide Parking for business trips at Frankfurt Airport.

Common questions at security

• Take off your shoes? Usually only if the staff ask you to, for example with shoes that have metal parts.
• Your child’s cuddly toy? It goes through the X-ray machine and comes back unharmed.
• Taking photos? Not allowed at security.
• Pushchair? It usually has to go through the X-ray machine folded or is checked separately.

Differences between the terminals

Because Frankfurt has three passenger terminals with different equipment, the procedure at security can differ. In the new Terminal 3, security was designed for modern technology from the start. In the older areas of Terminals 1 and 2, on the other hand, you will find both new and conventional lanes. Look out for the signs before security: they show whether laptops and liquids have to be taken out. If in doubt, ask the staff before you fill the trays.

Conclusion: well packed through security

Thanks to new technology at some lanes, the security check at Frankfurt Airport has become faster – but you should not rely on it. Pack according to the classic rules, know your terminal and allow enough time, including for parking and transfer. You can find all parking options on the page Parking at Frankfurt Airport.