Going through airport security check-in at Kempegowda International Airport is straightforward once you know the process and what you can and cannot carry. This guide covers the full security check-in procedure, check-in timing, hand baggage and check-in baggage restrictions, and safety rules every passenger should know before traveling through Bangalore Airport.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Domestic Check-In Reporting Time | 2 hours before departure |
| International Check-In Reporting Time | 3 hours before departure |
| Liquids, Aerosols, Gels Limit | Maximum 100 ml per container |
| Self-Check-In Kiosk | CUSS — Common Use Self Service |
| Pre-Boarding Security Scan | PESC — Pre Embarkation Security Check |
| Valid ID Required | Yes — government photo ID at every checkpoint |
| Soya Beans, Chickpeas, Safflower Seeds to USA | Prohibited since January 17, 2012 |
What Happens at Airport Security Check-In
All passengers must pass through the security screening process after completing check-in and before entering the departure area at Bangalore Airport. This applies to every traveler regardless of terminal or airline. Most airlines require passengers to report at the check-in counter 2 hours before departure for domestic flights and 3 hours before departure for international flights. It is always a good idea to confirm the exact reporting time with your specific airline since this can vary slightly.
Step-by-Step Airport Security Check-In Procedure
The check-in process at Bangalore Airport follows a clear sequence designed to move passengers through quickly. Carry your e-ticket or collect your boarding pass at the self-check-in kiosks located near the departure gates. Make sure you have a valid government photo ID ready, as it will be checked at multiple points before you reach the gate. Proceed to either the self-check-in kiosk, known as CUSS (Common Use Self Service), or the regular check-in counters to collect your boarding pass and baggage tag, then drop your checked luggage at the self-bag-drop counter. Before entering the security check area, scan your boarding pass at the PESC point, which stands for Pre Embarkation Security Check.
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Carry e-ticket or get boarding pass at self-check-in kiosk |
| Step 2 | Keep a valid government photo ID ready |
| Step 3 | Use CUSS kiosk or check-in counter for boarding pass and baggage tag |
| Step 4 | Drop checked luggage at self-bag-drop counter |
| Step 5 | Scan boarding pass at PESC before entering security check |
Hand Baggage Restrictions at Security Check-In
Liquids, aerosols, and gels carried in your hand baggage are limited to a maximum of 100 ml per container. Sharp items including metallic objects, replica weapons, and any article with the potential to interfere with civil aviation operations are not permitted in cabin baggage and will be confiscated by security if found during screening.
LIST OF RESTRICTED ARTICLES IN YOUR CHECK-IN BAGGAGE
Complete List of Restricted Items in Cabin Baggage
| Category | Restricted Items |
|---|---|
| Sharp Objects | Box cutters, scissors, screwdrivers, axes and hatchets, ice axes, knives, cutters, crowbars, saws, sword and throwing stars, tweezers |
| Weapons and Replicas | Firearms and ammunition, BB guns, pellet guns, stun guns, billy clubs, knuckles, kubatons, martial arts weapons, realistic replicas of firearms and explosives, toy guns and spray guns |
| Explosives and Flammable Items | Firecrackers, fireworks, dynamites, gun powder, blasting caps, flare guns, gasoline, fuels, plastic explosives, pyrotechnics |
| Gas and Pressurized Items | Compressed air guns, compressed gas cylinders, gas cartridges, gas torches, lighter fluid |
| Tools | Hammers, wrenches and pliers, axes, crowbars, screwdrivers |
| Self-Defense Items | Pepper spray, mace, tear gas, electroshock weapons |
| Other Restricted Items | Hoverboard or Segway, knitting and crochet needles, nunchuks, sabers, satellite handsets, spices in powder form, spillable batteries, talcum powder, umbrella with sharp edges |
Check-In Baggage Restrictions
A separate set of rules applies to your checked-in luggage. Some items are completely prohibited while others have specific quantity or condition limits.
LIST OF RESTRICTED ARTICLES IN YOUR CABIN BAGGAGE
Complete List of Restricted Items in Check-In Baggage
| Category | Restricted Items |
|---|---|
| Flammable and Explosive Items | Gasoline, petrol, diesel, kerosene, dynamite, gun powder, blasting caps, fireworks, firecrackers, flare guns, plastic explosive, pyrotechnics, party poppers |
| Gas and Pressurized Items | Compressed gas cylinders including fire extinguishers, butane gas, gas torches, camping stove with gas or fuel cylinder |
| Batteries and Electronics | Power banks, lithium batteries, spillable batteries, personal data assistants (PDAs) |
| Weapons and Military Items | Ammunition, hand grenades, mines and other explosive military stores, electroshock weapons, stun guns, realistic replicas of explosives and firearms |
| Safety Items with Limits | Alcoholic beverages exceeding 5 litres, safety matches and strike-anywhere matches |
| Restricted Communication Devices | Satellite phones except INMARSAT provided by BSNL in switched-off condition with authorisation; GPS devices switched off with DoT or MHA authorisation |
| Other Items | Aerosols except limited personal care items, camphor, copra and dry coconut, hair curlers with hydrocarbon gas, mace and pepper spray, magnetised material, security safe with lithium batteries, turpentine and paint thinner, used engines |
Power Banks and Lithium Batteries — Important Rule
This is one of the most common issues passengers face at airport security check-in. Power banks and loose lithium batteries are not allowed in check-in baggage but can be carried in your cabin baggage, subject to your airline’s watt-hour limits. Make sure to move your power bank to your hand luggage before reaching the airport so it does not get pulled out and confiscated during baggage screening.
Prohibited Food Items
As per a Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India directive effective January 17, 2012, the carriage of soya beans, chickpeas, and safflower seeds to the USA is prohibited. If you are flying to the United States and carrying any of these items in your luggage, they will not clear security or check-in baggage screening.
Special Rules for International Passengers at Security Check-In
International travelers must ensure their passport and boarding pass are stamped by Immigration authorities before heading to the gate. Sikh passengers are not permitted to carry Kirpans through airport security, regardless of religious significance, as per current aviation security regulations in force.
Satellite Phones and GPS Devices
Satellite handsets are restricted in both cabin and check-in baggage. The only exception is an INMARSAT phone provided by BSNL, which must be carried in switched-off condition with authorisation from BSNL. GPS devices follow a similar rule, requiring switched-off condition and authorisation from the Department of Telecommunications or Ministry of Home Affairs. Passengers can apply for this authorisation through the Saral Sanchar portal of DoT before their travel date.
Safety Responsibilities at Bangalore Airport Security
As a passenger, you also play a role in airport safety. If you notice any unclaimed or unidentified baggage, or any suspicious person or activity, report it immediately to the CISF Control Room or the Terminal Manager. Airport authorities are authorized to take action against unruly passenger behavior, which includes conduct arising from consumption of narcotics or alcohol, refusal to comply with safety rules, verbal or physical confrontation with airport officials, sexual harassment, or any other riotous behavior.
Tips for a Smooth Security Check-In
Pack your liquids in containers under 100 ml in a separate, easily accessible pouch so the screening process moves faster. Move power banks and spare lithium batteries to your cabin bag well before reaching the airport. Keep your government ID and boarding pass within easy reach since they will be checked multiple times between check-in and the gate. If you are unsure whether an item is allowed, check the official restricted items list at bengaluruairport.com before packing rather than risking confiscation at the airport.
The airport security check-in process at Bangalore Airport follows a clear sequence — check-in, baggage drop, PESC scan, and security screening. Knowing the restricted items list for both cabin and check-in baggage in advance, especially around batteries, liquids, and sharp items, makes the entire process faster and avoids unnecessary delays on travel day.
All security check-in and baggage rules information in this guide is sourced from official BIAL data, accurate as of June 2026. Rules are subject to change by aviation security authorities. Always check the official Bangalore Airport website at bengaluruairport.com before your travel date to confirm the latest information. DistanceData is an independent travel information website and is not affiliated with BIAL.