Last updated: August 2026
Going through airport security check-in at Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore is fairly simple 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, prohibited items and the safety rules every passenger should know before traveling through Bangalore Airport in 2026.
Whether you are a first time flyer or someone who travels often, small mistakes like packing a power bank in your checked luggage or forgetting your photo ID can end up costing you time at the security line. This guide breaks down every step so you can get through check-in without any unnecessary delay.If you’re planning the rest of your trip too, you can browse more India travel and route guides on gascuthiramerur for distances, hotels and transport options. https://.in/
| 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 have to pass through the security screening process after completing check-in and before entering the departure area at Bangalore Airport. This applies to every traveler no matter which terminal or airline they are flying with. 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’s always a good idea to confirm the exact reporting time with your airline since this can vary a bit, especially during peak travel season or around festivals when the airport gets a lot busier than usual.
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 |
How the Process Works in Practice
- Carry your e-ticket or collect your boarding pass at the self-check-in kiosks near the departure gates.
- Keep a valid government photo ID ready, since it gets checked at more than one point before you reach the gate.
- Head to either the self-check-in kiosk, known as CUSS (Common Use Self Service), or a regular check-in counter to collect your boarding pass and baggage tag.
- Drop your checked luggage at the self-bag-drop counter once your tag is printed.
- Before entering the security check area, scan your boarding pass at the PESC point, short for Pre Embarkation Security Check.
Terminal-Wise Difference: T1 vs T2 at Bangalore Airport
Bangalore Airport runs two terminals and the security check-in flow feels a little different depending on which one you are flying from. T2 is generally more spacious with a more modern layout and a few extra self-service kiosks, while T1 handles a bigger mix of domestic and older carrier traffic. It’s worth double checking your terminal on your ticket before you leave for the airport since T1 and T2 are not within walking distance of one another, and switching between the two takes real time.
Hand Baggage Restrictions at Security Check-In
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 |
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: An Important Rule
This is one of the most common issues passengers run into 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 you move your power bank to your hand luggage well before reaching the airport so it doesn’t get pulled out and taken away during baggage screening.
Prohibited Food Items
As per a Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India directive that came into effect on January 17, 2012, the carriage of soya beans, chickpeas and safflower seeds to the USA is prohibited. If you’re 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 need to make sure their passport and boarding pass are stamped by Immigration authorities before they head to the gate. Sikh passengers are not permitted to carry Kirpans through airport security regardless of religious significance, as per the 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 has to be carried in switched off condition with authorisation from BSNL. GPS devices follow a similar rule and need to be switched off with authorisation from the Department of Telecommunications or the 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 have a role to play in airport safety. If you notice any unclaimed or unidentified baggage, or any suspicious person or activity, report it right away 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
If you’re not sure whether something is allowed, check the official restricted items list at bengaluruairport.com before you pack it, rather than risking it being taken away at the airport.
Pack your liquids in containers under 100 ml in a separate, easy to reach pouch so screening moves faster.
Move power banks and spare lithium batteries to your cabin bag well before you get to the airport.
Keep your government ID and boarding pass within easy reach since they get checked more than once between check-in and the gate.
Wear slip on shoes and skip the heavy metal accessories to get through the walk through metal detector faster.
FAQs
How early should I reach Kempegowda Airport for security check-in?
For domestic flights, aim to arrive at least 2 hours before departure. For international flights, arrive at least 3 hours before departure.
Can I carry a power bank in my checked baggage?
No. Power banks and loose lithium batteries are only allowed in cabin baggage, not in checked in luggage.
What is a CUSS kiosk?
CUSS, short for Common Use Self Service, is a self-check-in kiosk where passengers can print their own boarding pass and baggage tag without waiting at the counter.
What is the liquid limit for hand baggage?
Each container should not go over 100 ml, and it’s best to carry them together in one clear, resealable pouch.
Can Sikh passengers carry a Kirpan through security?
No. Under the current aviation security regulations, Kirpans are not permitted through the security checkpoint regardless of religious significance.
What does PESC stand for?
PESC stands for Pre Embarkation Security Check, the point where your boarding pass gets scanned right before you enter the security screening area.
What should I do if I see an unattended bag at the airport?
Report it right away to the CISF Control Room or the nearest Terminal Manager, and avoid touching or moving the item yourself.
Are satellite phones allowed at Bangalore Airport?
Satellite phones are generally restricted in both cabin and checked baggage, with the exception of BSNL provided INMARSAT phones carried switched off with proper authorisation.
Is there a difference between security check-in at T1 and T2?
The core process stays the same, but T2 has a more modern layout with a few extra self-service kiosks. It’s a good idea to confirm your terminal before you leave for the airport.
Where can I check the latest updated list of restricted items?
Refer to the official Bangalore Airport website at bengaluruairport.com or the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security website for the most current rules.
Useful External Resources
- Bengaluru Airport Official Website
- Bureau of Civil Aviation Security
- Directorate General of Civil Aviation
- Saral Sanchar Portal, Department of Telecommunications
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 ahead of time, especially around batteries, liquids and sharp items, makes the whole process quicker and helps you avoid 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 August 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.
