UK Government explains your rights at an airport ahead of World Cup 2026

UK Government explains your rights at an airport ahead of World Cup 2026 The tournament is set to begin in Mexico City on June 11 and conclude with the final in New Jersey, USA, on July 19 with many people flying out to see the game in person rather than on TV The 2026 FIFA World Cup is generating major excitement, with some people even getting a bank holiday to celebrate. We're looking at you, Scotland! Ahead of the world's biggest football tournament, some people may be jetting away to host countries to watch a game live. With this in mind, it's worth reading up on your rights at the airport and what to expect. The GOV.UK website says that prior to boarding, "security searches are carried out on all passengers and baggage" before they are allowed on the aircraft. "This includes searches of disabled people and mobility aids." What are my rights when using the airport's security scanner? The UK Government notes: "If you’re wearing headgear for religious or cultural reasons, you can ask for it to be checked using a hand-held scanner so you do not have to remove it." You can also ask for a hand search if you have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). The government website states: "Scanning devices and metal detectors should not cause a problem, though the metal detector should not be placed over your ICD." It reminds passengers to always carry an ICD identification card with them when travelling. You can request a hand search of your hearing aids instead of having them scanned, but it's always advisable to carry a letter from your doctor explaining why scanning may not be suitable. However, the final decision on whether the hearing aids must be scanned lies with airport security staff. What are my rights when it comes to an airport's body scanner? When travelling through the airport, you may be asked to have a body scan with security scanning equipment, even if you’re pregnant or a child. GOV.UK says: "You’ll be picked out at random for a scan or if you’ve activated a metal detector. You can ask for a private search instead of a body scan. This is a thorough hand-search, and you may be asked to loosen or take off some clothing." If it makes you feel more comfortable, you can ask a security officer of the same sex to analyse the screen for your scan. Staff will not be able to identify you from the scanned image, and you will not meet the security officer. As an example, London Southend Airport states: "You have the right to refuse to go through our body scanners, but please prepare for questions by a member of staff for security reasons. The alternative can be an enhanced body search carried out in a private search area." If you are pregnant and worried about the scanners, experts at Baby Centre confirm body scanners are "safe". It explains: "The kind of whole-body scanner you step through uses technology called millimetrewave imaging. "It's designed to pick up potentially dangerous objects that may be concealed under clothing. The scanner bounces waves off your body which then go back to the machine for processing. The level of radiation you're exposed to during this process is lower than you get from your phone." What happens during a scan? The scan will take place in the security screening area with a member of airport staff present and typically only takes a few seconds. The image may reveal medical devices or surgical alterations, such as a colostomy, implant, or prosthesis. Security staff are trained to manage sensitive medical situations professionally and to treat all passengers with dignity and respect. GOV.UK states: "After the scan, only you and a security officer will see a mannequin-style diagram on a small screen. No bodily features or skin will be seen. Your scan will be permanently deleted after it’s been assessed by a security officer." Medicines, medical equipment and disabilities at the airport GOV.UK states that you need to tell your airline about your disability at least 48 hours before departure. Double-check what your airline's rules are and how they can help you. If you need to carry medicines and medical equipment in your hand luggage, you’ll need a letter from your doctor explaining what they’re for, including any needles or syringes. "If you want to carry over 100ml of liquid medication, you’ll need to check with your airline before you fly. You’ll also need to carry the medication separately and declare it at security", it warned. It adds that some countries do not allow certain medications to be brought in. Before booking a holiday, you should check any restrictions with the country’s embassy or high commission.