Airport security - Latest advice for passengers

Airport security - Latest advice for passengers

30 March 2007

Please note from 31 March 2007, European Union airports will be unable to sell any liquid purchases to passengers travelling to Australia as all liquids will be screened at the last point of call. Therefore liquids over 100ml will be confiscated.

Passengers are reminded that heightened security restrictions remain at all UK airports. All passengers will be subject to hand baggage restrictions and are asked to be patient while these additional security measures are in place. Please arrive at the airport early, prepared for the security restrictions.

Following the Department for Transport’s announcement on 2 November, passengers can now carry a limited quantity of liquids, ie gels, lotions, pastes, liquid cosmetics, foams and foodstuffs, in their hand baggage when going through airport security checkpoints.

To ease your journey, we suggest that most items are placed in your hold baggage and only items of value or that you require whilst onboard the aircraft are carried in your hand baggage.

The following information will help you prepare for your journey. More detailed guidance, including advice on travelling with medicines and baby milk/food, is contained in our 'Need more help?’ section below.

Hand baggage restrictions
Passengers are allowed to carry ONE item of hand baggage, no larger than:

  • 56 centimetres tall (approximately 22 inches)
  • 45 centimetres wide (approximately 17.7 inches)
  • 25 centimetres deep (approximately 10 inches)

through the airport security search point. Please note, this is the maximum bag size allowed through security. Smaller bag sizes may apply depending on which airline you travel with. Contact your airline or visit the specific airport website for further information: StanstedSouthamptonGlasgowEdinburghAberdeenGatwickHeathrow.

Other bags, such as handbags, may be carried WITHIN the single item of cabin baggage, not in addition. All items carried by passengers will be X-ray screened. Cameras, (including digital, small electrical items such as mobile phones, MP3 players and game consoles can remain in the bag for screening. However, all laptops and large electrical items must be removed from the bag and placed in a separate tray.

New security rules from 6 November 2006

Travelling with liquids
We strongly advise you to pack any liquids that you don’t need whilst onboard the aircraft in your hold baggage. However, if you do need to travel with liquids, please be aware of the following restrictions which apply to all liquids you wish to carry through an airport security checkpoint:

  • All liquids must be in individual containers not greater than 100ml capacity. They must be placed in one transparent re-sealable transparent bag, no larger than 20cm x 20cm (8" x 8") in size, and fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be fastened closed
  • Only one bag per passenger is allowed. The bag must be clear and re-sealable, such as ‘ziplock’ bags or bags with pressable seals. Larger bags or bags that are not sealable, such as fold-over sandwich bags are not allowed
  • Each passenger must remove their clear plastic bag from their hand baggage and place it in on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening
  • Liquids in containers of more than 100ml capacity can be packed in your hold baggage
  • Exemptions to the liquids rule applies for liquid medicine or baby milk/food 'Need more help?

Further passenger information

  • Pushchairs and walking aids will be X-ray screened
  • Wheelchairs are permitted but will be thoroughly searched
  • Musical instruments are allowed will be screened separately
  • You can fly with everything you buy after security. All shops and catering outlets are open to all passengers before and after security. However, items purchased before security must fit into your ONE item of hand baggage and the restrictions on liquids also apply. After the security check, passengers are able to take all items purchased in the departures lounge onboard the aircraft.

Need more help?
For further advice on prohibited items, including what to do if travelling with baby milk and prescribed medicines, please see our useful links below:

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