Getting There

Airline security

Depatment of Transport Government website

November 6th 2006

Some liquids are allowed once again through airport security check points. There are however, restrictions on the quantity of liquids that can be taken through:

Photo: liquids in a re-sealable plastic bag

Passengers may carry small quantities of liquids, but only within separate containers each of which with a capacity not greater than 100ml.

These containers must be brought to the airport contained in a single, transparent, re-sealable plastic bag, which itself must not exceed 1 litre in capacity (approximately 20cm x 20cm). The contents of the plastic bag must fit comfortably and the bag sealed.Each passenger may carry only one such bag of liquids.

The bag must be presented for examination at the airport security point.

Archive

On Thursday 21st September, the Department for Transport announced changes to the UK's aviation security measures, notably increases to the size of cabin baggage that can be taken onboard an aircraft. The changes came into effect on Friday 22 September 2006.

All passengers starting their journey at a UK airport and those transferring from international flights at a UK airport are required to be aware of the following:

Cabin Baggage

ONE item only of cabin baggage is permitted through the airport security search point,the dimensions of this item must not exceed: a maximum length of 56 cm, width of 45 cm and depth of 25 cm (including wheels, handles, side pockets etc.). Other bags, such as handbags, may be carried within the single item of cabin baggage. All items carried by passengers will be x-ray screened.

Mobility aids

Pushchairs, walking aids and wheelchairs are permitted but will be screened.

Liquids

No liquids of any type are permitted through the airport security search point, other than the following items:

Essential medicines in liquid form sufficient and essential for the flight (e.g. diabetic kit), as long as it is verified as authentic. Medicines in solid form continue to be permitted.
Baby milk and liquid baby food (the contents of each bottle or jar must be tasted by the accompanying passenger).

To help their progress through search points, passengers are advised not to include items capable of containing liquids (e.g. bottles, flasks, tubes, cans, plastic containers etc.) in their cabin baggage.

NOTE: The definition of liquids includes gels, pastes, lotions, liquid/solid mixtures and the contents of pressurised containers, e.g. toothpaste, hair gel, drinks, soups, syrups, perfume, deodorant, shaving foam, aerosols, etc.

Large electrical items / Laptops

Laptops and other large electrical items (e.g. a large hairdryer) have to be removed from cabin baggage and screened separately. (Note: a laptop bag will be regarded as your one item that is allowed in the cabin).

Musical instruments

Musical instruments which do not fit in the permitted cabin baggage size (maximum length of 56 cm, width of 45 cm and depth of 25 cm (including wheels, handles, side pockets etc.)) are allowed as a second item of cabin baggage, and will need to be screened. Larger instruments (e.g. cellos) are also permitted into the cabin following screening. However, passengers should check with their airlines if special arrangements (e.g. purchasing an extra seat) for these large instruments need to be made.

Oversized baggage

All other items of oversized luggage are required to be placed in the aircraft hold.

Flights to the US

Passengers boarding flights to the USA and items they are carrying, including those acquired after the central screening point, will be subjected to secondary search at the gate. Any liquids discovered will be removed from the passenger.

These are the requirements set down by the Department for Transport. Airlines and Airports may have additional measures in place, and passengers are strongly advised to check the website of their carrier or airport before travelling.

Additionally, if passengers have any questions on their travel arrangements or security in place at airports they should contact the airport or their airline.