Airport alert

Home > News and Events > News - release archive > 2006 > August

The dimensions of the hand luggage must not exceed 45cm x 35cm x 16cm (17.7in x 13.7in x 6.2in approx), including wheels, handles, side pockets, etc. This is equivalent to a small laptop bag or rucksack.

Other bags, such as handbags, may be carried within the single item of cabin baggage. All items carried by passengers will be screened by X-ray.

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

• Prescription medicines in liquid form sufficient and essential for the flight (eg diabetic kit), as long as verified as authentic.
• Baby milk and liquid baby food (the contents of each bottle or jar must be tasted by the accompanying passenger).

The definition of liquids includes:

• Gels, pastes, lotions, liquid/solid mixtures.
• The contents of pressurised containers, eg toothpaste, hair gel, drinks, soups, syrups, perfume, deodorant, shaving foam, aerosols etc.

To help with the security process, passengers are also encouraged not to include items which could contain liquids (eg bottles, flasks, tubes, cans, plastic containers etc) in their cabin baggage.

All laptops and large electrical items (eg hairdryer) must be taken out of the bag and placed in a tray so that they can be scanned separately from the other items in the bag.

Pushchairs and walking aids must be X-ray screened. Wheelchairs are allowed on board, but must be thoroughly searched.

Once through security, passengers travelling to any destination except the US can buy items in the departures lounge and take them on board.

Passengers boarding US-bound flights and any items they are carrying, including those bought in departures, will be subjected to secondary search at the gate. No toiletries, cosmetics, drinks or liquids purchased in departures will be allowed on board, but food is allowed.

These additional security measures will make travel more difficult for passengers, particularly at such a busy time of the year. But they are necessary and will continue to keep flights from UK airports properly secure.

In light of the threat to aviation and the need to respond to it, we are asking the travelling public to be patient and understanding and to cooperate fully with airport security staff and the police.

If passengers have any questions on their travel arrangements or security in place at airports they should contact their airline or carrier.

Further information
Check what is happening at individual airports through this BBC website link.


This page last updated: 18 August 2006