BAA Announces Update to Hand Luggage Restriction at UK Airports

BAA.com, 11/14/2007 (excerpted)

STOP PRESS: The Government announced on 14 November that passengers will be able to carry more than one bag onto aircraft as soon as airports confirm they are ready. BAA Heathrow will work with government officials to remove the restrictions at its UK airports, as soon as possible after 7 January 2008. Please note some airlines will continue to impose a 'one carry-on bag' rule so you should check with your airline before travelling.

In the meantime heightened security measures remain in force at all UK airports. We're doing everything we can to minimise delays caused by these measures, which are designed for your protection. We appreciate your patience and understanding and in the meantime we advise you to arrive early and allow plenty of time for security screening.

Here are the security restrictions which apply for your flight. Don't forget to check whether separate rules apply for any country where you stop en route or catch a connecting flight. 

Hand baggage - one bag rule

Each passenger may take only one item of hand baggage through security control.

It must be no larger than:

  • 56cm (22in) tall
  • 45cm (17.7in) wide
  • 25cm (10in) deep

You should also check with your airline, as some operate further limits on bag size.

Other bags, such as handbags, may be carried within the single item of cabin baggage, but not separately.

All items carried will be X-ray screened.

  • Laptop computers and large electrical items must be placed in a separate tray.
  • Smaller items (eg cameras or mobile phones) can remain in your bag for screening.
  • Pushchairs and walking aids will be X-ray screened.
  • Wheelchairs will be thoroughly searched.
  • Musical instruments are allowed and will be screened separately.

To save time, we advise you to place only valuables and items you need for the flight into your hand baggage.

Travelling with liquids - 100ml rule

Only limited quantities of liquids may be carried through security control as hand baggage. This includes bottled drinks, suntan lotion, fragrances, cosmetics and toiletries.

The following restrictions apply to all liquids, creams, gels, pastes and aerosols taken through security control:

  • Liquid items may only be carried in containers holding up to 100ml.
  • They must be carried separately in a single transparent, re-sealable plastic bag.
  • The bag must be no larger than 20cm x 20cm (8in x 8in) and all items must fit inside so that it closes properly.
  • At security control the bag must be placed separately on the conveyor belt for screening.
  • Liquid items larger than 100ml should be packed in your hold luggage - otherwise they will be confiscated.
  • Exceptions to the 100ml rule can be made for baby food or milk. However, you should only carry what you need for the flight, and you may be asked to taste these items at security control.
  • Exceptions may also be made for medicines. However, you may be asked to taste any liquid medicines, or to provide evidence (such as a doctor's letter) that you need them for your journey.

Prohibited items

Sharp or pointed items must not be carried in hand baggage and will be confiscated at security control.

This includes knives, scissors, razor blades, cutlery, tools, hiking poles, hypodermic needles (unless medical necessity can be proved), catapults, corkscrews, toy or replica guns, sporting bats or cues and darts.

Cigarette lighters and non-safety matches may not be carried. However, you can carry one cigarette lighter on your person.

Shopping at the airport

Anything you buy after security control can be taken on board the aircraft, including bottled water, wines and spirits, fragrances and cosmetics in sizes over 100ml.

However, the following restrictions do apply if you are catching a connecting flight after this airport, or if you are returning on the same day.

Travel to the USA via Amsterdam or Zürich

Please be aware that you will not be able to buy liquid items over 100ml after security control. You can, of course, buy liquids in sizes up to 100ml from shops in the departure lounge, and there is no limit on non-liquid items.

Other routes

You can take any liquid items bought in the departure lounge on to your flight; however, you must pack them into your hold luggage before checking in for your connecting or return flight.