General Information
Size and number of bags:
To avoid delays, Heathrow operates a two-bag policy at airport security. Only two items of hand baggage may be taken through security control, and they must be no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22in x 18in x 10in). Items larger than this must be checked in as hold luggage – you can check your bag size using the gauges at check-in.
PERMITTED ITEMS
Liquids – 100ml rule.
Only limited quantities of liquids may be carried through airport security into the departure lounge. This includes bottled drinks, suntan lotion, fragrances, cosmetics, toiletries and all frozen liquids. The following restrictions apply to all liquids, creams, gels, pastes and aerosols taken through security control:
- Liquids may only be carried in containers holding 100ml or less.
- They must be carried separately in a single bag which is:
- Transparent and resealable
- No larger than 20cm x 20cm (8in x 8in)
- Able to close properly with all the items inside
At security control, place the bag in the tray with your other items.
Liquids in containers over 100ml will not be permitted through security – please pack them in your hold baggage instead.
The following exceptions may be made to the 100ml rule:
1 - Baby food or baby milk: This exception is only permitted if you are travelling with a baby or infant. Please carry only what you need for your journey and, to assist security screening, please do not carry these items in a flask. If you are not travelling with a baby or infant, excess liquids should be carried as hold luggage. You may also wish to take advantage of their pre-order service for collection after security by calling +44 (0) 800 678 5324.
2 - Liquid medicines: You are only permitted to carry quantities of liquid medication in excess of your personal liquid allowance where it is needed during the course of your flight. All medication should be accompanied by documentary proof of authenticity, such as a prescription or letter from a medical practitioner confirming that you need them for your journey. Liquid medication that is not required on the flight should be carried as hold luggage.
Electronic devices on flights: Please ensure your electronic devices are charged. If they don't switch on, you may not be allowed to take them on to the aircraft. Charging points are available throughout the airport and a free charging service is provided in Dixons Travel stores.
BANNED ITEMS
Explosive or flammable liquids, and those that are considered toxic, are not permitted in either hand or hold luggage.
1 - Sharp items:
This includes knives (with blades over 6cm), razor blades, box cutters, scissors (with blades over 6cm from fulcrum), axes, hatchets, cleavers, ice axes, ice picks, swords, sabres and sharp or pointed martial arts equipment.
2 - Projectile-firing weapons:
These include firearms, toy guns, replica/imitation guns, firearm parts (except telescopic sights), airguns, pellet guns, BB guns, flare guns, starting pistols, bows or crossbows, arrows, harpoon guns, spear guns, slingshots and catapults.
3 - Stunning devices and incapacitating devices:
These include stun guns, Tasers, animal killers, incapacitating chemicals, gases or sprays (eg Mace), pepper sprays, tear gas and animal repellent sprays.
4 - Tools:
This includes crowbars, drills and drill bits, saws, blowtorches, bolt guns, nail guns, or any tool with a blade or shaft over 6cm (eg screwdrivers or chisels).
5 - Blunt instruments:
This includes baseball/softball bats, clubs, batons, night sticks and martial arts equipment.
6 - Explosive or incendiary substances:
This includes ammunition, blasting caps, detonators and fuses, replica/imitation explosive devices, mines, grenades, pyrotechnics, smoke canisters, smoke cartridges, dynamite, gunpowder or plastic explosives.
7 - Dangerous goods:
These include flammable or harmful substances such as gases, oxidisers, poisons, corrosives and hazardous biological or chemical material. Non-safety matches, lighter fluid and firelighters are also included. The CAA website's dangerous goods page contains full details.
Please note: this list only refers to the carriage of items on board the aircraft. With regards to liquids, you will still be restricted to 100ml when passing through security.
8- Cigarette lighters:
A single cigarette lighter may be carried on your person. They may additionally prevent any item considered to pose a security or safety risk from passing through to the departure lounge. If you are in any doubt about a particular item of hand baggage, we recommend you to pack it in your hold baggage instead. Please see their hold baggage page for what can and can't be carried.
BAG SCREENING
All cabin baggage will be X-ray screened.
Place laptops and large electrical items separately in a tray.
Put coins, keys, mobile phones and other small items in your coat or hand baggage.
Place your hand baggage and coat into a tray.
Place any liquid items (important: see Liquids above), correctly bagged, into the tray.
Pushchairs and walking aids will be X-ray screened.
Wheelchairs will be thoroughly searched.
To save time, we advise you to place only valuables and items required for the flight in your hand baggage.