Travel Advice Update 15 August – Cabin Baggage Requirements
15 August 2006
Following the announcement on August 14th by the Government that security levels at UK airports have been reduced from critical to severe. Passengers could still experience some delays and possible cancellations whilst the airports and airlines return to normal services, so it is still important to contact the airline direct to confirm the latest status of your flight by visiting the airline website.
Hand Baggage Restrictions
The Department of Transport has also issued revised requirements relating to cabin baggage.
Passengers are permitted to carry ONE piece of cabin baggage through the airport security search point which must not exceed a maximum length of 45cm, width of 35cm and a depth of 16cm (17.7” x 13.7” x 6.2” approx) this includes wheels, handles and side pockets. It is equivalent to a small laptop bag or rucksack.
However, restrictions are still in place as to what can be carried within the baggage. No liquids of any type are permitted beyond the airport security check, other than :
- Prescriptive medicines in liquid form sufficient and essential for the flight (eg diabetic kit) as long as verified as authentic
- Baby milk and liquid food (the contents of each bottle or jar must be tasted by the accompanying passenger)
NOTE – the definition of liquids includes gels, pastes, lotions, liquid/solid mixtures and contents of pressurised containers eg toothpaste, hair gel, drinks, soups, syrups, perfume, deodorant, shaving foam, aerosols etc
Also to help progress through security search points passengers are encouraged not to include items capable of containing liquids (eg bottles, flasks, cans, tubes, plastic containers etc) in their cabin baggage.
All laptops and large electrical items (e.g. large hairdryer) must be removed from the bag and placed in a tray so that such items neither obscure nor are obscured by the bag.
Pushchairs and walking aids are permitted but must be x-ray screened. Wheelchairs are permitted but must be thoroughly searched.
In addition to the above, 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.