Countries without extra restrictions
Heightened security measures remain in place at all UK airports. We're doing everything we can to minimise any delays caused by these measures, which are designed for your protection.
To help avoid delays, please prepare for security by reading the information on this page and in our downloadable security leaflet (PDF format).
You are advised to arrive early at the airport and allow plenty of time for security screening. We appreciate your patience and understanding
If your airline allows it, you may take more than one item of hand baggage through security control.
Cabin baggage must be no larger than:
- 56cm (22in) tall
- 45cm (17.7in) wide
- 25cm (10in) deep
However, please check with your airline – some operate further limits on the number and size of bags.
Laptop computers and large electrical items must be removed from baggage and placed in trays separately.
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.
To save time, we advise you to place only valuables and items you need for the flight into your hand baggage.
Only limited quantities of liquids may be carried through security control in 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, resealable 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 will be asked to taste at least 50% of the containers 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.
Sharp or pointed items must not be carried in hand baggage and will be confiscated at security control.
This includes knives, 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.
Scissors
Scissors with rounded blades are permitted. Scissors with pointed blades up to 3cm are also permitted.
Lighters etc.
Christmas crackers, party poppers, cigarette lighters and non-safety matches may not be carried in either cabin or hold baggage.
Passengers may carry a single lighter about their person. Any additional lighters discovered during security screening cannot be taken into the restricted zone
Umbrellas
Large, golfing type umbrellas are not permitted as they exceed the baggage size set by the DfT. Folding or collapsable umberellas that can fit within hand baggage can of course be carried. These items will be X-rayed.
In addition to the regulations set out by the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Gatwick Airport may restrict any item considered to pose a security or safety risk from passing through to the departure lounge.
Anything you buy after security control can be taken on board the aircraft, including bottled drinks, fragrances and cosmetics in sizes over 100ml.
If you will be flying via another country, please remember to check the rules for that country too, as you will need to pass through airport security ahead of your connecting flight.