Safety and security

The government restriction limiting passengers to one item of cabin baggage has now been lifted. The size restriction shown below still applies. However, some airlines may still have their own restrictions and passengers are advised to check with their airline for their particular baggage policy.

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.

This page has all the relevant information you need but you may want to download our useful security guidelines. This explains the process before leaving home, checking in and going through security. It also has a list of what you can and can't take on board as well as a useful guide to travelling with medicines.

Download our security guidelines (123KB PDF).

Passengers may take more than one item of hand baggage through security control, subject to the airline's permission.

Cabin baggage 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.

Laptop computers and large electrical items must be removed from baggage and placed in the trays with other belongings.

• 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.

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.

FAQ: Babies and families

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.

Not allowed

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 with rounded blades are permitted. Scissors with pointed blades up to 3cm are also permitted.

Please note Christmas crackers, party poppers, cigarette lighters and non-safety matches may not be carried. However, you can carry one cigarette lighter on your person. Lighters that are refilled with flammable liquids (for example 'Zippo' type lighters) cannot be carried at all. 

For most destinations, 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 rules are different for connecting flights (see below) and some countries have introduced their own rules; for example you cannot bring in any liquids over 100ml into Australia.

If you are transferring to another flight before you reach your final destination, particularly within the EU, store staff may need to place your purchases in a special sealed bag. However if you are transferring within the USA or Canada you will need to place your purchases over 100ml in your hold baggage, which all passengers have to pick up before transferring to their next flight.

Further information

Frequently asked questions

Read our regularly updated frequently asked questions.

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