| Strict hand luggage and liquid restrictions were | | | | Liquids can usually be purchased beyond airport |
| imposed at Heathrow, and all UK airports, last | | | | security, in the departures area, as these liquids are |
| summer. These restrictions have been in place for | | | | subject to a separate screening process. |
| more than a year now, and yet, in excess of five | | | | Baby Food |
| tons of liquids and gels are confiscated at the UK | | | | Liquid baby food, water and milk, sufficient for the |
| airports every day due to ignorance of the | | | | flight, can be taken through Heathrow airport |
| restrictions. | | | | security, however, the accompanying parent will be |
| Ignorance of the restrictions can be extremely | | | | required to verify the liquids by tasting them. |
| expensive - a few weeks' ago one UK airport | | | | Essential Liquid Dietary Foodstuffs |
| reported confiscating a £750 vintage bottle of | | | | Essential liquid dietary foodstuffs can be taken |
| champagne packed in a passenger's hand luggage. | | | | through airport security but will be subject to |
| Whilst not everyone carries, or can afford to carry, | | | | verification by the passenger. |
| such expensive items in their hand luggage, failure to | | | | Medicines required during the flight |
| adhere to the restrictions will lead to the confiscation | | | | Any essential medicines for the period of the trip |
| of perfume, beauty products, sun cream or anything | | | | may be permitted in larger quantities than 100ml but |
| that falls outside regulations. The current restrictions | | | | will require authentication - passengers must have |
| are detailed below to assist you in packing your hand | | | | obtained agreement with the airline and airport prior |
| luggage and help you avoid losing money. | | | | to departure and must bring supporting |
| Hand luggage restrictions | | | | documentation with them from a relevant qualified |
| Passengers are permitted to carry ONE item of hand | | | | medical professional. |
| baggage each, no larger than 56 x 45 x 25cm (22 x | | | | Syringes required for diabetics or for other medical |
| 17.7 x 10 inches) including wheels, handles and outside | | | | reasons will only be permitted in hand luggage if |
| pockets - these dimensions are the maximum size | | | | medical necessity can be proven. Check with the |
| allowed - some airlines specify smaller hand luggage | | | | airline in advance to check what proof is required. |
| sizes and it is always advisable to check with your | | | | Cigarette lighters |
| airline's website prior to departure. Other bags, such | | | | One lighter per person may be carried through |
| as a handbag (purse), may be carried but must fit | | | | security. Lighters form part of the liquid allowance |
| within the single item of cabin baggage. A laptop, if | | | | and must fit within the liquids bag, however, they |
| carried, must fit within the one item of hand | | | | may be screened separately. Passengers must carry |
| baggage, or if carried separately will be regarded as | | | | their lighter on their person for the duration of the |
| the one piece of cabin baggage.Any gifts carried in | | | | flight - they must not be placed in hand luggage. |
| hand luggage must not be wrapped and must fit | | | | Cigarette lighters are not permitted in hand baggage |
| within your one bag entitlement. | | | | or about your person when travelling to/from/via the |
| Restrictions on liquids | | | | USA and specific Caribbean countries - Barbados and |
| Liquids, gels and aerosols can only be carried in | | | | Jamaica. |
| individual 100ml containers (larger containers, even if | | | | Pushchairs, walking aids and wheelchairs |
| only partially full, will be confiscated) and should fit | | | | These are permitted but will be security screened. |
| comfortably within a transparent, re-sealable bag | | | | Musical instruments |
| measuring a maximum of 20cm by 20cm, with a | | | | Large musical instruments that do not fit into the |
| capacity of no more than a litre. | | | | hand luggage bag are allowed as a second item of |
| Where possible, it is advisable to put all liquids, such | | | | cabin baggage but will be screened separately. |
| as water, drinks, creams, sprays, pastes and gels, in | | | | Passengers must check with their airlines as to |
| check-in luggage. Don't forget liquids include all | | | | whether special arrangements are required, such as |
| perfumes, sprays and pressurised containers including | | | | purchasing an extra seat for the instrument. |
| shaving foam and spray deodorants, mascara, soups, | | | | The above security restrictions have been in place |
| liquid foundation, toothpaste, hair and shower gel and | | | | for more than a year and it should be noted that if |
| sun cream. | | | | you pack banned substances which are confiscated |
| If you have any questions connected with cabin | | | | at the airport, you will not be compensated and |
| baggage they should be directed to Heathrow | | | | items are rarely returned. |
| Airport or your airline before you travel. | | | | |