| Scissors | Razor blades |
| Knives with blades of any length | Household cutlery |
|---|---|
| Tweezers | Hypodermic needles (unless required for medical reasons) |
| Tools | Catapults/slingshots |
| Knitting needles | Sporting bats |
| Billiard, snooker or pool cues | Darts |
| Toy or replica guns (metal or plastic) |
Heathrow Airport Security Information
Enhanced security measures mean that checking in can take longer than it used to. It is advised that you arrive at the airport in plenty of time:
- Long-haul flights - check in 3 hours prior to departure
- European flights - check in 2 hours prior to departure
- Domestic flights - check in 90 minutes prior to departure
Hand Luggage
Passengers are requested to be patient while additional security measures are in place, allow extra time for their journey and be prepared for possible delays.
How Many?
Passengers are now permitted to carry more than one item of hand luggage through security. You will, however, need to check with your airline before arrival at the airport. Some airlines will only allow you to carry one item of hand baggage, and the weight and size allowances differ between airlines.
How Much?
Cabin baggage must be no bigger, including wheels, handles and any side pockets, than:
- 56 centimetres tall (22 inches)
- 45 centimetres wide (17.7 inches)
- 25 centimetres deep (10 inches)
Check with your airline as some have further restrictions on the size of bags.
What's Allowed?
- All items of luggage which do not fit in the permitted cabin baggage size must be checked in to be placed in the aircraft hold.
- Musical instruments which do not fit in the permitted cabin baggage size are allowed as a second item of cabin baggage; they will need to be screened and passengers should check with their airlines if special arrangements (e.g. purchasing an extra seat) for these large instruments will be required.
- Laptops will need to be removed from your bag at Heathrow Airport and screened separately in the trays provided. A laptop bag will be regarded as your one item that is allowed in the cabin.
- Pushchairs, walking aids and wheelchairs are permitted but will be screened.
Liquids
Some liquids (e.g. gels, lotions, pastes, liquid cosmetics, foams and other liquid-based items) are now allowed through airport security check points. The following restrictions apply to the quantity of liquids:
Liquids that can not be placed inside the re-sealable bag must be packed into the hold luggage and checked in. Liquids of any amount can still be carried in luggage checked into the aircraft hold.
Please note 'Liquids' include:
- All drinks, including water, soup, syrups
- Creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, lip gloss or lip balms, mascara etc.
- Sprays and pressurized containers including shaving foam and spray deodorants
- Pastes, including toothpastes
- Gels, including hair and shower gel
- Any other solutions and items of similar consistency
Medicines
Essential medicines are permitted in larger quantities above the 100ml limit but will be subject to authentication. Exceptions to the 100ml rule may also be made for those carrying baby food and milk, but you may be asked to taste the liquid when you go through security.
Duty Free and Departure Lounge Purchases
You may take on board liquid items of any size that are purchased after the security check in the departure lounge. Most duty free or similar purchases will be given to you in a special sealed bag - do not open this bag until you have reached your final destination. You should also retain your proof of purchase throughout your journey as you may be required to show it at a transfer point.
**Please note restrictions apply to duty free purchases made on return journeys where passengers change flights at an EU airport. These are explained in detail on the Department for Transport's website.
These are the requirements set down by the Department for Transport. Airlines and Airports may have additional measures in place. Passengers are strongly advised to check the website of their carrier or airport before travelling.
Christmas Presents
Wrapped Christmas presents are not exempt from the current aviation security measures, and are subject to searching and screening measures by airport security staff when flying from the UK. It is possible that passengers may be asked to unwrap any presents by security staff at the airport before their journey. Therefore, passengers should travel with any presents unwrapped.
Presents in liquid form (e.g. perfume, toiletries or alcohol) can be carried in cabin baggage but this is subject to the current measures. It would therefore be advisable to place such presents - unwrapped - in hold baggage. Liquids of any amount can still be stored in hold baggage.
Restricted Items
You should always check the exact hand luggage restrictions with your airline prior to packing. Widely restricted items include:
Prohibited Items
If items are confiscated at security control, you will not be compensated and, with the exception of unusual circumstances, the confiscated items will not be returned.
Syringes that are needed for diabetics and other medical reasons will only be allowed in hand luggage if you can prove the medical necessity. You may wish to phone the airline in advance to find out what they require as proof of your medical condition.
Banned Items
In addition to the restrictions on what is allowed in hand luggage, there are a number of items that must not be taken on board an aircraft, either as hand luggage or in the hold. Do not pack the following anywhere in your carry on or check in luggage:
Prohibited Items
| Flammable liquids and solids | Oxidisers |
| Organic peroxides | Gas cylinders |
|---|---|
| Infectious substances | Wet car cell batteries |
| Instruments containing magnets | Instruments containing mercury |
| Magnetrons | Fireworks |
| Non-safety matches, fire lighters, lighter fuel | Paints, thinners |
| Poisons, arsenic, cyanide, weedkiller | Acids, corrosives, alkalis, caustic soda |
| Creosote, quicklime, oiled paper | Radioactive materials |