The UK airport – which welcomed almost 90 million visitors last year – has posted a fresh reminder to passengers
Heathrow Airport has urged people to avoid simple mistakes and ensure they check a few things before they set off. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, the airport said simply that if you’re travelling soon, you need to check a number of important things before heading to the airport to avoid major problems.
It’s safe to say the airport is a busy one, so you need to be on the ball to allow for a smooth process. In their 2024 annual report, they revealed that “the scale of our business is extraordinary, having welcomed 83.9 million passengers in 2024.”They issued a simple 11-word message on X. It said: “Travelling soon? Here’s what to check before heading to the airport.”
In a check list of the five things you need to sort out in advance, they said you need to ensure you have done the following:
- Check in online or via your airline’s app
- Have your passport/ID ready
- Bring your flight booking confirmation
- Bring any travel documents your destination may need
- Remember 100ml rule for security check
When it comes to liquids, the rules may be a bit blurry to some. The airport confirms on their hand baggage and liquids page that “only limited quantities of liquids may be carried through airport security into the departure lounge.
“This includes bottled drinks, suntan lotion, fragrances, cosmetics, toiletries and all frozen liquids. The following restrictions apply to all liquids, creams, gels, pastes and aerosols taken through security control:
- Liquids may only be carried in containers holding 100ml or less.
- They must be carried separately in a single bag which is: Transparent and resealable No larger than 20cm x 20cm (8in x 8in) Able to close properly with all the items inside.
- At security control, place the bag in the tray with your other items.
- Liquids in containers over 100ml will not be permitted through security – please pack them in your hold baggage instead.
The following exceptions may be made to the 100ml rule:
- Baby food or baby milk: breast milk can be carried in the cabin; when it is stored in a clear, transparent container or bag. Flasks cannot be permitted. The volume of each container / bag should not exceed 2litres. Breast milk should be in a liquid format and not frozen. When travelling without an infant, only breast milk can be carried in quantities greater than 100ml: this does not apply to formula milk or other baby juice / food. Officials ask passengers to check with your airline as individual hand baggage allowance can vary.
- Liquid medicines: you are only permitted to carry quantities of liquid medication in excess of your personal liquid allowance where it is needed during the course of your flight. All medication should be accompanied by documentary proof of authenticity, such as a prescription or letter from a medical practitioner confirming that you need them for your journey. Liquid medication that is not required on the flight should be carried as hold luggage. Find out more about travelling with medicines.
Explosive or flammable liquids, and those that are considered toxic, are not permitted in either hand or hold luggage.
And if you’re wondering when to arrive, Heathrow Airport recommends arriving three hours before an international flight. However if you’re flying domestically, arrive two hours before.
