Heathrow Airport has provided essential tips for passengers planning to fly soon. Travellers are urged to adhere to four important steps prior to passing through security to minimise time and inconvenience.
“Flying soon?” the London-based airport asked in an X post today. “Here are some useful tips to help prepare you when going through security at Heathrow: Liquids under 100ml and in a clear bag, Place electronic devices in a separate tray, Limit your hand luggage, Keep security trays to a minimum.”
If you’re curious about what qualifies as a liquid or an electronic device and how to minimise your luggage, don’t worry. MyLondon has explored these tips and highlighted essential dos and don’ts.
1. The 100ml rule
Understanding the rules regarding liquids in aeroplane carry-on luggage may seem simple, yet certain regulations might catch you off guard. When carrying liquids in hand luggage, most UK airports, including Heathrow, mandate that each container must not exceed 100ml.
All containers must fit into one transparent plastic bag, roughly 20cm x 20cm. According to the Government’s website, all items should fit ‘comfortably inside the bag’ to allow it to be sealed. To prevent issues, refrain from sealing it with a knot at the top, as this will lead to rejection.
The UK Government’s complete list of what’s considered hand luggage liquid is below:
- Liquid or semi-liquid foods, for example, soup, jam, honey and syrups
- Any other solutions and items of similar consistency
- Sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants
- Contact lens solution
- Pastes, including toothpaste
- Gels, including hair and shower gel
- All drinks, including water
- Cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss
Items like solid deodorant sticks, soap bars, wet wipes, and lip balms are usually categorised as non-liquids. Consequently, they typically don’t require bag storage.
Guidance from Heathrow Airport adds: “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.
“…Liquids in containers over 100ml will not be permitted through security – please pack them in your hold baggage instead.”
2. Heathrow’s two-bag policy
At Heathrow Airport, a ‘two-bag policy’ is implemented at security to prevent delays. Passengers are allowed to bring only two pieces of hand luggage into the control area.
Items exceeding 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22in x 18in x 10in) must be checked as hold luggage, as per the airport’s policy. Additionally, it specifies: “Handbags and laptop bags count as a piece of hand baggage.”
By following the two-bag rule, passengers can also minimise the number of security trays they use.
3. Electronic devices
The UK Government’s guidance specifies that only certain electronic items are permitted in hand luggage on flights departing from the UK.
Though restrictions may vary by airline, here are nine devices you can carry in both your hand and hold luggage:
- Hairdryers
- Straighteners
- Travel iron
- Electric shaver
- Most cameras
- Mobile phones
- Laptops
- Tablet devices
- MP3 players
Importantly, passengers using e-cigarettes must carry them in hand luggage, not checked luggage. By putting these electronic devices in a specific tray at security, staff can easily see and check for any hidden prohibited items.
4. Security trays
Keeping the number of security trays you use to a minimum can help yourself and other passengers get through security more quickly.
Heathrow Airport’s advice also adds: “Please ensure your electronic devices are charged. If they don’t switch on, you may not be allowed to take them on to the aircraft. Charging points are available throughout the airport.”
Heathrow Airport’s advice also adds: “Please ensure your electronic devices are charged. If they don’t switch on, you may not be allowed to take them on to the aircraft. Charging points are available throughout the airport.”
