The London-based airport shared some crucial advice on X, formerly Twitter, earlier today
Heathrow Airport has shared some key guidance for anyone planning to fly with them soon. Travellers are encouraged to follow four key steps before going through security to save time and hassle.
“Flying soon?” the London-based airport asked in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “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 wondering what ‘counts’ as a liquid, electronic device and how luggage can be kept to a minimum, fear not. The Mirror has further delved into these tips, highlighting some crucial dos and don’ts.
1. The 100ml rule
Grasping the criteria for liquids in aeroplane carry-on luggage might appear straightforward, but specific rules could surprise you. When bringing liquids in hand luggage, most UK airports – including Heathrow – require that each container hold a maximum of 100ml.
All containers must also fit into a single transparent plastic bag, approximately 20cm x 20cm in size. The Government’s website clarifies that all items should fit ‘comfortably inside the bag’ so that it can be sealed.
To avoid complications, do not attempt to seal it by tying a knot at the top, as it will not be accepted.
The UK Government’s complete list of what’s considered hand luggage liquid is below:
- 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
- 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
Products such as solid deodorant sticks, bars of soap, wet wipes, and lip balms are typically classified as non-liquids. As a result, they generally do not need to be stored in the bag.
Advice 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
Heathrow Airport enforces a ‘two-bag policy’ at its security point to avoid delays. Only two hand baggage items must be taken through the control area.
Any items larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22in x 18in x 10in) must be checked in as hold luggage, according to the airport’s guidance. It also stresses: “Handbags and laptop bags count as a piece of hand baggage.”
By adhering to the two-bag rule, passengers are better positioned to keep the security trays they use to a minimum, too.
3. Electronic devices
Guidance from the UK Government highlights that only specific electronic devices are allowed on flights and within hand luggage when travelling from the UK.
While some airlines might have different restrictions, these are nine key items you can take in both your hand luggage and hold luggage:
- Mobile phones
- Laptops
- Tablet devices
- MP3 players
- Hairdryers
- Straighteners
- Travel iron
- Electric shaver
- Most cameras
Crucially, any passengers who use e-cigarettes should transport these in their hand luggage, not hold luggage. Placing electronic devices in a specific tray during security checks ensures that staff can easily see and confirm that no prohibited items are concealed.
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.”