Passengers are reminded that heightened security restrictions are in operation at all UK airports. All passengers are subject to hand baggage restrictions and are asked to be patient while these additional security measures are in place. Please arrive at the airport early, prepared for the security restrictions.

Passengers can now carry a limited quantity of liquids, ie. gels, lotions, pastes, liquid cosmetics, foams and foodstuffs, in their hand baggage when going through airport security checkpoints.

To ease your journey, we suggest that most items are placed in your hold baggage and only items of value or that you require whilst on board the aircraft are carried in your hand baggage.

The following information will help you prepare for your journey. More detailed guidance, including advice on travelling with medicines and baby milk/food, can be found on the British Airports Authority (BAA) website.

Hand baggage restrictions

From January 2008, the one-bag restriction has been lifted at six of BAA's seven UK airports, with Gatwick following later in 2008. However, a number of airlines will continue to restrict the number of bags which can be carried in to the cabin. Please check our table of major airlines.

The maximum size of hand baggage is:

• 56 centimetres tall (approximately 22 inches)
• 45 centimetres wide (approximately 17.7 inches)
• 25 centimetres deep (approximately 10 inches)

through the airport security search point. Please note, this is the maximum bag size allowed through security. Smaller bag sizes may apply depending on which airline you travel with. Contact your airline or visit the specific airport website for further information (see links on left).

Other bags, such as handbags, may be carried WITHIN the single item of cabin baggage, not in addition. All items carried by passengers will be X-ray screened. Cameras, (including digital, small electrical items such as mobile phones, MP3 players and game consoles can remain in the bag for screening. However, all laptops and large electrical items must be removed from the bag and placed in a separate tray.

Travelling with liquids

You are strongly advised to pack any liquids that you don’t need whilst on board the aircraft in your hold baggage. However, if you do need to travel with liquids, please be aware of the following restrictions which apply to all liquids you wish to carry through an airport security checkpoint:

• All liquids must be in individual containers not greater than 100ml capacity. They must be placed in one transparent re-sealable transparent bag, no larger than 20cm x 20cm (8" x 8") in size, and fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be fastened closed. (These bags can usually be provided by airport staff.)
• Only one bag per passenger is allowed. The bag must be clear and re-sealable, such as ‘ziplock’ bags or bags with pressable seals. Larger bags or bags that are not sealable, such as fold-over sandwich bags are not allowed
• Each passenger must remove their clear plastic bag from their hand baggage and place it in on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening
• Liquids in containers of more than 100ml capacity can be packed in your hold baggage
• Exemptions to the liquids rule applies for liquid medicine or baby milk/food