Security at Heathrow Airport

Security

Heightened security measures remain in place at all UK airports. You are advised to arrive at the airport no later than your check-in time to allow plenty of time for security screening.

Hand baggage restrictions

Heathrow has now relaxed the one bag rule. You may now take more than one item of hand baggage through security control. Generally, airlines will allow a bag and a camera/video bag or briefcase.

Cabin baggage must be no larger than:
• 56cm (22in) tall
• 45cm (17.7in) wide
• 25cm (10in) deep.

All items carried will be X-ray screened.

You no longer need to remove your laptop from your bag at Heathrow Airport.

• Put all small items like keys, coins, mobile phones into your coat or hand baggage and place these in a tray.

• Place your hand baggage in the tray.

• If you have liquids in containers of 100ml or less, put them into a clear resealable bag and place them alongside other items in your tray.

• Pushchairs and walking aids will be X-ray screened.

• Wheelchairs will be thoroughly searched.

To save time, we advise you to place only valuables and items you need for the flight into your hand baggage.

Travelling with liquids - 100ml rule

Only limited quantities of liquids may be carried through security control as hand baggage. This includes bottled drinks, suntan lotion, fragrances, cosmetics and toiletries.
The following restrictions apply to all liquids, creams, gels, pastes and aerosols taken through security control:

• Liquid items may only be carried in containers holding up to 100ml.
• They must be carried separately in a single transparent, resealable plastic bag.
• The bag must be no larger than 20cm x 20cm (8in x 8in) and all items must fit inside so that it closes properly.
• At security control the bag must be placed separately on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Liquid items larger than 100ml should be packed in your hold luggage - otherwise they will be confiscated.

Exceptions to the 100ml rule can be made for baby food or milk. However, you should only carry what you need for the flight, and you will be asked to taste these items at security control.
Exceptions may also be made for medicines. However, you may be asked to taste any liquid medicines, or to provide evidence (such as a doctor's letter) that you need them for your journey

Prohibited items

Sharp or pointed items must not be carried in hand baggage and will be confiscated at security control.
This includes knives, razor blades, cutlery, tools, hiking poles, hypodermic needles (unless medical necessity can be proved), catapults, corkscrews, toy or replica guns, sporting bats or cues and darts.

Scissors with rounded blades, and those with pointed blades up to 3cm, are permitted.

Christmas crackers, party poppers, cigarette lighters and non-safety matches may not be carried in either cabin or hold baggage.

You may carry one disposable butane-fuelled lighter on your person. However, petrol-fuelled (eg Zippo) lighters cannot be carried on board an aircraft at all.

Shopping at the airport

Anything you buy after security control can be taken on board the aircraft, including bottled drinks, fragrances and cosmetics in sizes over 100ml.
If you will be flying via another country, please remember to check the rules for that country too, as you will need to pass through airport security ahead of your connecting flight.