Over the last few years all UK airports have increased security measures. This includes changing the rules on what you may carry in hand luggage. In order to avoid delays you need to pack your families luggage carefully.
Since early 2010 there are no longer government maximum sizes set for hand luggage that’s carried on, but some airlines do still have rules so you need to check with the airline you’ve booked with to find these out.
Every piece of luggage must be screened. Laptops and other electrical items must be screened separately as must essential medical equipment, wheelchairs, pushchairs and other walking aids.
Specific rules apply to liquids carried in your hand luggage and it’s best to place most items that are counted as liquids in bags that will travel in the hold. Liquids are:
- All drinks.
- Cosmetics and toiletries (creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara, lipsticks).
- Sprays (hairspray, deodorant, shaving foam).
- Pastes (toothpaste).
- Gels – hair gel, shower gel).
- Contact lens solution.
- Any other items of a similar consistency.
The limits on carrying liquids in your hand luggage are as follows:
- No container may hold more than 100ml even if only partly filled.
- All containers should be placed together in a single clear re-sealable bag of approx 20x20cm.
- There must be no more than 1 litre of liquid total.
- Each passenger may carry only 1 bag containing such items.
- All bags of liquid items must be shown at security.
There are exceptions to these rules. Required medicine is allowed but must be accompanied by a medical statement saying you need it on the journey. Baby milk and baby food and sterilised water is allowed if you’ll need more than 100ml on the journey (including breast milk, formula, baby food or other milk designed specifically for baby use), Adults carrying this may be asked to taste test it themselves to prove what it is however. You can also carry larger quantities of liquids that are bought after you’ve gone through the security barriers as these undergo their own separate screening process, so if you want to carry on drinks for you and your family you will need to buy them at this point, but this also includes things like wines and spirits and perfumes you might purchase.
One of the best things to do is to divide items amongst family members to make sure that none of you break the rules and to help you to carry as much as you may require in your hand luggage. This makes it much easier than if you try to pack everything in your own luggage for the whole family as the rules are per person.
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