Top travel tips

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Top travel tips

Hand baggage restrictions
Travelling with liquids
Passports and visas
Photocopies of important documents
Foreign currency
Self service check-in
Health and medical
Safety in the sun
Flying without fear
Travelling to and from the airport
Essential luggage
Illegal food imports
Photographic film

Hand baggage restrictions

Cabin baggage must be no larger than:

56cm (22in) tall
45cm (17.7in) wide
25cm (10in) deep

Please note, this is the maximum bag size allowed through security. Smaller bag sizes may apply depending on which airline you travel with. More detailed information about hand baggage restrictions is available in our Safety and Security section.

Travelling with liquids

We strongly advise you to pack any liquids that you don’t need whilst onboard 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 bag, no larger than 20cm x 20cm (8" x 8") in size, and fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be fastened closed.
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 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.

More information about travelling with liquids is available in our Safety and Security section.

Passports and visas

If you are travelling internationally, a valid passport is normally required. For some countries, your passport will need to be valid for at least six months after your intended return and you may also need a visa. Visit our Destination Guides pages for country-by-country information.

Photocopies of important documents

Have photocopies of all important documents (tickets, passport, visas, European Health Card (EHIC), travel insurance, driving licence, etc) and make sure they are kept separate from the originals. If there are two or more people in your party you could exchange photocopies to minimise the chance of losing all documentation. If your passport is lost or stolen you must report it to the UK Passport Service by calling their Adviceline on 0870 521 0410.

Foreign currency

Whilst most places accept credit and debit cards, cash is still the best way to pay for small items like taxis, snacks and tips. Why not pre-order your commission-free foreign currency with BAA Advance by calling 0870 850 2825 (+44 (0)121 410 5228 from outside the UK). You can also pre-order foreign currency and travellers cheques online, for collection at Heathrow.

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Self-service check-in

Plan your time at the airport, beat the queues and select your seat. Depending on where you’re flying from, the airline you’re flying with, your ticket type and your destination; you may be able to check in online or use one of the self-service kiosks at the airport. Find out more about the self-service check-in options at your departure airport.

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Health and medical

If you are in any doubt about travelling with an illness or medical condition you should consult your doctor. If you are on prescribed medication take enough with you for the duration of your trip, as it may not be easy or economical to get a repeat prescription for the same medication whilst you are overseas.

Be SunSmart in the Summer Sun

BAA is supporting Cancer Research UK's SunSmart campaign by promoting the SunSmart code to passengers so they can follow the messages whilst on holiday.

Those most at risk are people with fair skin, lots of moles or freckles or a family history of skin cancer. Know your skin type and use the UV Index to find out when you need to protect yourself. The SunSmart code is simple to follow, just remember be SMART:

Spend time in the shade between 11:00 - 15:00*
Make sure you never burn
Aim to cover up with a t-shirt, hat and sunglasses
Remember to take extra care with children
Then use factor 15+

Also…report mole changes or unusual skin growths promptly to your doctor.

Find out more about sun protection at www.sunsmart.org.uk

* Some countries peak UV times (when the sun's UV rays are strongest) may be later than 15:00, so check local sources.

The name and logo of Cancer Research UK and the SunSmart mark are the trademarks of Cancer Research UK and may not be used without the prior written consent of Cancer Research UK.

Registered charity no. 1089464

Flying without fear

Overcome your fear of flying by signing up on one of Virgin Atlantic's 'Flying Without Fear' programmes. The one-day course is run by professional trainers who will help you all the way to boarding a plane and actually going on a short flight. The courses are held at Heathrow, Gatwick, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Southampton, for more details or to book call +44 (0)1423 714 900.

British Airways also offer courses through Aviatours at Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh and Southampton. For more information call +44 (0)1252 7930 250.

Travelling to and from the airport

You can use our website to plan your journey to the airport – just select the To and from our Airport button at the top of the page and you will find details of all the transport options available. You can even guarantee a parking space by booking online with BAA Advance. Remember to make a contingency plan for your journey to the airport just in case there are any road or rail delays.

Essential luggage

Don’t forget to pack adaptors, battery charger, first aid kit, phrase book, insect repellent and suntan lotion if appropriate for your destination. If there's anything you've forgotten to include, don't worry, you'll find most travel essentials on sale at one of our airport shops

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Illegal food imports

If you're travelling outside of the EU, you need to know which foods you can and can't bring back into the UK. Products such as meat, dairy, fish, and shellfish as well as certain plants and vegetables are prohibited and if found, will be seized and you will face severe delays, may face a fine and even prosecution. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is aiming to reduce the risk of exotic animal diseases, plant pests and diseases entering the country, which threaten our public health, livestock, agriculture and horticultural industries and the environment. Find out more

Photographic film

Even in this digital age it is always worth stocking up on film and virtually all types are available from the airport and better still, at tax-free prices. You needn't worry either about film going through the x-ray machines as all standard types should be unaffected. For further information, please visit our Advice for Photographers page.