Here is a selection of Frequently Asked Questions, made up of genuine enquiries received over the past few months:

• Bag size and volume
• Transparent re-sealable bag
• Foodstuffs
• Contact lenses
• Toiletries
• Phones, cameras, electrical items
• Sharp items
• General
• Medicines
• Families/babies
• Exceptional Items
• Shopping after security
• Connections and transfers
• Security Control

What if my bag is bigger, but because it’s not full, it can be squashed down?

That should be fine – if it can fit into the test boxes around the airport, you will be able to carry it through. But be sure not to overfill the bag so that it will not fit in the gauge.

What if I am travelling with someone – can we carry one bigger bag between us?

No, I am sorry, all bags must be of the regulation size or less.

Can I take a handbag and a piece of hand luggage?

Yes, but not yet at Stansted Airport, where the airlines continue to implement the 'one carry-on bag rule'. At Stansted, your handbag does count as the single item of hand baggage, unless you put it in your cabin bag.

Why are the bag sizes slightly smaller at  Southampton Airport and Stansted Airport?

Although the Government has set the maximum size, some airlines have decided on slightly smaller dimensions due to the limited space in the aircraft. The smaller bag sizes only apply to Flybe at Southampton and for easyJet and Ryanair at Stansted.

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How big can the transparent, resealable bag be?

Maximum size of 20cm x 20cm (8in x 8in).

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Can I take liquids in containers over 100ml?

Not in hand luggage, these have to be packed in your main baggage that you check-in to the aircraft hold.

What foodstuffs can I carry in my hand luggage? Can I take my wedding cake?

You can take most solid food, including wedding cake. Food in sauces or dishes that have a high liquid content will need to be in containers 100ml or less, and go into a transparent, resealable bag.

Following the recent outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease, it is now illegal to take some meat and dairy products abroad. To find out more, please visit the Defra website www.defra.gov.uk or call 0845 933 5577.

What about yoghurts or fruit juices?

Yes, but these need to be in containers 100ml or less, and have to go into your transparent, resealable bag.

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I wear disposable contact lenses. Can I carry spare sets in my hand baggage?

You may carry a couple of spare pairs in your hand baggage. The packages need to be sealed. Beyond that, you should pack in your hold luggage.

Can I take contact lens solution?

Yes. Contact lens solution must be in a container 100ml or less inside a transparent, resealable bag.

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Can I take my lipstick and deodorants on board?

Yes, you can take on board all solid cosmetics and so a standard lipstick would be acceptable as would solid deodorants. You can also take atomisers and cream in containers up to 100ml but these will need to go in a transparent resealable bag.

Can I buy cosmetics, toiletries and drinks after security?

Yes. If you are on a direct flight to your destination, you can "fly with everything you buy" after security. The exception is Australia where you cannot buy any liquids over 100ml. If in doubt, please ask a member of store staff.

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Can I take electrical items such as an MP3 player, a portable DVD player and a laptop?

Yes, there are no limitations on electrical items. It is just the size of the bag you carry them in. That also dictates the total amount you can carry. Be aware, though, that we will ask for items to be removed and screened separately.

Can I take my digital camera and mobile phone through security?

Yes, but please place these items in your hand luggage or your jacket so that they can go through the X-ray machine.

Can I carry spare batteries in my hand baggage for my electrical items, such as laptop, DVD player, digital camera and mobile phone?

Yes, you can.

Do the increased security measures affect camera film?

No, absolutely not. Independent tests undertaken by the British Photographers' Liaison Committee (BPLC), to establish the full and exact details of any potential film damage caused by baggage screening machines at airports, have given the all-clear to current hand-luggage x-ray inspection systems installed at BAA airports. Please see our website for further detail on this if you are carrying professional film ISO 800 or above.

Can I carry gas hair tongs in my hand baggage?

Yes you can but you are only allowed to carry the one gas cartridge that powers the appliance.

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Can I take a nail file on board?

You would be allowed to take an emery board but unfortunately you will be unable to take a metal nail file.

Can I take nail scissors?

No. Sharp or pointed items must not be carried in hand baggage and will be confiscated at security control. This includes knives, cutlery, tools, hiking poles, hypodermic needles (unless medical need can be proved), catapults, corkscrews, toy or replica guns, sporting bats or cues, darts and scissors. (Please note, scissors with rounded blades are permitted. Scissors with pointed blades up to 3cm are also permitted.)

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Can I take reading material with me?

Yes, you can carry on books and magazines, brought with you in your hand luggage, or purchased in the departure lounge.

Can I carry glass items on?

Yes.

Can crash helmets be carried through security?

Yes, providing they fit into your hand luggage, but most motorcycle helmets are unlikely to fit in a bag of this size.

Can I take my jewellery on board?

Yes, the only restriction here might be that some items could be categorised as ‘sharp objects’. If you have any doubts then please check the restrictions in this area.

Can I carry my house keys and car keys in my hand luggage (including the remote lock device)?

Yes, you may carry these either in your pocket (but remove them for screening at security) or in your hand baggage.

Can I now carry my glasses case with my glasses in them?

Yes.

What about umbrellas?
Large, golfing type umbrellas are not permitted as they exceed the baggage size set by the DfT. Folding or collapsible umbrellas that can fit within hand baggage can of course be carried. These items will be X-rayed.

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What quantities of liquid medication can I take with me?

Passengers are allowed to take essential medicines sufficient for the trip. Amounts under 100ml should be placed in a transparent, plastic bag, with other liquids. If the container is larger than 100ml this should be presented at security for x-ray inspection. There is no limit on the amount, however you may be asked to verify the liquid by tasting, or provide verification for the product, such as a doctor's letter.

I carry insulin and hypodermic needles. Is this allowed?

Yes, you are allowed to carry both the insulin and needles, if necessary for your trip.

I am concerned about the temperature of my medicine in the hold.

The hold areas of an aircraft have different temperatures and customers should speak to their airline to ensure the medication could be stored correctly. The airline may wish to have medicines verified by an airport pharmacist

I would like to carry some non-prescribed medicine in tablet form, such as paracetamol. May I do that?

Yes, you can. There is no limit to what you carry in tablet or pill form, whether it is prescribed medication or not.

Can I carry an EpiPen in my hand luggage?

Yes.

I am asthmatic, can I carry an inhaler?

Yes you can, but any spare canisters must be in your hold luggage.

I also have a spray, but for angina. Is this allowed?

Yes, you may carry esssential medicines for the trip. You may be asked to verify the item.

May I carry a blood pressure monitor in my hand luggage?

Yes, provided it fits into your hand luggage.

Can we take all of the tablets in our hand luggage, or must they go in the hold luggage? Obviously we will take enough for during the flight, and if I have read your website correctly, I can take water onto aircraft?

You will be allowed to take all of your tablets with you, in your hand luggage. As with other medicines it should be properly marked with a professionally printed label identifying the medication and manufacturer's name or pharmaceutical label. You can now take water through security providing the bottle is no bigger that 100mls. This should be placed in a transparent plastic bag.

My medication is in tablet form. Are they any restrictions around the amount I carry?

No, there are no restrictions.

Can I carry my homeopathic medication, which is in liquid form, in my hand luggage?

Yes, up to 100ml and if this is essential for the trip. Be aware that it will have to be screened by X-ray though.

We are transferring bone marrow and stem cells out of the country – can we carry them in our hand luggage?

The Anthony Nolan Trust should be notified and they in turn should fax the details to security.

I need to carry a liquid wig spray. Can I have this in my hand luggage?

Yes, up to 100ml, and it has to be presented in the transparent plastic bag.

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Am I allowed to take a baby-bag as well as my own cabin bag, if my child is sitting on my lap?

Yes, even though the baby does not have its own seat it has its own bag allowance. But do check other restrictions with your airline.

Am I allowed to take my child’s pushchair to the gate?

Yes, you are allowed to take pushchairs, prams and buggies to the gate. These items will need to be X-rayed, though, and so your child/children will have to be lifted out at security. The security officers may make further checks of the pushchair.

Am I allowed to take children’s puzzle books, games and stickers on board?

Yes, you are allowed to carry these in your hand luggage through security and you can also buy them in the departure lounge.

Can I take wet wipes on the plane?

Yes, you can carry wet wipes.

Can I take milk powder with me to make up a bottle of milk on the plane?

Yes, you can carry milk powder.

What about a bottle or carton of prepared milk or sterilized water, do they need to be a maximum of 100ml?

No, nor do they have to fit in the resealable bag. However, the amount must be sufficient for your trip only and you will be asked to taste the liquids by a security officer. There are no limits on powder formula and bottled water is available in shops after security and airlines can provide water during the flight.

Can you buy cartons of formula milk from the shops after security?

Yes. Boots sell Cow & Gate ready to drink formula in both 250ml and 500ml after security at Heathrow and Stansted. Every country which is implementing the new security arrangements has accepted that parents with babies should be able to carry sufficient baby food/milk for the journey, so "reasonable amounts" are exempted although you may be asked to taste them.

What happens if the baby can only tolerate non-dairy and needs Soya or rice milk?

As long as the milk is in a bottle and tasted by the accompanying adult at security that’s fine.

What about jars of baby food?

Any jars of baby food will be required to be opened and tasted, they do not need to go into the re-sealable bag.

What about pureed food in plastic pots or containers?

Any pots of baby food will be required to be opened and tasted; they do not need to go into the re-sealable bag.

Can we take baby car seats (for use on the plane) through security?

Yes, and they do not count as your single bag.

Can we carry sandwiches and crisps for the children?

Yes, crisps are fine and sandwiches with any type of filling are also permitted.

Can we carry children’s liquid ibuprofen and paracetamol in our hand luggage?

Yes, sufficient for the trip. You may need to test the liquid medicine by tasting it in front of security.

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Can I take my musical instrument on board?

Yes. In addition to the hand baggage allowance, one musical instrument in its case can be taken into the cabin. No items other than the instrument and its accessories can be carried in the case. They will be subject to x-ray screening. Some accessories such as percussion mallets or wire brushes for drums may not be allowed in your hand luggage though.

I have a hat box? Can I take it with me in the cabin?

Yes, but only if it fits within the dimensions. 

Can I carry my wedding dress on board?

Yes, but only if it fits within the dimensions and it would be your designated bag – so the likelihood is that for most wedding dresses taking it in the cabin would undoubtedly cause it to crease and crush as a “hanging bag” would exceed size limits. If it cannot fit, please contact your airline to discuss special arrangements for hold luggage.

How can you assure me that there will be no terrorists on my plane? I would also like to know what checks you make on all the staff working at the airport – how do you know there are no terrorists working in security? Or smuggling bombs on planes via the food that is put on to the planes?

The current state of heightened security in the UK is unprecedented, your concern is understandable regarding your flight. We are strictly regulated by the Department for Transport who have always had procedures in place for us to follow to ensure adequate aviation security. We have processes in place for searching and screening both passengers and their luggage prior to their entry to restricted areas – this also includes screening of the catering provisions.

In addition, there are stringent procedures for screening all our employees prior to joining the airport’s workforce. These procedures are constantly reviewed, especially in such situations as the current security alert.

I am going on a scuba-diving holiday. How do I transport equipment such as airtanks and CO2 cartridges for buoyancy aid?

Small non-toxic gas cylinders, for example those used for artificial limbs or in lifejackets, may be carried in the aircraft cabin or in hold baggage. You must check with your carrier as they must approve the carriage of such items. Remember that they must fit into your hand luggage if they are to be taken on to the aircraft. Air tanks for diving cannot be carried.

Can I carry sports equipment such as flippers and fishing tackle in my hand baggage?

Yes, but only if it fits within your bag dimensions. There are limitations on sharp objects and so you should double-check none of your equipment is covered by those restrictions. Fishing rods are not permitted.

Can I still padlock my hold luggage? Or does it have to be left open?

Yes, you can still padlock it, or use a combination lock. Luggage that is checked in the USA must either be left unlocked or locked with a special padlock approved by the TSA. Your carrier will be able to give you further details.

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Can I still buy and carry on my tax and duty-free goods?

Yes, absolutely (but to be clear, this is only with items purchased after security checks). Also, if you are flying within the EU you can have it stored until you come back using our Shopping Collection Service. Just ask any of the retailers at the till.

Can I buy water and food in the departure lounge to take on board the flight?

Yes. You can take water on board all flights, including flights to the USA.

Can I buy duty and tax-free goods if I am flying to the USA?

Yes. If you are on a direct flight to the USA, you can "fly with everything you buy" after security. If you are transferring within the USA or Canada you will need to place your purchases over 100ml in your hold baggage, which all passengers have to pick up before transferring to their next flight. Please speak to a member of store staff for details.

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I am transferring through your airport and I will have come from the USA. I understand that in the USA, I am now allowed to carry small amounts of liquid, such as toiletries, in a clear bag as part of my hand baggage. Is it the same at your airport?

Yes, but no container must be more than 100ml.

What about liquids if I am connecting from the EU?

If you are arriving from the EU, you can fly with all liquids purchased from your originating airport or on board your inbound flight, providing you have proof of purchase and the item was bought less than 24 hours previously.

What about liquids if I am connecting from outside of the EU?

If you are arriving from outside of the EU all liquids must be in individual containers not greater than 100ml capacity. They must be placed in one transparent, resealable bag, no larger than 20cm x 20cm (8in x 8in) in size, and fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be fastened closed.

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What do I need to do with my transparent resealable bag?

Have it ready for inspection at security. Ensure it is fastened closed and kept separate to your hand luggage.

What else can I do to help me go through security faster?

• 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 into a tray.
• Place your hand baggage into the tray.
• If you have liquids in containers of 100ml or less, you can put these into a clear resealable bag. These items should be placed alongside other items in your tray.
• If you have been asked to remove your shoes place these in the tray too.
• Place any large electrical goods into a tray.
• Any liquid/paste medicines in containers over 100ml may require verification at the security checkpoint.
• Place hand baggage onto the roller bed for x-ray.
• Go through the security archway when called forward by one of the security officers.

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