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New Airport Security Measures

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New Airport Security Measures

Following recent police action, security at all UK Airport has been greatly increased and additional security measures have been put in place for all flights

These measures were relaxed to some degree on 15 Aug 2006 Please use the following as guidance and check with your airline for the latest information.

The following new arrangements apply to all passengers starting their journey at UK Airports.

These are general guidelines and may vary from slightly in different airports. We advice you to check with your airline and ask 6them how much time you should allow for these additional security measures.

Only passengers are being allowed into some airports check with individual airports.

These measures are in addition to the standard security measures such as no sharp objects scissors etc.

Cabin baggage


  • Cabin baggage is now allowed but additional restrictions on what it can hold are still in place
  • Size restristions of cabin baggage are being enforced to a high degree that a month ago, basically the size of a normal laptop bag

Not allowed Carry on items


  • Any liquids. Note water & soft drinks can be purchased after security checks but can not be taken on flights to USA
  • Exceptions:
    • If travelling with a baby, Babies milk, you will be asked to drink some.
    • Prescription medicines. These must be verified as authentic.
    • Liquids include water, toiletries including toothpaste, Contact lens solutions
  • Nothing allowed in pockets
  • Specticle cases
  • Items in packets
  • Electronic items, electronic fobs e.g. car locks, flash cameras

Allowed items


Passengers may take through the Airport security search point, in a single, transparent, sealable, plastic bag, only the following items.
Nothing may be carried in pockets:

  • Items purchased after the security check point but no liquids if going to USA
  • Pocket size wallets and pocket size purses plus contents (for example money, credit cards, identity cards etc (not handbags));
  • Travel documents essential for the journey (for example passports and travel tickets);
  • Prescription medicines and medical items sufficient and essential for the flight (e.g. diabetic kit), except in liquid form unless verified as authentic.
  • Spectacles and sunglasses, without cases.
  • Contact lens holders, without bottles of solution.
  • For those travelling with an infant: baby food, milk (the contents of each bottle must be tasted by the accompanying passenger) and sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight (nappies, wipes, creams and nappy disposal bags).
  • Female sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight, if unboxed (e.g. tampons, pads, towels and wipes).
  • Tissues (unboxed) and/or handkerchiefs
  • Keys (but no electrical key fobs)

All passengers must be hand searched, and their footwear and all the items they are carrying must be x ray screened.
* Pushchairs and walking aids must be x ray screened, and only airport provided wheelchairs may pass through the screening point.

There are no changes to current hold baggage security measures.

Extra time required


Passengers are being asked to allow themselves plenty of extra time and to ensure that other than the few permitted items listed above; all their belongings are placed in their hold baggage and checked in.

These additional security measures will make travel more difficult for passengers, particularly at such a busy time of the year. But they are necessary and will continue to keep flights properly secure. We hope that these measures, which are being kept under review by the Government, will need to be in place for a limited period only. In light of the threat to aviation and the need to respond to it, we are asking the travelling public to be patient and understanding and to cooperate fully with airport security staff and the police.

If passengers have any questions on their travel arrangements or security in place at UK Airports they should contact their airline or carrier.