Heathrow Security Information

Heathrow Airport has a massive security force and its security measures are regularly updated keeping in view the Government advice and the level of threat alert provided by the Intelligence agencies.

Enhanced security measures may also result into longer check in time than it normally takes. It is strictly advised that you arrive at the airport much before your flight is scheduled or you may miss it.

• For Long haul flights you should check in around 3 hours prior to your flights schedule.
• If boarding any European flight, make sure you check in around 2 hours before.
• You can board any domestic flight keeping a time gap of around 90 minutes.

There are many questions that pop up in the mind while one plans to travel abroad. The security factor is one the most important factor which might even make you leave your important handbag even if you are not following the guidelines at the Heathrow Airport. Let us share some important guidelines:-

What all can you take along?

• Any item of luggage which does not fit into the permitted baggage size must be checked in order to place it in the hold of aircraft.
• Any music instrument, which is not fitting the baggage size is also allowed but as a second item of baggage. This will be screened by the security and further a passenger can check if any special arrangement can be made to keep large instruments.
• If you are carrying a laptop along with you, it has to be removed from the baggage at the airport and get screened separately in the trays which are provided. A laptop bag is counted as one item that is allowed in the cabin.
• Walking Aids, wheelchairs and pushchairs are allowed but they will have to be screened for the security measures.

How much can you carry?

Cabin baggage which you wish to carry along must match the following guidelines:-

• 56 centimetres tall (22 inches)
• 45 centimetres wide (17.7 inches)
• 25 centimetres deep (10 inches)

How many baggages can I carry?

Passengers are now allowed to carry more than one item through the security. Make sure you check this with your airlines as some of the airlines only allow you to carry one item of hand baggage where weight and size of the baggage may differ as well.

Duty Free and Departure Lounge Purchases

You are allowed to take on board liquid items of any size which you bought after the security check. Most of the duty free or similar items will be provided to you in a sealed baggage. Make sure you do not open this bag until you reach your destination as this ensures your proof of identity throughout your journey and you might also be required to specify it at a transfer point as well.

Airlines and Airports may have other additional measures in place as well. Passengers are strongly recommended to check the website of their carrier or airport before travelling.

Liquids

If you are carrying any material that contains liquid make sure you follow these guidelines.

Some liquids like lotions, perfumes, gels, cosmetics, pastes or any other item are now allowed through airport security check points. There are few restrictions as well to the quantity of liquids:

• Liquids may be carried in those containers having maximum capacity 100 ml.
• The liquid in the containers must be brought to the airport in a single, transparent, re-sealable plastic bag whose maximum capacity is 1Litres. The bag must be sealed properly.
• Each passenger is allowed to carry only one such bag of liquids. This bag must be presented for screening as well as examination at the security check.

Liquids which can’t be placed inside the re-sealable bag must be packed into the hold luggage.

Please note 'Liquids' term include following items:

• All the drinks including water, soup and syrups.
• Various items like cosmetic creams are allowed as well.
• Sprays & pressurized containers which also include shaving foam & spray deodorants.
• Toothpastes or any such pastes or ointments.
• Hair gels or shower gels or any other items of similar consistency.

Medicines

Important medicines are also permitted above the 100ml limit. It is dependent upon the authentication of the security. Exceptions may also be made for those passengers who wish to carry baby food and milk. You might be asked to taste the liquid with you as a part of the security check.

Restricted Items

There are number of items which are not allowed to be taken in along. Some of them are as follows:-

• Scissors
• Razor blades, Razors that have the blade set into a plastic moulding are allowed except the razors that can be opened and the razor blade removed are strictly prohibited.
• Pen knife or knives with any length blade are completely restricted.

Sports item and other items like billiards sticks etc are not allowed.