Major changes to hand luggage rules are coming into force after the Government announced an overhaul. From 2024, airports are being told to install new security technology that will result in travellers being able to carry on more than 100ml liquids at large airports. Other restrictions over electrical equipment will also be lifited.
There are different rules if you’re taking goods to sell or temporarily abroad for business reasons, for example sales samples, professional equipment or musical instruments for a performance. And it's important to note that airport security staff will not let anything through that they consider dangerous - even if it’s normally allowed in hand luggage.
Many airports are yet to implement these changes so passengers need to be aware of the rules that are still in place. Here's a rundown of hand luggage rules that passengers need to know about for 2023:
Bristol Aiport
Baggage rules vary between airlines, so the airport recommends checking before arriving. All cabin baggage will be X-ray screened. Pushchairs are subject to hand search and walking aids will be X-ray screened.
Taking liquids through security:
- There’s a 100 ml max rule for each liquid you take in your hand luggage.
- Place all your 100 ml containers in a single, transparent, reusable plastic bag and keep this separate from your hand luggage.
- Your clear bag should be no bigger than 20 cm by 20 cm and hold a maximum of 1 litre’s worth of liquids - you can pick one up at the security search area.
- Bear in mind that all gels, pastes, lotions, liquid-solid mixtures (including food) and pressurised containers also count as liquids.
- You’re allowed to take the medicines with you that you need to sustain you for your flight, plus a reasonable amount to cover any delays.
Find out more here.
Heathrow Airport
Heathrow operates a two-bag policy at airport security. Only two items of hand baggage may be taken through security control, and they must be no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22in x 18in x 10in). Items larger than this must be checked in as hold luggage – you can check your bag size using the gauges at check-in.
Only limited quantities of liquids may be carried through airport security into the departure lounge. This includes bottled drinks, suntan lotion, fragrances, cosmetics, toiletries and all frozen liquids at a limit of 100ml.
They must be carried separately in a single bag which is:
- Transparent and resealable
- No larger than 20cm x 20cm (8in x 8in)
- Able to close properly with all the items inside.
Find out more here.
Manchester Airport
If under 100ml and in a transparent re-sealable plasti c bag, passengers are permitted to take liquids, gels and pastes through security separately from their hand baggage.
Laptops and other electrical equipment (iPads, hairdryers, straighteners, large speakers, large cameras, docking stations, irons) have to be removed from hand luggage and screened separately. When travelling with a baby, you’re allowed to take enough baby food, baby milk and sterilised water for the journey. In some cases this will be over 100ml. And lipsticks, lip balms and stick deodorants are not classed as liquids.
Always check in any liquid over 100ml and if you're unsure whether an item will be allowed through, please always check it in with your hold luggage.
Liquids in containers larger than 100ml generally cannot go through security even if the container is only part full. There are some exemptions.
Find out more here.
Gatwick Airport
You are allowed just one piece of hand luggage and this must not exceed 56cm x 45cm x 25cm. Your hand luggage must not contain any prohibited items.
- You are allowed just one piece of hand luggage (with some exceptions) and this must not exceed 56cm x 45cm x 25cm. Most airlines do also allow passengers to carry a handbag too, but please check with your airline to make sure.
- Your hand luggage must not contain any prohibited items and these are listed below in the 'prohibited items' section.
- You may only carry small amounts of liquids, gels, creams and pastes. These must be in containers of 100ml or less and should be placed into one transparent, re-sealable, airtight bag (maximum size: 20cm x 20cm) which will be screened separately at security. You must make sure that all of the above items follow our guidelines in the section for 'guidance for specific items' below.
Find out more here.
Luton Airport
Passengers at Luton airport have to check with their airline on the amount of luggage they are allowed. The maximum size for hand luggage with most airlines is 56cm x 45cm x 25cm. Check with your airline if you are not sure.
Laptop computers count as one item of hand luggage. They should be removed from their case before you go through security.
Liquids, creams, gels, aerosols and pastes may be carried in hand luggage, but they must be in containers of 100ml or less. They must be carried through security in a transparent, resealable bag no larger than 20cm x 18cm. Only one bag of liquids is allowed per person.
Find out more here.
