Since September 11th 2001, airport security across the world has been tightened, amidst fears of similar attacks happening. In the UK, travellers are advised to get to the airport in good time, to allow time for the extra checks that may happen.
The government currently advises the following time allowances for travel from UK airports:
- · Domestic flights – allow up to one and a half hours
- · European flights – allow two hours
- · Long-haul flights – allow three hoursOf course, the amount of waiting time you are likely to experience will vary depending on your airport, as well as the time of day (and indeed year) that you are flying.
Hand Baggage
In light of recent security concerns, the rules about what you can and cannot take on a flight has become more stringent. It is important to be aware of these rules when travelling, to avoid unnecessary delays to your journey.
Size – Currently, both hand baggage, and hold baggage, of any size must be screened at airport security. There is no longer a legal maximum size requirement for hand baggage, but your airport and airline will have their own size restrictions, as well as maximum number of bags, that you must check before packing.
Medical Equipment – If it is essential that you have medication with you whilst you travel, then this is permissible. However, do expect this to be screened at airport security separately and you must have documentation to prove that it is needed, for example a letter from your doctor.
Electrical Items – Laptops, hairdryers and other electrical items are allowed in hand baggage, but you will need to remove them so that they can be screened separately during the security checks.
Musical Instruments – Each airline will have its own policy regarding the taking of musical instruments as hand baggage. You may need to purchase and extra seat for the instrument and it will need to be screened separately.
Other Items – Pushchairs and wheelchairs will be allowed on board the aeroplane, in most circumstances, but they will need to be separately screened prior to boarding.
Liquids – Passengers are advised to try to take most liquids in hold, rather than hand, baggage as there are restrictions on how much you can take. The definition of ‘liquids’, according to airport security, is rather broad. It includes all drinks, soup and syrups; all cosmetics and toiletries, including make-up; all sprays, including shaving foam and deodorant; pastes; gels; lighters (one per person allowed – they must be kept on you at all times); contact lens solution and “any other solutions and items of similar consistency”.
If passengers do need to access particular liquids whilst on the aeroplane, then there are strict limits about the amount that can be brought on board and how it must be stored. Official government instructions state:
- The maximum amount of liquid that a single container can hold is 100ml
- All containers must be held inside a single re-sealable bag – only one per passenger is allowed.
- The bag must be made of transparent plastic and be of less than a litre capacity
- It should measure approximately 20x20cm and the top of the bag must not be knotted or tied
- The contents must “fit comfortably” inside the bag, allowing it to be sealed
- Be prepared to present the bag for inspection airport security
- Any containers, even if only partly fully, with a capacity of more than 100ml, will not be passed through security. This does not include essential medication that needs to be with you on the flight, but you will need a letter from your doctor confirming that this is the case. Larger supplies of medication must be stored inside hold baggage, not taken in the cabin.
The only exception to the 100ml rule is for baby food, baby milk and sterilised water for babies’ bottles, as you can take enough for the whole journey. This includes soya milk for babies, as well as formula, breast or cow’s milk. Do note that the sterilised water must be stored in a baby bottle and that you may be asked to taste it, as you go through airport security.
Once you have passed through security, you can take any liquids you subsequently buy into the cabin with you. This might include, for example, alcohol or perfume.
Security Procedures at an Airport
Security staff at the airport will ask you if you have packed your own bags. You should always be able to answer ‘yes’ to this question – never be tempted to take something onto a flight on behalf of another person. Tell a member of staff without delay if you believe someone might have placed something into your baggage without you knowing.
At security, you will be asked to present your bag of liquids for screening. Any large electrical items will also be screened and any other items that the security team see fit. You may also be asked to hand over your coat, or shoes. Full body scanners are used at some airports and sniffer dogs may also be seen.
A full list of what can and cannot be taken as hand or hold baggage is published on the government’s own website at www.direct.gov.uk.