The major London airport operates a two-bag policy – here’s what you should know
With people starting to think of the Easter holidays, many Brits will be preparing for sunny vacations overseas. However, before heading to Heathrow Airport, it is essential to familiarise yourself with its current policies and regulations.
It goes without saying that transporting flammable materials or hazardous items is strictly forbidden when flying from any airport. However, what might catch some travellers off guard is Heathrow’s baggage restrictions at its security checkpoints.
You may be surprised to know that the London-based airport enforces a ‘two-bag policy’ at its security point to avoid delays. This means passengers can only bring two pieces of hand baggage through the control area.
“To avoid delays, Heathrow operates a two-bag policy at airport security,” advice at the airport’s site reads, according to the Mirror. “Handbags and laptop bags count as a piece of hand baggage.”
As part of this rule, any item larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22in x 18in x 10in) must be checked in as hold luggage. Consequently, passengers are more likely to minimise their security tray usage, reducing delays for fellow travellers.
Beyond this, it’s also worth considering what should and shouldn’t go in your hand luggage. For example, only certain electronic devices are allowed on flights departing from the UK.
Whilst some airlines may impose different restrictions, the UK Government sets out nine key items you can pack in both your hand luggage and hold luggage:
- Hairdryers
- Straighteners
- Travel iron
- Electric shaver
- Most cameras
- Mobile phones
- Laptops
- Tablet devices
- MP3 players
Passengers using e-cigarettes must keep them in their hand luggage, not in checked baggage. During security screening, electronic devices should be placed in a separate tray, enabling security personnel to inspect them and confirm no banned items are concealed.
Heathrow Airport’s advice also adds: “Please ensure your electronic devices are charged. If they don’t switch on, you may not be allowed to take them onto the aircraft. Charging points are available throughout the airport.”
Meanwhile, many UK airports still require liquids to be packed inside a single transparent plastic bag when passing through security. Where these rules apply, each liquid container must hold a maximum of 100ml, and the plastic bag must be approximately 20cm x 20cm.
The Government’s website clarifies that all items should fit ‘comfortably inside the bag’ so that it can be sealed. To avoid complications, do not attempt to seal it by tying a knot at the top, as it will not be accepted.
Below is the UK Government’s complete list of items categorised as hand luggage liquids:
- Liquid or semi-liquid foods, for example, soup, jam, honey and syrups
- Any other solutions and items of similar consistency
- Sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants
- Contact lens solution
- Pastes, including toothpaste
- Gels, including hair and shower gel
- All drinks, including water
- Cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss
Solid products like deodorant sticks, soap bars, wet wipes, and lip balms are usually considered non-liquids. Therefore, they typically don’t require storage in the bag.
However, guidance for Heathrow Airport differs slightly. Online, the airport explains: “Liquids in containers up to two litres can remain in cabin bags and be taken through security in all terminals (T2, T3, T4 and T5). Remember refillable metal or double walled containers must be emptied but these can be refilled once through security.”
For more information, head to Heathrow Airport’s website here.
