Latest Flight Advice - airport security and handluggage

20 March 2008

The Department for Transport has issued the following advice for passengers flying from or transferring between flights in the UK.

Please note : From22nd September 2006 the size of the bag has increased and musical instruments are allowed.
From 6th November 2006 there are changes to liquids permitted in hand luggage.
From 7th January 2008 some the Department for Transport has approved new security arrangements at a number of airports in the UK. This means that at these airports the restriction previously imposed limiting hand baggage to one item per person will no longer apply. However, airlines apply their own operational policies governing the number of items of hand baggage which may be taken in to the aircraft cabin.
Before departing we strongly suggest you check with your airline on the cabin baggage arrangements for your particular journey.
Airports where the one bag restriction no longer applies are:

Aberdeen
Benbecula
Birmingham
Cambridge
Cardiff
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Heathrow
Inverness
Islay
Kirkwall
London City
Manchester
Plymouth
Prestwick
Southampton
Southend
Stansted
Stornoway
Sumburgh
Wick
If you are flying from an airport not listed above then the following will still apply. You will be permitted one item of hand luggage, which must not exceed the following dimensions:

Maximum length - 56cm (previously 45cm)

Maximum width - 45cm (previously 35cm)

Maximum depth - 25cm (previously 16cm)These measurements include all handles, wheels, pockets etc.Handbags are permitted ,but are to be carried within the single item of hand luggage.
All items will be x ray screened.

From 6th November 2006 - liquids, gels and pastes of 100mls or less are permitted in your hand luggage.
Any such items must be contained within a plastic, resealable wallet and removed from your hand luggage to be separately x ray screened.
The plastic wallet must not exceed 1 litre capacity, which is about the size of an A4 piece of paper.
The bag must also be sealable and uncluttered to allow security officers to carry out checks.You will still be allowed:

Prescription medication essential and sufficient for the flight eg diabetic medicines,
but not in liquid form unless verified as authentic

Liquid baby food and formula milk is permitted, but each bottle must be
tasted by the accompanying passenger.The definition of liquid includes:

gels

pastes

lotions

liquid / solid mixtures

contents of pressurised containers eg toothpaste, hair gel, drinks, soups, syrups, perfume, deodorant, shaving foam, aerosols etc
All laptops and other large electrical items must be removed from the bag and placed in a tray so that such items do not obscure or be obscured by the bag. Pushchairs and walking aids are permitted, but must be x ray screened. Wheelchairs are permitted, but must be thoroughly searched. For those travelling to the USA there will be secondary searches at the boarding gate of all of the above items and any items acquired after the central screening point. Any liquids will be removed.Look at our frequently asked questions or contact us if you have any questions. Click here for a selection of bags from our little shop.

Airport Security
Following the terrorist incident at Glasgow airport all other BAA airports are restricting dropping off and picking up by car. BAA airports are Heathrow, Gatwick, Stanstead, Southhampton, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.
Other airports will more than likely follow. Passengers are advised to use public transport to get to the airport or use airport car parks. You are advised to add extra time to your journey.

Airport Parking
Holiday Taxis can offer airport transfers, shuttles and limousines. Alternatively pre-book on site or off site airport parking. A short walk or ride on a courtesy bus will ensure that you reach the airport with minmal fuss. Car parking is secure and manned 24 hours a day. Sites vary in the service offered. Some ask that you leave your keys at reception, others ask you to keep hold of them. Having experience of both systems there are pros and cons to both, the service provided was excellent no matter which system. Companies such as

APH
all provide a choice of services.Keeping the children amused has to be the biggest challenge with delays and limited hand luggage. Look at our free games to play for some tips on games you can play.