If you’re carrying medical equipment or prescription medication, Heathrow has procedures in place to help manage screening smoothly.
Keep essential medical items with you in your cabin bag. This includes:
Airlines may have their own rules for medical equipment. Check with your airline before you travel.
You may find it helpful to carry:
These documents aren’t always required, but they may make conversations at security quicker and easier.
All departing passengers must go through security before entering the departure area.
Most UK airports, including Heathrow, use body scanners as directed by the Department for Transport.
If you have a medical device, implant or prosthetic, tell the Security Officer before screening starts. This will help the team choose the most suitable way to screen you.
This may include:
This isn’t a complete list. If you’re unsure whether something may affect your screening, tell the Security Officer before screening starts.
In many cases, you can go through the body scanner as normal.
If the Security Officer decides the scanner isn’t suitable for your device, they will use another screening method.
If standard screening isn’t suitable, the security team may carry out other checks as needed.
Depending on the checks needed, security staff may offer screening in a private room. They may also need to carry out some checks in private.
You can ask for private screening at any time if this would make you feel more comfortable.
Private screening may take a little longer, so allow extra time at the airport.
Essential liquid medicines can go through security, even if they are over 100ml.
You should:
Security staff may need to test liquids as part of the screening process.
If you choose not to use the body scanner for non-medical reasons, you will need an enhanced private search.
This:
All passengers must complete the security checks required by the Department for Transport. If you refuse the required screening, you won’t be able to enter the departure area or board your flight.
Travelling with medical equipment can mean a few extra steps at security. To make your journey easier:
Heathrow colleagues are there to help you travel through the airport safely and comfortably.
If you need extra help at the airport, you can pre-book assistance. This can include help at security, mobility support or guidance through the terminal.
