Frequently asked questions about security and baggage at Heathrow.
Liquids, aerosols and gels can now be packed in your cabin bag and are permitted in containers up to 2 litres. These do not need to be removed from your cabin baggage.
Duty free liquids, aerosols and gels purchased after security can be carried as hand baggage. However, these must be sealed at the time of purchase with the receipt inside a security tamper-evident bag.
Breast milk can be carried in the cabin; when it is stored in a clear, transparent container or commercially available storage bag. Metal or double walled containers are not permitted.
The volume of each container / bag should not exceed 2 litres. Breast milk should be in a liquid format and not frozen. When travelling without an infant, breast milk can be carried in quantities up to 2 litres. This does not apply to formula milk or other baby juice / food. Please check with your airline as individual cabin / hand baggage allowance can vary. For follow-on or formula milk, you may reserve this through our Reserve and Collect service and you can pick it up once you have gone through security.
We often get asked about hair gels, creams and even yoghurt, so here is a quick checklist of what is considered a liquid and what is not:
Laptops, tablets and eBook Readers can remain in your cabin baggage, including when you are passing through security in all terminals.
You may carry scissors and nail files where the blades are no longer than 6cm. You can also take knitting needles in the cabin with you.
The Department for Transport considers that there are no known health effects from the scanners in use at Heathrow..
Everyone must go through a metal detector. You may also be selected to undergo a body scan. If you are worried about this because of pregnancy, a health condition or have a medical device fitted, please speak to one of our security officers who will organise a more extensive hand search. For more discretion, this may be done in private and you are welcome to bring a witness.
