Everything you need to know before you travel through security at Heathrow.
A few simple checks before you leave home can help you get through security more quickly.
If you're flying home from another airport, remember the same security rules may not apply. Many airports outside Heathrow still have a 100ml liquids limit. Check the rules before your return journey.
Heathrow operates a two-bag policy at security.
You can take up to two items of hand baggage through security. Each item must be no larger than:
56cm × 45cm × 25cm (22in × 18in × 10in)
Handbags, laptop bags and small backpacks all count as one piece of hand baggage.
If your bag is larger than the maximum size, you'll need to check it in as hold baggage. Bag gauges are available at check-in if you'd like to check your luggage before heading to security.
Packing larger items in your hold baggage can make security quicker and leave you with less to carry through the airport.
You can carry liquids in containers of up to 2 litres through security at Heathrow.
This applies at Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Leave liquids in your cabin bag when you go through security. You don't need to remove them for screening.
If you're carrying a reusable metal or insulated bottle, empty it before you reach security. You can refill it once you're through.
Most airports outside Heathrow still have different security rules. If you're travelling home from another airport, check what you can carry before your return flight.
You can carry baby food, formula milk and breast milk in your cabin bag.
Breast milk:
Metal or insulated containers aren't permitted.
If you're travelling with a baby, you can also carry formula milk, baby food and sterilised water for the journey. Your airline may have its own requirements, so check before you travel.
Forgot something? You can pre-order baby essentials using Heathrow Reserve & Collect and collect them after security.
You can carry liquid medicines in your cabin bag.
If you need more than 2 litres during your journey, bring a prescription or letter from your doctor confirming the medicine is needed for your flight.
Pack any medicine you won't need during your journey in your hold baggage where possible.
If you're travelling with specialist medication, medical equipment or sharps, check with your airline before you travel.
Keep medicines you'll need during your flight somewhere easy to reach in your cabin bag.
Most food and powders are allowed in your cabin bag.
However, these items can make X-ray screening take longer and may need additional checks.
If possible, pack them in your hold baggage to help make your journey through security quicker.
If you're flying to the US, powders over 350g or 350ml aren't allowed in your cabin bag.
Some items are exempt, including:
These items may still need additional screening. Carry them in their original packaging where possible, along with any supporting documents, such as a prescription.
If you buy powders after security, keep them sealed in a Security Tamper Evident Bag (STEB) with your proof of purchase.
Liquids in containers over 100ml can't be taken on flights to Australia.
If you're unsure whether an item is allowed, check with your airline before you travel.
All hand baggage goes through security screening before you enter the departure lounge.
Our security colleagues are there to help keep everyone safe and get passengers through as quickly as possible.
When you reach security:
Most passengers pass through security quickly, but some bags or items may need additional screening.
Pack loose items together in your bag before you arrive at security. It'll save time when you're putting everything back afterwards.
Pushchairs, wheelchairs and walking aids all go through security screening.
Wheelchairs are searched as part of the screening process.
If you've booked assistance with your airline, our colleagues will help you through security and continue your journey through the airport.
Make sure all electronic devices are fully charged before you travel.
If a device can't be switched on during screening, you may not be able to take it on board.
Charging points are available throughout the airport if you need them before your flight.
If you're travelling with a power bank, check your airline's guidance before you fly. Most airlines require power banks to be carried in your hand baggage rather than your hold baggage.
You can carry one cigarette lighter per person.
Follow the instructions from our security colleagues when you reach the screening area.
Some items aren't allowed in your hand baggage because they could pose a safety or security risk.
The lists below cover the most common items. They aren't exhaustive, and our security colleagues may refuse any item they believe could be unsafe.
If you're unsure about a particular item, check with your airline before you travel.
The following items aren't allowed in your hand baggage:
The following must be packed in your hold baggage:
You can't carry firearms or replica weapons through security.
This includes:
These items aren't allowed in your hand baggage:
The following items aren't allowed:
Some items can't be carried in either your hand baggage or your hold baggage.
These include:
For more information, see IATA's guidance on dangerous goods.
You can usually take liquids bought after security onto your flight, including drinks, fragrances and cosmetics over 100ml.
However, some destinations have additional restrictions.
If you're flying back to Heathrow on the same day, security rules at your destination airport may affect what you can bring home.
Ask a member of staff before making your purchase if you're unsure.
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