What you can carry through security as hand luggage for departing flights.
To avoid delays, Heathrow operates a two-bag policy at airport security. Only two items of hand baggage may be taken through security control, and they must be no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22in x 18in x 10in). Items larger than this must be checked in as hold luggage – you can check your bag size using the gauges at check-in.
Handbags and laptop bags count as a piece of hand baggage.
Liquids in containers up to 2 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.
The following liquids are allowed in the aircraft cabin:
Explosive or flammable liquids, and those that are considered toxic, are not permitted in either hand or hold luggage.
Food or powders should be packed into hold baggage where possible. Although these items are permitted in hand luggage (except flights to the US - see below), they can obstruct images on the x-ray machine, or may be mistaken for suspicious items – so putting them in the hold will help reduce the need for additional checks. Passengers who need to take these items on board should therefore allow extra time at security.
For further information go to gov.uk.
If you are travelling to the US restrictions are in place for passengers carrying powders of over 350ml (drinks can size) or 350g. These items are prohibited from carriage in the cabin. Medical powders such as medicines, baby powders and human ashes are still permitted but subject to further checks. Passengers are asked to make sure items are carried in original packaging where possible with the seals intact and where appropriate proof of authenticity such as a prescription.
Powders purchased in duty free may be carried provided they are packaged in a security tamper evident bag (STEB) inside of which is a receipt proving the item has been purchased airside at an airport.
For further information and specific details please contact your airline
Please ensure your electronic devices are charged. If they don't switch on, you may not be allowed to take them on to the aircraft.
Charging points are available throughout the airport.
To save time, we advise you to place only valuables and items required for the flight in your cabin baggage.
This includes knives (with blades over 6cm), razor blades, box cutters, scissors (with blades over 6cm from fulcrum), axes, hatchets, cleavers, ice axes, ice picks, swords, sabres and sharp or pointed martial arts equipment.
These include firearms, toy guns, replica/imitation guns, firearm parts (except telescopic sights), airguns, pellet guns, BB guns, flare guns, starting pistols, bows or crossbows, arrows, harpoon guns, spear guns, slingshots and catapults.
Including stun guns, Tasers, animal killers, incapacitating chemicals, gases or sprays (e.g. Mace), pepper sprays, tear gas and animal repellent sprays.
This includes crowbars, drills and drill bits, saws, blowtorches, bolt guns, nail guns, or any tool with a blade or shaft over 6cm (eg screwdrivers or chisels).
This includes baseball/softball bats, clubs, batons, night sticks and martial arts equipment.
A single cigarette lighter is allowed per passenger and can be put in the tray or in your cabin baggage. We may additionally prevent any item considered to pose a security or safety risk from passing through to the departure lounge. If you are in any doubt about a particular item of cabin baggage, we recommend you to pack it in your hold baggage instead.
This includes ammunition, blasting caps, detonators and fuses, replica/imitation explosive devices, mines, grenades, pyrotechnics, smoke canisters, smoke cartridges, dynamite, gunpowder or plastic explosives.
These include flammable or harmful substances such as gases, oxidisers, poisons, corrosives and hazardous biological or chemical material. Industrial adhesives/glue, non-safety matches, lighter fluid and firelighters are also included. The CAA website's dangerous goods page* contains full details.
* Please note that this list only refers to the carriage of items on board the aircraft. With regards to liquids, you will still be restricted to 100ml when passing through security.
For most destinations, anything you buy after security control can be taken on board the aircraft. This includes bottled drinks, fragrances and cosmetics in sizes over 100ml.
Please note the following exceptions:
Liquids in containers over 100ml may not be taken on these flights.
For some destinations, restrictions apply on the sale of liquids if you're stopping en route after Heathrow.
This is because you'll have to pass through security at the connecting airport.
Please ask shop staff if you're unsure. Our shopping A-Z page lists stores' phone numbers.
For some destinations, if you're returning on the same day, there are restrictions on the sale of liquids at Heathrow.
This is because you'll have to pass through security at your destination airport when you catch the return flight.
Please ask shop staff if you're unsure. Our shopping A-Z page lists stores' phone numbers.
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