UK Relaxes Hand Luggage Restrictions

Last week the UK Government imposed some of its strictest ever restrictions on what could be carried onto an airplane departing any airport in the UK. The totally unsustainable restrictions, which created chaos at airports across the UK are now being relaxed, to allow passengers one piece of carry on luggage.

The new measures which are expected to be fully in effect by Tuesday morning (GMT) enable passengers to carry valuables such as cameras, laptops in the one item of hand luggage.

The dimensions of this item must not exceed a maximum length of 45 cm, width of 35 cm and depth of 16 cm (17.7"×13.7"×6.2" approx) including wheels, handles, side pockets etc. Other bags, such as handbags, may be carried within the single item of cabin baggage and all items carried by passengers will be screened by x-ray.

No liquids of any type are permitted through the airport security search point, other than the following items: Essential medicines in liquid form sufficient and essential for the flight (e.g. diabetic kit), as long as verified as authentic. Baby milk and liquid baby food (the contents of each bottle or jar must be tasted by the accompanying passenger).

It is important to note that the definition of liquids includes gels, pastes, lotions, liquid/solid mixtures and the contents of pressurised containers, e.g. toothpaste, hair gel, drinks, soups, syrups, perfume, deodorant, shaving foam, aerosols, etc.

To help their progress through search points, passengers are encouraged not to include items capable of containing liquids such as bottles, flasks, tubes, cans, plastic containers etc. in their cabin baggage.

All laptops and large electrical items (e.g. large hairdryer) must be removed from the bag and placed in a tray so that such items neither obscure nor are obscured by the bag.

Pushchairs and walking aids are permitted but must be x-ray screened. Wheelchairs are permitted but must be thoroughly searched.

In addition to the above, passengers boarding flights to the USA and items they are carrying, including those acquired after the central screening point, will be subjected to secondary search at the gate. Any liquids discovered will be removed from the passenger.

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