EU security rules at airports
NEW: Liquids testing at UK airportsPlease be advised that random testing of liquids will take place at UK airports from 1 May 2007. This may affect the time it takes to pass through security, so passengers are advised to plan this into their travel schedule, and to ensure that bags containing liquids (see below for packing instructions) are within easy reach in hand baggage.
A brief guide to help you
These rules apply at all airports in the EU and in Norway, Iceland and Switzerland until further notice.
What is new?
While packing
You are only allowed to take small quantities of liquids in your hand luggage. These liquids must be in individual containers with a maximum capacity of 100 millilitres each. You must pack these containers in one transparent, re-sealable plastic bag measuring approximately 20 x 20 cms (see photo below). Please note that the airports will not be supplying these bags and that you must therefore arrange your own transparent, re-sealable plastic bag measuring approximately 20 x 20 cms.
At the airport
To help screeners detect liquids, you must :
- present all liquids carried to the screeners at security checkpoints for examination;
- remove laptop computers and other large electrical devices from your hand luggage. They will be screened separately whilst you are screened.
Liquids include :
- contents of pressurised containers, including shaving foam, other foams
- water and other drinks, soups, syrups and deodorants
- creams, lotions and oils
- pastes, including toothpaste
- perfumes
- liquid-solid mixtures
- sprays
- mascara
- gels, including hair and shower gels
- any other item of similar consistency
What does not change?
You can still:
- pack liquids in bags that you check in – the new rules only affect hand luggage;
- carry in your hand luggage medicines and dietary requirements, including baby foods, for use during the flight. You will be asked for proof that they are genuine;
- buy liquids such as drinks and perfumes either in an EU airport shop when located beyond the point where you show your boarding pass or on board an aircraft operated by an EU airline. If they are sold in a special sealed bag, do not open it before you are screened – otherwise the contents may be confiscated at the checkpoint. (If you transfer at an EU airport, do not open the bag before screening at your airport of transfer, or at the last one if you transfer more than once).