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• Size/Type of Hand Baggage Allowed
• Liquids in Your Hand Baggage
• Important Note

Size/Type of Hand Baggage Allowed

Hand baggage is luggage that you carry on the plane with you, while hold baggage is luggage that you check-in. All hand baggage items must be screened by security, regardless of size.

From 29 April 2010, the Department for Transport no longer sets a maximum size for items of hand baggage. You should always check size limits with your airline and airport before you travel. Airlines may also have their own rules about the number of bags you are allowed to take on the aircraft. It's best to contact them if you have any questions.

Liquids in Your Hand Baggage

If you need certain liquids during the flight, you can take them into the cabin in limited quantities as follows:

• Containers must hold no more than 100ml.
• Containers must be carried in a single, transparent, re-sealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre (1000ml) and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm.
• Contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed.
• The bag must not be knotted or tied at the top.
• Each passenger can carry only one of these bags.
• The bag must be presented for examination at the airport security point.

Liquids include:

• All drinks, including water, soup and syrups.
• Cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lipsticks.
• Sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants.
• Pastes, including toothpaste.
• Gels, including hair and shower gel.
• Contact lens solution.
• Any other solutions and items of similar consistency.

Containers larger than 100ml (excluding essential medicines) will not be allowed through the security point even if they are only part full.

Important Note

Security restrictions on what you can take on board varies from time to time and from airline to airline. We recommend that you read the latest security advice on the Department of Transport web site and also check with your chosen airline before flying.

The information we've put here is aimed at the rules regarding liquids in hand baggage - it does not contain details of other items or dangerous goods that may be prohibited.

Page last updated on: 05/10/10