Hand luggage size and airport security

Make your hand luggage hassle free

We know it's not the exciting part about going on holiday, but understanding the hand baggage restrictions and security procedures at the airport is a must, even more so now that restrictions are tight - swot up before you go, it'll certainly get you through the checks with the minimum of inconvenience.

Avoid the hassle of having a bag too big for your hand luggage and buy one of our Holiday Extras right size cabin bags for just £49.99.

Hand luggage rules

The dimensions of your hand luggage must be no larger than;

56cm long x 45cm wide x 25cm deep

Check with your airline for any specific hand luggage policies and the number of items of baggage that can be taken onto the aircraft.

Limited quantities of liquids, gels and pastes can be included in your hand luggage.

The definition of liquids includes;

- All drinks including water, soup, syrups, creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara etc.
- Sprays and pressurised containers including, shaving foam and spray deodorant
- Pastes including, toothpastes and gels

These items need to be contained in a single, transparent, re-sealable plastic bag (about the size of a small freezer bag) - 20cm x 20cm

Please note - drinks can be purchased beyond airport security search points, in the departures area.

Security

At the airport security search, you must;

- Remove the plastic liquids bag from your hand luggage to be x-ray screened.
- Take off your coat or jacket
- Remove metal items (jewellery, watches, belts etc.) and place them in the plastic trays provided, to be scanned separately.
- Remove laptops or any other large electrical items from your hand luggage for separate screening. Please note - a laptop bag that is not contained within the hand luggage will be screened separately.

Other bags, including handbags may be carried within the item of hand luggage but will be screened separately.

Pushchairs, walking aids and wheelchairs are permitted on the plane, but will also be security screened.

Essential medicines

Essential medicines needed for the trip may be permitted in larger quantities (above the 100ml liquid limit) but will need proof of authentication and documentation from a relevant qualified medical professional. Passengers need to obtain prior agreement from their airline and departure airport before travel.

Baby food

Liquid baby food or sterilised water for the plane journey, can be taken through airport security. It will be security screened and an accompanying adult will be required to take the liquid.

Pushchairs, walking aids and wheelchairs are permitted but will be security screened.

Laptops / electrical items

Laptops and other large electrical items (e.g. a large hairdryer) have to be removed from cabin baggage and screened separately. A laptop bag that is not contained within the one piece of cabin baggage is regarded as the one allowable item of cabin baggage.

Large items

All items of luggage larger than the permitted cabin baggage size (maximum length 56 cm, width of 45 cm and depth of 25 cm, including wheels, handles and external pockets) must be checked in to be placed in the aircraft hold. The only exception is for musical instruments. These are allowed as a second item of cabin baggage if they do not fit into the cabin bag. They will however need to be screened - check with the airline as to whether there are special arrangements (e.g. purchasing an extra seat) for large instruments.

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