Hand luggage and airport security
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. And 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 £39.99.
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 needs 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 but 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.
Customer Reviews
Silver Zone Car Park
We did think the car was parked quite a way for us to walk with 2 big cases and hand luggage from the drop off bus.
Mrs Lynch 11 Jan, 2012 ( out of 5)
Manchester Airport - Meet and Greet
Very helpful. We had to return a bag to the car as Security wouldn't let us travel with electrical goods in our hand luggage. The staff dealt with this effortlessly.
Mr Edwards 08 Jan, 2012 ( out of 5)
Long Stay Belfast International
Everything went smoothly. Flights on time. Not overly fussy about hand luggage.Staff friendly and helpful.
Miss Spencer 12 Oct, 2011 ( out of 5)
Robin Hood On Airport Parking
All went well thanks, could do with more disabled spaces though, I found the long walk with a case and hand luggage travelling alone quite tiresome.
Ms Kennedy 29 Jul, 2011 ( out of 5)
Great service, so much so my hubby left the hand luggage in the car and the bus was that prompt that he got back to the car and airport in minutes - thanks
Mrs Williams 18 May, 2011 ( out of 5)
Airparks Gatwick Park and Ride
Got off plane at 8pm with just hand luggage, had to wait 15 minutes for bus to take us to car park. Had to travel via north terminal to car park.
Mrs Malloy 03 Jan, 2011 ( out of 5)
Purple Parking Business
We telephoned as we came through passport control having only hand luggage and a pickup was with us inside 10 minutes. Good service which I shall use again.
Mrs Keeble 23 Aug, 2010 ( out of 5)
Courtyard By Marriott
Reception was very busy at the hotel but the room was nice. We only had hand luggage so walked to the airport car was waiting at the hotel when we got back very easy!
Mrs Thorpe 07 Jun, 2010 ( out of 5)
Long Stay SuperSaver
We were very impressed with the organisation and everything went smoothly. It would have been useful to know that we needed the reference number to exit the car park as we had stowed it away in the hand luggage.
Mrs Blount 23 Aug, 2009 ( out of 5)
Aberdeen Airpark
the idea is great, however since we were only carrying hand luggage we had to wait until the other customers offloaded and picked up hold baggage before the minibus dropped us off. 30mins wasted
Mrs Kennedy 19 Aug, 2009 ( out of 5)
Crowne Plaza
Excellent service and very comfortable accommodation.We checked in for our long haul flight at Terminal 3 the night before and walked over with our hand luggage in the morning.I'd use again although we understand that BMI will not be flying long haul from Manchester after Easter
Mrs Riley 26 Nov, 2008 ( out of 5)
Excellent service. Efficent and friendly, will definately use it again when flying from Manchester. Lost our car park ticket due to lost hand luggage. Reassurance given by telephone that when we arrived with identification it would not be a problem thank you again.
Miss Owen 30 Dec, 2007 ( out of 5)
Long Stay
When we arrived at Stansted we had a flat battery and I had left my hand luggage on the airport bus. Within 5 minutes of opening our bonnet help arrived. The man radioed for my bag, jump started our car then went and collected my bag and returned it to me. He couldn't have been more helpful. We didn't get his name but it happened in zone U at approximately 00.30hrs on 30/8/07. We would definitely recommend you to all of our friends.
Mrs Ludlam 31 Aug, 2007 ( out of 5)
Airparks Birmingham Park and Ride
The service we received was excellent we had a wheelchair three cases & hand luggage very difficult to handle when there is only two of you. The staff at the car park were very very helpfull.
Mr Hodgkins 23 Jun, 2007 ( out of 5)
Airparks Luton Park and Ride
easy to book on line, pleasant telephone response when I had to make a last minute alteration. On my return I had mislaid my ticket - no problem - lots of patience whilst I emptied my hand luggage in my search for my ticket, clear security check to ensure I was who I said I was. When the barcode ticket failed to activate the car park exit barrier the guy on the intercom was patient & apologetic & wished me a good journey. I've used Airparks several times & have recommended it to friends (although I always managed to get lost en route but that's probably more about my navigating skills)! Could there be more signposting from Luton town as I don't come on the motorway.I trust Airparks security & was impressed by the calm response of the suttle bus driver faced with irate travellers complaining about his time-keeping when he was clearly hindered by extensive road works around airport .Thank you for looking after my car!Isobel Holt
12 Sep, 2006 ( out of 5)
