This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Airline security situation
14/08/2006
The threat level to the UK, as assessed by the Joint Terrorist Analysis Centre, has today been changed from Critical to Severe.
Strict aviation security measures remain in force at all airports and some flight are still subject to delays.
The new threat level means each passenger is permitted to carry ONE item of cabin baggage through the airport security search point.
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. All items carried by passengers will be x-ray screened.
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).
NOTE: 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 (e.g. 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.