CUSTOMS AND SECURITY
Today's heightened security measures at airports all around the world mean travellers should be even more aware of what they can and can't take through customs than they were in the past. Knowing what's permitted can avoid delays and respects the safety of other passengers.
Hand Baggage
Passengers are currently allowed to carry one item of hand baggage per person through customs. Ladies must be aware that your handbag counts as one item. So you can't take a handbag and another bag containing other items for the journey (such as books, food, games for children etc), unless the handbag fits in the larger bag.
The bag size must conform to the following:
- Maximum length of 56cm (approx 22 inches)
- Maximum width of 45cm (approx 18 inches)
- Maximum depth of 25cm (approx 10 inches)
Liquids
- Travellers departing from all UK airports can only carry liquids in hand luggage when they are in containers of 100ml or less.
- Liquids in containers of 100ml or less must be put in a 20cm x 20cm re-sealable, plastic or transparent bag and be shown at customs. A maximum of 10 100ml containers is allowed.
- When approaching customs any containers containing over 100ml of liquid (eg perfume or drinks should be disposed of in the bins provided).
- Liquids in containers of over 100ml can be packed in hold baggage - the 100ml restriction applies to hand luggage only.
- Baby foods and baby milk can be carried in hand luggage but must be declared at customs. You may be asked to test the products yourself in view of a customs official.
- Essential medicines for the journey can be carried in hand luggage. You may also be asked to test these and it is highly advisable to carry a letter from your doctor explaining why the medicines are needed.
- The above also applies to any liquids needed for special dietary requirements. Again, carry an explanatory letter from your doctor.
Any liquids purchased in the departure lounge area (i.e. after going through customs) can be taken on a flight.
Other Large Items
The items listed below are permitted through customs but will be screened and searched separately:
- Laptop computers and large electrical items
- Pushchairs (expect to be asked to remove the child from the chair). Any soft toys or toys attached to the pushchair will also need to be removed and scanned.
- Wheelchairs
- Walking Aids
- Musical instruments
Sharp/Dangerous Items
The following are classed as potentially dangerous and are not permitted in hand baggage:
- Scissors
- Razor blades
- Cutlery
- Knives
- Tools
- Hiking poles
- Catapults
- Corkscrews
- Toy or replica guns
- Hypodermic needles (unless medically required)
- Sports bats, cues, darts
- Matches
- Christmas crackers
- Party poppers
One cigarette lighter is allowed on your person.
Stick to the above rules and your passing through customs should be painless. Ignore the rules at your peril - they're there to protect us all. If in any doubt contact the airline you're flying with.
Note - information is correct at January 2008.