Airport Hand Baggage Security Rules

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Airport Hand Baggage Security Rules

Airport security procedures are continually enhanced and altered in countries and airports worldwide. These most impact passengers with regard to carry-on luggage: how many bags per person and restrictions on items that may be taken on board. Travellers are recommended to check with their airline for advice on security requirements (most airline websites have clear luggage guidelines) and look out for all notices at airports. 

Here is information and links on hand baggage and liquid restrictions relevant to flights from and in the European Union, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia and Singapore.

European Union (EU) Hand Luggage Rules and Restrictions 

Valid as of 6 November 2006: To protect passengers against the threat of liquid explosives, the European Union (EU) has security rules that restrict the amount of liquids that can be taken through security checkpoints. 

They apply to all passengers departing from airports in the EU regardless of the destination. This means that, at security checkpoints, both passengers and hand luggage must be checked for liquids in addition to other prohibited articles. 

• Liquids may be carried in luggage that is checked in to the hold
• Medicines and dietary requirements, including baby foods, for use during the trip may be carried in hand luggage. Proof may be requested
• Liquids such as drinks and perfumes may be bought either in an EU airport shop when located beyond the security check or on board an aircraft operated by an EU airline 

Note: If liquids are sold in a special sealed bag, do not open it before being screened, otherwise the contents may be confiscated at the checkpoint. (If transferring at an EU airport, do not open the bag before screening at the airport of transfer, or at the last one if there is to be more than one transfer).

While packing

Only small quantities of liquids may be taken in hand luggage. These liquids must be in individual containers with a maximum capacity of 100 millilitres each. These containers must be packed in one transparent, re-sealable plastic bag of not more than one litre capacity per passenger.

• Illustrated brochure from the EU: Click here (PDF)

At the airport

To help security screeners detect liquids, passengers must: 

• Present all liquids carried to the staff at security checkpoints for examination
• Take off jacket and/or coat which is screened separately 
• Remove laptop computers and other large electrical devices from hand luggage for separate screening

News and press releases

• Up-to-date information on security procedures and details on restrictions on hand luggage, is available from the European Commission Air Transport Portal: Click here

United Kingdom 

Security procedures in the UK vary between airports, some allowing passengers to carry two items of hand luggage and others allowing only one. In addition, certain airlines only permit a passenger to have one item of hand luggage, regardless of the airport's ruling.

No liquids may be taken on board unless they adhere to the EU rulings: liquids must be in individual containers with a maximum capacity of 100 millilitres each. These containers must be packed in one transparent, re-sealable plastic bag of not more than one litre capacity per passenger. 

• Up-to-date information on security procedures and details on restrictions on hand luggage, is available from the UK Department for Transport website: Click here

United States of America 

Details of security requirements for international US flights are available from the US Transportation Security Administration. 

• For up-to-date information for travellers: Click here

Canada

The Canadian Transport Department website has much information on the security measures and hand baggage rulings for passengers.

• For a list of dangerous goods which may not be taken onboard: Click here 

Australia

Australia has limits on the amount of liquid (including gel and aerosol) that may be carried by passengers on international flights either leaving or entering the country. 

• Up-to-date information from the Department of Transport and Regional Services: Click here

Singapore

• Singapore's Changi Airport website has current information on security restrictions on hand luggage and liquids: Click here

Page updated 08/01/2008