Air Travel Advice
Here you can find information on common questions air travellers have.
The following are allowed in hand luggage
- Spoon
- Small scissors (blades less than 6cm)
- Round ended scissors
- Disposable razor
- Nail clippers/nail file
- Tweezers
- Knitting needles
- Umbrella
- Walking stick/cane
- Pushchair
- Wheelchair
- safety matches
- contact lens solution (<100ml)
- Cooling gel packs
- Medicianal Tablets and Capsules (there is no restrictions on how many)
- Hyperdermic Syringes
- Inhalers
You cannot take the following items in hand luggage (this list is not exhaustive so please check with the airport or your airline if you are unsure)
- Corkscrew
- Large scissors (blades greater than 6cm)
- Cigarette lighters
- Bats, Racquets or sports sticks
- Snooker/pool/billiard cues
- Darts
- Firearms
- Tools with shafts longer than 6cm
- Chemicals or Toxic Substances
- Any ammunitions
- Weapons
Can I take Milk for my baby through to departures?
Yes you may, but some restrictions apply. The 100 ml limit can be exceeded.
- Breast/Formula/Cow's milk - Only if the baby is travelling with the passenger
- Powdered milk - No restriction on the amount that can be carried (passenger may be required to taste the powder)
- Sterilised water - Must be in a bottle
- Soya milk - Only if the baby is travelling with the passenger
- Baby foods
Increased security measures are now in place not only in the UK, but across the world. Please ensure you allow adequate time to proceed through security. All hand luggage will be screened prior to departure and you will need to pass through a security archway.
You will be asked at check in if you packed your own bags, if anyone has asked you to take anything on board and if you are carrying any dangerous goods. You must tell authorised personnel of any security risks.
Some airports now undertake body scans of passengers. These are harmless and do not compromise any privacy issues.
No, you may not use your own personal mobile phone once the aircraft doors have closed. These devices can interfere with aircraft navigation or communication equipment. Many airlines now provide facilities where you can make calls.
You may only use devices that do not emit wireless/electromagnetic emissions, and only once the aircraft is cruising. The cabin crew will let you know when this is. The devices allowed typically include the following.
- Laptops
- PDA's
- MP3s
- Ipods
- Electronic Games
- DVD Players
- Still's Camera's
- CD/Caseette players
- Calculators
Children of 2 years of age or more must be provided with an aircraft seat of thier own equipped with a safety belt, with or without a diagonal shoulder strap, or a safety harness. Babies must be carried by an adult, and the use of an infant seat belt is required.
You can stay healthy in the air by following these simple steps
- Walk around the cabin every 15 to 30 minutes if possible during flights of three hours or longer
- Wear loose-fitting clothing
- Do some simple stretching exercises while seated
- Sleep only for short periods—up to 30 minutes at a time (may not be possible on long-haul flights)
- Limit alcohol and caffeine, which may contribute to dehydration
- Request water to drink
- Walk briskly through the airport during any stopovers
You can also try these simple in-flight exercises:
- Ankle rotations—Lift your feet off the floor and draw a circle with your toes, trying to get a full range of motion through your ankle. Repeat in the opposite direction.
- Foot lifts—Alternate keeping your toes on the floor and lifting your heels with keeping your heels on the floor and lifting your toes.
- Knee lifts—Sitting straight up, keep your knee bent and lift your thigh so that you’re flexing at the hip. Alternate legs.
- Toe curls—Curl your toes and release. Also try pressing your toes down against the floor or just wiggling them inside your shoes.
When do I need to arrive at the airport for my flight?
It is recommended you check your airline as to thier exact requirements. But as a general rule you should aim for the following
- 90 minutes before UK domestic and Irish flights
- 2 hours before European flights
- 3 hours before long haul flights
Where can I find information on arrivals and departures?
The government has a great free link to all the UK airport arrivals here.
What duty free can I buy or take back to the country?
From outside the EU you may bring the following back
- 1 litre of spirits or strong liqeur over 22% volume or 2 litres of fortified wine, sparkling wine, or any other alcoholic drink less than 22% volume
- 4 litres of still table wine
- 16 litres of beer
- 60cc/ml of perfume
- £300 of all other goods including gifts and souvenirs
- 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillo's, or 50 cigars, or 250g of tobacco
You may mix and match products in the categories, ie 50 cigarillo's and 125g of tobacco, 50% of your allowance in each.
Where can I get an EHIC card?
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) has replace the E111 form. This is a free service and can be obtained at the EHIC Website. The EHIC is for UK residents and allows medical treatment whilst temporarily visiting EU countries, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland
Where can I get a UK passport?
You can get all the UK passport information here from the Home Office
UK Airport Lounges | sitemap | log in
