Vicky It is exciting when you book a holiday and head to the airport. As a seasoned traveller, I often forget that people who don’t travel don’t know the airport rules. This is because airport rules can be confusing, and they are not all the same for all of the airports around the world. Especially when it comes to luggage, liquids and electronic devices. Knowing and understanding the rules can help you to avoid some airport stress and save you time at the airport. Here is everything you need to know before you fly.
1. Understanding the 100ml Liquids Rule
One of the most well-known airport rules is the 100 ml liquid rule. It can be made harder by some airports lifting that rule and allowing 2-litre bottles through. If the airport still has the 100 ml rule, then that will include drinks, perfume, shampoo, mascara, lip gloss, toothpaste and any other liquids. You need to put these liquids into bottles that are 100 mls or less. If you arrive with a 200 ml bottle of shampoo that is nearly empty, it will be taken off you. You need to put these bottles into a small clear plastic bag and place them in the tray to go through security. You can have one clear bag per person; any more will be taken off you at security.
As I said, some airports now let you take 2-litre bottles through security. This is due to the scanners being upgraded, but check your airport when coming home, because they might still be 100 mls. I recently tested this in Gatwick by taking a 2-litre bottle of Coke to save money at the airport, a litre bottle of wine and a bottle of water. You can always buy your toiletries at the airport to save the airport stress.
2. What Can You Take in Your Hand Luggage?
Firstly, check your airline’s hand luggage size, stick to the measurements and don’t go over. Otherwise, you will end up with an avoidable bill. Hand luggage is what you will carry your passport in, as well as your phone and valuables. So make sure it all fits within the sizes, because you do not want it taken off you. Some items are restricted in hand luggage. Sharp objects like scissors, chef’s knives or tools are not permitted in hand luggage. Even some sports equipment might not be allowed in the cabin with you. So make sure you pop these into your checked luggage. Powerbanks are allowed in your hand luggage, but they must be placed under the seat in front of you. This is due to some of them catching fire on flights. You are banned from placing them in the overhead compartment.
3. Airport Rules for Taking Perfume and Make-Up on a Plane
If you enjoy make-up and beauty products, you do not need to leave everything at home when travelling. You can generally take perfume, foundation, mascara, lip gloss and moisturiser in your hand luggage, provided they comply with the liquid restrictions at your airport. When the 100ml rule applies, use travel-sized bottles and containers. You could transfer shampoo and other toiletries into suitable travel bottles or buy miniature products before your holiday. Solid make-up products are often easier to pack because they may not be subject to the same liquid restrictions. However, products such as cream foundations, liquid concealers, gels and lip gloss can count as liquids.
Perfume bought in airport duty-free shops can usually be carried if it is sealed in the appropriate security bag with the receipt visible. Do not open the bag until you reach your final destination, and check the rules if you have a connecting flight. Packing your beauty products carefully can help you avoid delays at security and leave more room in your suitcase for holiday essentials.
4. Can You Take Food and Drinks Through Airport Security?
Food rules are a little awkward because some foods are counted as liquids. A few years ago I tried taking a tin of beans through security. That was taken off me straight away. Food like crisps, biscuits, cereal bars, pot noodles and sandwiches can all be taken in your hand luggage. This will save you some money whilst you travel. If you want to take food like yoghurt, soup, jam and honey, that will be classed as taking liquids and needs to follow the liquids rules.
You will need to drink any water that you have, and then take the empty bottle through the airport security. You can usually refill it on the airside of the airport at a water refill point. Also, you can take a mini alcohol bottle through security as it is under 100 mls. If you are travelling with a baby, special arrangements apply to baby milk and baby food. Essential medical liquids and food required for special dietary needs may also qualify for exemptions. But you must check this with the airline and airport before you travel.
5. Airport Rules for Phones, Laptops and Electronic Devices
Most travellers take electronic devices on holiday, including mobile phones, tablets, laptops, cameras and headphones. Of course, these are allowed at the airport and on the airline. You will need to remove them from your bags at the airport (unless it has the new scanners). You need to check at the airport or with your airline for further rules.
Make sure your devices are all charged up as you might be asked to switch them on at security. And when you return home from your trip, some countries will take your electronics off you if you don’t charge them up. Power banks and spare lithium batteries usually need to be carried in the cabin rather than packed in checked baggage. There are restrictions on battery capacity and how batteries must be protected, so check your airline’s requirements before travelling. If you are taking an e-cigarette, it must not be packed in checked baggage under UK guidance. Airline restrictions and rules on use and charging also apply.
6. Can You Take Medication on a Plane?
If you need medication during your holiday, plan so that you have everything you require for the journey. Tablets and capsules can generally be carried in hand luggage. Essential liquid medicines may also be permitted in containers larger than 100ml, but you should carry suitable supporting evidence, such as a prescription or letter from your doctor, where required. If you need to carry a medical device, contact the airline for a medical exemption letter. This will help you get on the plane with your extra allowance.
Needles, syringes, inhalers and essential medical equipment may also be permitted, although you should check any additional requirements with your airline and airport. It is sensible to keep essential medicines in your hand luggage rather than putting everything in your checked suitcase. This means you can access them during your journey and reduces the risk of being without them if your luggage is delayed. If you are travelling internationally, check whether your medication is permitted in the country you are visiting. Some medicines that are legal in the UK are controlled or restricted elsewhere.
7. What Happens at Airport Security?
Airport security is designed to help keep passengers safe. Everyone travelling by air must go through the required security checks before boarding. When you arrive at security, follow the signs and listen to the instructions given by airport staff. You may be asked to place your hand luggage, coat and certain personal belongings into trays for screening.
Depending on the airport’s equipment, you may also need to remove liquids and electronic devices from your bag. You may be asked to walk through a metal detector or body scanner. Additional checks can take place if an alarm sounds or security staff need to examine an item more closely. Try to pack your bag neatly before leaving home. Keeping liquids and other items organised makes it easier to follow instructions and reduces the likelihood of having to repack everything at the security point. If you have a disability, medical equipment or particular accessibility needs, contact your airline or airport before travelling to discuss any arrangements you may require.
8. How Early Should You Arrive at the Airport?
Arriving at the airport with enough time to check in, drop off luggage and pass through security can make a significant difference to your travel experience. The right arrival time depends on your airline, destination and whether you are travelling with checked baggage. Your airline will normally guide you on when to arrive and when check-in and bag drop close.
During school holidays, bank holidays and busy summer periods, airports can be particularly crowded. Allow enough time for queues and remember that some destinations have additional document checks. Checking in online before travelling can save time, where your airline offers this service. Keep your boarding pass accessible and make sure your passport is valid for your destination. Do not arrive earlier than the airport or airline advises without a reason, as some airports restrict how far in advance passengers can check in or enter certain areas.
9. Important Airport Rules for Travelling with Children
If you are travelling with your kids, it really helps if you can be prepared! It will make your airport and whole travel experience easier for you. Your child will need their own passport, and if you travel as a single parent, you may need permission from the other parent. Give yourself enough time to manage security checks, toilet breaks and getting everyone to the departure gate. Keeping passports and boarding passes together can also make the journey less stressful.
Pack their hand luggage full of snacks, entertainment, spare clothing and any essential medicines. If you are travelling with a baby, check the airport’s arrangements for baby milk, food and equipment. Remember that pushchairs, car seats and other children’s equipment may be subject to airline-specific rules. Contact your airline before travelling if you are unsure whether an item can be taken into the cabin or must be checked in.
10. Check the Airport Rules Before Your Return Flight
One mistake travellers sometimes make is assuming that the airport they fly home from will follow exactly the same security rules as the airport they departed from. This is wrong; each airport has its own rules. If you bought a bottle of local alcohol on your trip, make sure you can take it in your hand luggage, especially if it is a connecting flight. You should also check customs rules when returning to the UK. Allowances and restrictions apply to certain goods, including alcohol, tobacco, food and items purchased abroad. What you are permitted to bring home can depend on where you have travelled from. Checking these details before leaving for the airport can help prevent unpleasant surprises at the end of your holiday.
