The Official Airport Assistance Network of the World Airports

Airport Procedure @ HEATHROW AIRPORT

Airport Procedures

There are numerous security procedures and restrictions in place at Heathrow. It is advised that you understand these before you pack your luggage so that you are prepared before you arrive at the airport.

Passengers may be required to undergo the additional screening, having passed through the standard security search process. The Department for Transport requires that all passengers selected for screening must do so and for privacy reasons, the images of passengers are destroyed after being viewed by the authority. The process takes around seven seconds. Anyone refusing to be scanned will be denied access to their flight.

Liquids restriction: Passengers are able to take liquids through security check points again, however, some restrictions still apply. Individual containers of liquids must not exceed a maximum capacity of 100ml.

All containers must be presented for examination to security in a 'single, transparent, re-sealable plastic bag'. The re-sealable bag must not exceed a capacity of 1 litre or 20cm x 20cm.

Expect to have your bags searched: Carry-on and checked bags are subject to being hand-searched, particularly if the contents can't be seen by the X-ray. Don't wrap gifts until you get there. Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.

It is important to give yourself plenty of time for your check in at the airport. For long haul flights the check in is two or three hours prior to your flight. We recommend allowing a little longer. Everything takes longer than it used to at the airport, particularly during peak times. You can expect delays and long queues for check-in and screening. Allow extra time just in case of special circumstances.