Airline Security Regulations

Below is a compilation of new airport security regulation in the US and the UK, may it be helpful to you.

Also, on the unofficial side of things, you may want to note that:


- word has it that other EU airports are planning on extending the British regulations. Be advised.

- don't know yet about transiting in EU airports, though -- in Heathrow there is a security check, Paris i'm not sure.

In any case, if transiting and more importantly if travelling on disconnected tickets (which mainly happens if you're travelling on different airlines or if you bought the legs of your flight separately) make sure you inform the crew of your airline (ground crew rather than flight attendants) that you have another flight and have them inform the other company that you might be delayed because of security measures -- most airlines probably won't delay the flight for you but at least they'll let you rush through even after check-in has closed.

- according to a friend who was travelling within the US this week, we can still carry laptops and liquids (juices, water bottles..) on local flights.

- same for intra-Schengen flights.

- i really don't mean to be cynical here, but certain nationalities take longer at security checks. And colours, religions, ethnicities, etc. Vous connaissez la chanson.

- So far, i've heard from passengers flying from Cairo, Jakarta, Singapore, Phnom Penh, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul haven't encountered any difference at all in security measures at departure.

- Carrying electronic devices into the US (laptops, cameras, phone chargers, whatever) in carry-on luggage didnt seem to be a problem at arrival, though. (as of last week).


- and for an unrelated reason, anyone flying through Amman, Jordan: all flights to and from Beirut (which are mainly diplomatic and humanitarian aid, but commercial airlines are resuming as well) are diverted to Amman to be searched there -- so Amman Airport is overcrowded and many flights are experiencing delays. (Just so you know, it's the Israeli army searching commercial flights for irani weapons. It's like a bad film).

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The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the British Airports Authority (BAA) have each announced new guidelines for passengers.

For passengers flying out of U.S. airports:

- Arrive very early. Allow at least 2 hours to get through airport security.
- Items prohibited from carry-on luggage:
-- All liquids and gels. Since the composition of some items is unclear, TSA has provided more detail. Do not pack any of these items in your carry-on:
-- All creams, lotions and sprays (both aerosol and non-aerosol)
-- Bubble bath balls (containing bath gel)
-- Gel deodorants (solid sticks are allowed)
-- Cosmetics. Note: While one TSA announcement prohibited only liquid cosmetics such as lip gloss and mascara, another suggested that even powdered cosmetics are only permitted at the discretion of the security officer. To be safe, pack all cosmetics in checked luggage.
-- Beverages (except formula and breast milk); make sure backpacks with water pockets are empty
-- Gel-like food, including yogurt, Jell-O, pudding and gel-based sport supplements
-- Baby teething toys containing gel or liquid
-- Other toys containing gel
-- Gel candles
-- Gel shoe inserts
-- Lighters
- Items allowed in carry-on luggage:
-- Small doses (up to 4 oz.) of liquid medications (including non-prescription liquid medications)
-- Formula, milk and fruit juices for small children
-- Low blood-sugar treatments such as glucose gel
-- Solid lipstick
-- Baby food
- Consider not bringing a carry-on if you want to expedite your passage through security.
- If you do bring one, pack as lightly and neatly as possible so screeners can inspect your bag more easily.
- All travelers' shoes will be X-rayed.
- Passengers flying to the U.K. will encounter even more security measures, including hand inspection of luggage at the departure gate.

For passengers flying out of the U.K.:

- Passengers are allowed to carry on one piece of luggage not to exceed the following dimensions: 45cm x 35cm x 16cm (approximately 17.7" x 13.7" x 6.2").
- The following items are prohibited from carry-on luggage:
-- Cosmetics.
-- Toiletries (including toothpaste, aerosol sprays, shaving cream, lotions, gels, perfume, etc.)
-- All liquids, except:
--- Baby milk and liquid baby food (but these must be tasted by the parent)
--- Prescription medications, which must be verified by a pharmacist at an airport pharmacy if over 50 ml
- Laptops and large electronic items (like hairdryers) must be removed from the bag and placed in a tray for separate screening.
- Pushchairs and walking aids must be X-rayed.
- Wheelchairs are allowed but will be inspected.
- To expedite your screening, do not pack items which look as if they could contain liquids, such as flasks, bottles, etc.)..
- Only airport-provided wheelchairs are allowed through the screening point.
- All passengers will be hand-searched, and their footwear and carry-on items X-rayed.
- Passengers should be prepared for a second search at the gate.
- Items purchased in the airport after passing through security may be carried onto the plane, except if you are traveling to the U.S.
- Passengers travling to the U.S. will encounter extra security measures.
-- There will be a second checkpoint at the departure gate.
-- Toiletries, cosmetics, drinks and liquids purchased in the airport may not be carried on—consume them or throw them away at the checkpoint.
-- Food, however, may be carried on.

All travelers:

- Check with your carrier before you leave for the airport. Airline toll-free phone numbers are available here.

- Some airlines have relaxed excess checked baggage restrictions in response to the new carry-on regulations. Contact your airline for more details.
- Please check international news sources such as CNN.com, MSNBC.com or BBC.co.uk as your flight time approaches, in case any more restrictions are introduced.