Security Measures for U.K.–U.S. Travel

Last Updated: November 9, 2006, 8am EDT

The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security has determined that there is a high risk of terrorism against U.S. civil aviation, and the need for extra restrictions to assure the security of air travel.

New Security Measures

To address the higher risk, the following new security measures have been implemented until further notice.

Each passenger is permitted to bring one carry-on bag through the airport security check point. The dimensions of this item must not exceed dimensions of our SizeWise® units (approximately 56cm x 36cm x 23cm or 22" x 14" x 9"). Personal items like purses or handbags may be packed within the single carry-on bag.

No liquids, gels, or aerosols are permitted to enter the sterile area through the screening checkpoint or be in accessible property or on your person except:

One clear transparent resealable 1 quart-/liter-size plastic bag (slightly larger than a sandwich bag) containing liquids, gels, and/or aerosols in containers of 3 oz. (90ml) capacity or less per container. The contents of the plastic bag must fit comfortably and the plastic bag must be completely closed/sealed and subjected to x-ray inspection separate from the passenger’s carry-on bag.

You may also have the items below, but you must declare them at the security screening checkpoint if they are not contained in the plastic bag described above.

• Prescription medicines in liquid form sufficient and essential for the flight (i.e. diabetic kit), as long as it is verified as authentic.
• Baby milk and liquid baby food when an infant is traveling, and the contents of each bottle or jar have been tasted by the accompanying passenger.

Examples of liquids and gels included in these security measures are:

• Beverages
• Shampoo
• Suntan lotion
• Creams
• Toothpaste
• Hair gel
• Hair spray
• Other items of similar consistency

You will be allowed to bring liquids, gels, or aerosols purchased after passing through the security checkpoint on board the aircraft. However, any of these items above the 3.3 oz. (100ml) limitation may be confiscated from your person or carry-on if your travel requires you to transition additional security check points.

Other restrictions include:

• Nothing may be carried in the pockets.
• You will be hand searched, and your footwear and any items you are carrying must be x-ray screened.
• Pushchairs and walking aids are permitted but must be x-ray screened. Wheelchairs are permitted but must be thoroughly searched.

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Other Travel Tips

Here are some more suggestions to help minimize your inconvenience:

• Travel light—minimal clutter will expedite the screening process.
• See Check-in Requirements for info about when to arrive at the airport.
• Check with local airport authorities for any additional requirements.
• Store any liquid, gel, or aerosol duty-free items you have purchased onboard in your checked bags before you recheck them following your customs clearance at your gateway city. Any restricted duty-free items that cannot be stored in checked baggage may be confiscated.
• To help your progress through security check points, avoid packing items in your carry-on bag that are capable of containing liquids (i.e. bottles, flasks, tubes, cans, plastic containers, etc.)

We'll do everything we can to give you the information you'll need during this heightened-security period. Check back here for updates.

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