What you can now take on planes

By CLAIRE BATES, Mail online

Confusion has been rife among air passengers travelling today about what they can take on board.

Although the Government has officially lifted the ban on hand baggage BAA said the new rules would not come into force at Heathrow Airport until 4.30am on 15th August.

Here are the new hand baggage guidelines:

There is a strict policy of allowing only one item of cabin baggage per passenger. It can be no bigger than the size of a laptop or small rucksack - 35cm (13.5 inches) wide x 45cm (17.5 inches) long x 16cm (6.5 inches) high.

The bag must NOT contain:

• Any liquids, cosmetics or toiletries, including gels, pastes, lotions, perfumes and the contents of pressurised containers - these must be checked in as hold baggage.

• Cigarette lighters are NOT permitted in hold baggage or through the security search. These may be purchased airside.

The bag CAN include:

• Electronic equipment including mobile phones, digital cameras and MP3 players (such as i-Pods)

• Prescription medicines in liquid form, eg diabetic kit

• Baby milk and liquid baby food (the contents of each bottle MUST be tasted by the accompanying passenger)

• Laptops must be removed from the bag for x-ray.

All remaining items in pockets should be placed in the clear plastic bag provided, eg car keys and fobs, cash, solid food, books, newspapers, cigarettes and tobacco. Pushchairs and walking aids are permitted but must be x-ray screened.

All wheelchairs will be subject to a search.

Security staff may hand search you and x-ray your shoes.

Once in the departure lounge passengers may purchase any item in any store and take it onto the aircraft as normal unless you are travelling to the USA.

Travelling to the USA?

Extra restrictions are in place – you WILL NOT be permitted to take any liquid or gel items purchased in the departures lounge into the aircraft cabin.

All food or beverage items must be consumed before boarding. Passengers may be subject to a secondary search at the departure gate before boarding. Any items not on the approved list will be removed.

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