Hand Luggage Allowance

The moderator of our Travel forum, who travels regularly for work, gets many requests for the latest regulations about hand luggage carried through the security check-point at European airports, so here are the latest rules:

*According to the Department of Transport website, from 7 January 2008, the one item restriction will no longer apply at certain airports. Click here for more details. The maximum size for items of hand luggage is 56cm x 45cm x 25cm per bag. However, airlines apply their own operational policies governing the number of items of hand baggage which may be taken in to the aircraft cabin. If you're carrying a handbag too, make sure it fits inside your main piece of hand luggage.

* Don't carry any sharp metal objects, cigarette lighters, and anything else flammable or with a cutting edge.

* Remove all large electrical devices from your hand-luggage when passing through security, and put these separately through the x-ray machine. This includes personal computers and DVD players but not mobile phones.

* Each traveller has a one litre liquids allowance, but no single container must exceed 100ml. All liquids or gels (including make-up, deodorant, hair products, liquid medicines) must fit into a 20cm x 20cm plastic re-sealable plastic bag. (Where possible, pack these things in checked-in luggage).

* In addition to the above allowance, you may carry:

• Liquid baby food or sterilised water, sufficient for the journey, can be taken through airport security. The accompanying adult will be required to verify by tasting.
• Essential medicines for the period of the trip may be permitted in larger quantities above the 100ml limit, and syringes (eg for insulin or adrenaline) accompanied by a prescription or medical certificate. You may not be asked to show the prescription, but if you are asked, and don't have one, your medicines may be taken away.

For flights from all UK airports we advise you to check the Department for Transport website with security requirement details for all passengers departing from UK airports and also provides advice to help passengers pass through the security search point as quickly as possible. We also advise that you check with your airline.

Checking in takes slightly longer than it used to, with the enhanced security measures.
It is advised that you arrive at the airport in plenty of time:
International flights - check in 2 hours prior to departure
European flights - check in 2 hours prior to departure
Domestic flights - check in 1 hour prior to departure.

Check out our Travel forum, for lots of helpful advice and tips from babyworld members.

Where to next?

• For in-depth info on applying for a baby passport click here and why not read one mum's story of Baby passport hell...and back and be warned?!
• For information on everything from how to have stress-free travel and summer safety tips, check out the rest of our travel section
• Share travel tips and get advice on our Travel discussion forum
• We try, you buy… Check our comprehensive product tests
• Find out more about child immunisation