Enhanced security measures mean that checking in can take longer than it used to. It is advised that you arrive at Heathrow airport in plenty of time:

- International flights - check in at least 3 hours prior to departure
- European flights - check in at least 2 hours prior to departure
- Domestic flights - check in 1 hour prior to departure

Hand Luggage - What Not To Pack

You should always check the exact hand luggage allowance with your airline prior to packing. A general guide is that hand baggage should be a maximum weight of between 5 & 7 kilos, and dimensions should not exceed height 450mm x width 350mm x depth 200mm. Most airlines have a hand baggage measurement gauge at check-in.

Take only one piece of hand luggage and make sure that it does not contain:

- Scissors / Razor blades
- Knives with blades of any length / Household cutlery
- Tweezers / Hypodermic needles (unless required for medical reasons)
- Tools Toy / replica guns (metal or plastic) or Catapults
- Knitting needles / Sporting bats
- Billiard, snooker or pool cues / Darts

If items are confiscated at security control you will not be compensated and, with the exception of unusual circumstances, the confiscated items will not be returned.

Syringes that are needed for diabetics and other medical reasons will only be allowed in hand luggage if you can prove the medical necessity. Phone the airline in advance to find out what they require as proof of your medical condition.

All Luggage - What Not To Pack

In addition to the restrictions on what is allowed in hand luggage, there is a list of items that must not be taken on board an aircraft, either as hand luggage or in the hold. Do not pack the following anywhere in your carry on or check in luggage:

- Flammable liquids and solids / Oxidisers
- Organic peroxides / Gas cylinders
- Infectious substances / Wet car cell batteries
- Instruments containing magnets / Instruments containing mercury
- Magnetrons / Fireworks
- Non-safety matches, fire lighters, lighter fuel / Paints, thinners
- Poisons, arsenic, cyanide, weedkiller / Acids, corrosives, alkalis, caustic soda
- Creosote, quicklime, oiled paper Radioactive materials