Getting Through Security At Heathrow Airport

All items carried by passengers will be screened, and this includes:

• Wheelchairs
• Walking aids
• Pushchairs
• Laptops and electrical items will have to be removed from cabin baggage and screened separately

Please do not bring any of the following items with you when you travel from Heathrow Airport:

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

No direct coach service runs between Heathrow and Stansted. It is possible to travel by coach from Heathrow to London Victoria, and then from London Victoria to Stansted Airport. National Express run these services, and in total, the trip will take around three hours, at a cost of £24 (at the last review).

Travelling with a small child is often stressful, and airports and airlines are keen to make the process easier. You can pass through security with a sufficient amount of baby milk, food and sterilised water for the length of the journey. Security might request to scan these items.

Each liquid container must hold no more than 100ml. All liquid containers must be held in a clear and resealable bag that is no larger than 20cm by 20cm. Liquids refer to items including foams, gels, pastes, cosmetics, perfumes, mousses, lotions and creams.

Yes, medicines are restricted to the same 100ml rule as liquids, and you might be asked to authenticate some of the items you carry.

As you would expect, there are limits on sharp items that you can take through security. You should avoid taking scissors, razor blades, lighters, fireworks, toy guns, replica guns, darts, pool cues, slingshots, sports bats, non-medical use needles, nails, hammers or screwdrivers.

If you are travelling to visit friends, family members or loved ones, you might have gifts with you. This means many people are keen to gift wrap items before they set off, but if you are travelling with these items in your hand luggage, be prepared for them to be subject to additional security checks.