From 7 January 2008, the UK Department for Transport approved new hand baggage arrangements at a number of airports in the UK. This means that at these airports the restriction previously imposed limiting hand baggage to one item per person no longer applies. As a result we have amended our hand baggage policy.
What are the key hand baggage changes?
- If you're travelling on a Business fare (and Premium Economy to the USA or Caribbean) you may carry two pieces of hand baggage
- If you're travelling on an Economy Flexible, Economy or Economy Saver fare you may carry one piece of hand baggage
- Hand baggage must be no larger than 55x40x23cm
- You must be able to lift your bag unaided into the overhead locker
- In addition, all passengers may carry one personal item
Important
If you are travelling from or transitting through an airport where Government restrictions still apply, the single hand baggage allowance remains in place.
New baggage policy applies at the following airports:
- Aberdeen
- Belfast City
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- Jersey
- London Heathrow
- Manchester
- All overseas airports
Limit of ONE piece of hand baggage is retained at:
- Leeds Bradford
- Durham Tees Valley
- East Midlands
- Norwich
Please visit the Department for Transport website for an up to date list of compliant airports.
bmi's Hand Baggage policy has been revised to provide consistency with our Star Alliance partners.
Regulations regarding the carriage and quantity of liquids allowed through airport security are unchanged and remain in place.
Find out more about hand baggage restrictions and the carriage of liquids
Make sure you have your tickets, passport and other important documents, plus medication, car keys, valuable items and money in your hand baggage (we cannot accept liability for any loss or damage to such items placed in your checked baggage)
In addition to the liquids permitted in one transparent re-sealable bag you can take the following in your one cabin bag:
- Electrical equipment including laptops, mobile phones, MP3 players, portable music and DVD players, digital and film cameras, video cameras - all larger electrical equipment will need to be removed from your cabin baggage and x-ray screened separately
- Essential medicines in liquid form sufficient and essential for the flight in quantities less than 50ml (e.g. diabetic kit), as long as verified as authentic - items must be removed from the bag and placed in a tray and screened separately
- Solid cosmetics e.g compact powder and lipstick (not lip gloss)
- Baby milk and liquid baby food (the contents of each bottle or jar must be tasted by the accompanying passenger) are permitted in the cabin bag
Other items
- All coats and jackets must be removed and screened as cabin baggage
- Items normally carried in cabin baggage such as books, medicines in non-liquid form, keys and travel documents may be carried in the cabin bag as long as they fit into the specified dimensions
- Pushchairs and walking aids, including wheelchairs are permitted but must be security screened
Maximum weight per piece of baggage
All passengers travelling to and from the UK are not permitted to check in any bag that weighs in excess of 32kg (70lbs).
The maximum weight limit of 32kg for any individual piece of baggage does not relate to your overall entitlement but is a safety measure to reduce injuries to baggage handling staff. Any item over 32kg should be referred to bmi cargo.
Maximum size
Hand baggage must have a maximum length of 55cm, width of 40cm and depth of 23cm. These dimensions include wheels, handles, side pockets, etc. If your hand baggage exceeds this size, you will be asked to return to check-in and check the bag into the hold.
Checked baggage on flights to the USA and Caribbean should have maximum dimensions (length + width + height) of 158cm (62ins).