baggage advice

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

your free hand and checked baggage allowance (hand baggage subject to airport security policy)

USA and Caribbean

all other destinations

USA and Caribbean

all other destinations (UK, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia)

important baggage information

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).

items you can take in your cabin baggage

• make sure you are aware of the latest security restrictions for hand baggage
• 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)

find out about the latest restrictions for hand baggage

For safety reasons, dangerous goods as defined in the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, such as those listed below, must not be carried in your cabin or checked baggage.

• explosives - ammunitions, fireworks, flares etc 
• compressed gases (flammable, non-flammable, deeply refrigerated and poisonous) such as camping gas and aerosols
• flammable liquids such as lighter fuels, paints and thinner
• flammable solids such as matches and articles which are easily ignited such as firelighters
• substances liable to spontaneous combustion
• substances which on contact with water emit flammable gases
• oxidising substances (such as bleaching powder and peroxides)
• poisonous (toxic) and infectious substances such insecticides, weed killers and live virus materials
• radioactive materials
• corrosives such as mercury (which may be contained in thermometers) acids, alkalis and wet cell batteries
• disabling devices such as mace, pepper spray, etc containing an irritant or incapacitating substance are prohibited on the person, in checked and carry-on baggage
• briefcases and security type attaché cases with installed alarm devices; or incorporative lithium batteries and/or pyrotechnic material
• magnetised materials and miscellaneous dangerous goods as listed in the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations
• personal medical oxygen devices that utilise liquid oxygen are prohibited

Please note: one small packet of safety matches or a cigarette lighter that does not contain unabsorbed liquid fuel other than liquified gas, may be carried about your person.  

Strike anywhere matches are forbidden for air transport.

medicines and toiletries

You may take non-radioactive medicinal items or toiletries (including aerosols) like hairsprays, perfumes, colognes and medicines containing alcohol, in limited quantities in your checked and hand baggage:

• single articles must not weigh more than 0.5kg or 0.5 litres (1.1lb or 1pt).
• combined articles must not weight more than 2.0 kg or 2.0 litres (4.4lbs or 2.0qt)
• release valves on aerosols must be protected by a cap or other suitable means to prevent inadvertent release of the contents

Please note that some of the quantities stated above are further restricted by current security restrictions, if these items are carried as hand baggage.

miscellaneous articles

You must be aware that items such as the following need to be approved by us prior to carriage.

• firearms and ammunition
• carbon dioxide, solid (dry ice)
• wheelchairs or other battery powered mobility devices
• heat producing articles
• mercury barometer or thermometer
• avalanche rescue backpack
• chemical agent monitoring equipment and insulated packages containing refrigerated liquid nitrogen

Further information is available on request - please call 0870 6070555.