hand baggage restrictions

Security requirements for all passengers remain in place departing from UK airports.

hand baggage and size allowance

From 7 January 2008, the one item restriction was lifted by the Department for Transport at certain airports.  If you are travelling through an airport where the policy has not changed you should adhere to the one cabin item restrictions regardless of any change to bmi's policy.  Click here for details of up to date airports.

Please note that when travelling with bmi, our cabin baggage maximum size allowance is 55cm x 40cm x 23cm including 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.  This policy is consistent with our Star Alliance partners.

At airports where only one item of cabin baggage is permitted, all other bags, such as handbags, may be carried within the single item of cabin baggage.

liquids

Where possible, put all liquid items in your hold baggage. This includes water and other drinks, creams, sprays, pastes and gels. 

If liquid is to be carried on to the aircraft you must ensure:

• the liquid is in a container with a capacity no greater than 100ml (or equivalent)
• the containers are all contained within one closed transparent re-sealable plastic bag (such as a re-sealable freezer bag or zip top bag) which itself must not exceed 1 litre in capacity or 20cm x 20cm
• the contents of the plastic bag fit comfortably within it, and the bag is completely closed
  
  click on image to enlarge

The plastic bag must be taken out of your cabin bag and placed in a tray for x-ray screening.  In this case ‘liquids’ include gels, pastes, lotions, liquid/solid mixtures and the contents of pressurised containers, e.g. toothpaste, hair gel, drinks, soups, syrups, perfume, deodorant, shaving foam, aerosols, etc.

This requirement is in place across all airports in the EU and is aligned with those already in place in the US and Canada.

items permitted in your cabin baggage

In addition to the liquids permitted in one transparent re-sealable bag you can take the following in your one cabin bag, as previously in place:

• 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

outsize items

All items of luggage which do not fit in the permitted cabin baggage size must be checked in.  

flights from the USA and Canada

Passengers may take a small amount of liquids and gels.  Each passenger is limited to one, clear plastic, zip-top plastic bag that does not exceed 20cm x 19.5cm of travel-size toiletries of 3 ounces (90ml) or less. 

Customers travelling from the USA or Canada who are transferring onto another flight from a UK airport MUST adhere to UK requirements.

further information

We ask for your cooperation in the screening process by allowing sufficient time and being prepared before you arrive at the airport. Only pack essential items in your cabin baggage and pack your liquids, gels and such items in your checked luggage. Please also be aware any previously prohibited items remain in place.