Qantas travel advice 16.08.06

Travelling through Heathrow Airport and constantly checking the Qantas Website to see how late the planes are departing and the current restrictions on handluggage. For the last few days a number of flights have departed 4 hours late yet yesterday they all seemed to get away fairly much on time. There has also been a slight relaxation on the hand luggage restrictions. The reality is that it is probably far safer to travel at the moment than anytime recently

UK Travel Advice
As changes to baggage restrictions are ongoing across the United Kingdom, for the most up to date information refer to the BAA website.

Immediate changes to carry-on baggage
With immediate effect, the following arrangements apply to all passengers starting their journey at a UK airport and those transferring between flights at a UK airport.

Cabin baggage is restricted to a single bag containing no liquids. The maximum overall dimensions of the bag is 45cm x 35 cm x 16 cm.

All carry on baggage will be x-rayed. Medications such as pills, asthma puffer and the like are permitted in flight. Prescription medicines in liquid form are limited to quantities that are sufficient and essential for the flight and will only be permitted where verified as authentic. Travelling infant baby food and milk (the contents of each bottle must be sampled by the accompanying passenger) is limited to quantities that are sufficient and essential for the flight.

All Laptops and large electrical items (eg hairdryer) are now permitted however they must be removed from the carry on, at screening, and placed in a provided tray.

Personal pushchairs, walking aids and wheelchairs are permitted through screening providing the item can be cleared by the screeners.

Passengers may be subjected to pat down searching and their footwear x-rayed.

In light of the current screening process passengers should allow additional time to proceed through screening.

This applies to all customers commencing their travel or making a direct connection through London-Heathrow airport.

Given the restrictions, passengers are requested to not purchase items such as for example, alcohol, perfume, and make-up, at retail outlets in the departure area as these items will not be permitted on the aircraft. Please also note also that fountain pens containing ink may not be carried on board.

Allow extra time
Due to these changes delays at the airport will occur. Allow yourself plenty of extra time to check-in and clear security at the airport.

To help minimise delays ensure that other than the items listed above that all items are placed in your checked baggage.

Travel Plans
If you wish to change your travel plans view our FAQ for more information.

Travel to and from other cities
These new security measures only apply to passengers travelling from London or making a direct connection through London-Heathrow airport. The normal carry-on baggage allowances apply for travel to and from all other cities (outside the UK, USA and from Singapore and Mumbai).

Last updated 15 August 2006 10.00am AEST