| As the school holidays are about to start and the | | | | measuring a maximum of 20cm by 20cm, with a |
| masses flock to the airports in search of the sun, air | | | | capacity of no more than a litre. Where possible, it is |
| passengers this summer are about to face up to the | | | | advisable to put all liquids, such as water, drinks, |
| latest security measures designed to keep our | | | | creams, sprays, pastes and gels, in your check-in |
| airports safe. With the heightened security in the | | | | luggage. Don't forget liquidsinclude all drinks, perfumes, |
| aftermath of the attack on Glasgow airport, air | | | | mascara, liquid foundation, spray deodorants, |
| passengers are expected to encounter long queues | | | | toothpaste, hair and shower gel and sun cream. |
| and delays this summer.So what can you do to | | | | Any questions connected with cabin baggage should |
| minimise your delays and the impact it will have on | | | | be directed to your airport or airline before you |
| your family this summer? By following the advice | | | | travel.Medicines required during the flight Any |
| below you should minimise your transit time through | | | | essential medicines for the period of the trip may be |
| the airport and arrive at your destination relaxed | | | | permitted in larger quantitiesthan 100ml but will require |
| enough to start enjoying your holiday immediately. | | | | authentication - passengers must have obtained |
| Travelling with children | | | | agreement with the airline and airport prior to |
| If you are travelling with children ( make sure they | | | | departure and must bring supporting documentation |
| have enough to keep them entertained if you do | | | | with them from a relevant qualified medical |
| need to queue - books, comics or magazines and | | | | professional.Foreign currency Buy your foreign |
| paper and colouring pencils generally work well. Make | | | | currency ( in advance to avoid queuing at the airport |
| sure you have a drink and snacks available, however, | | | | - foreign currency can be bought on line and delivered |
| you should bear in mind that due to restrictions in | | | | for roughly the same cost as at a bank or high |
| liquids these will need to be disposed of before you | | | | street travel agent. |
| pass through security. | | | | Arrive early and stay the night before By booking a |
| Advance check-in Check-in in advance - some airlines | | | | hotel near the airport for the night before you avoid |
| offer on-line check-in ( up to a day in advance and | | | | the stress of worrying about traffic congestion and |
| by printing your own boarding passes you can save | | | | getting to the airport in time. Book a hotel near |
| loads of time at the airport. | | | | Gatwick airport ( or one at the airport, such as the |
| Hand luggage restrictions. | | | | Hilton Hotel at Gatwick airport south terminal ( Many |
| Be aware of the a latest airport security restrictions ( | | | | airlines allow you to check in baggage the day before |
| passengers are permitted to carry ONE item of hand | | | | you travel and this will reduce queuing and time at |
| baggage each, no larger than 56 x 45 x 25cm (22 x | | | | the airport on the day you fly.Travelling to the airport |
| 17.7 x 10 inches) including wheels, handles and outside | | | | / airport parking Most of the UK's airports have |
| pockets. Be aware that these dimensions are the | | | | increased security around the airport terminals and |
| maximum size you are allowed to carry - some | | | | restricted vehicular access for dropping-off and |
| airlines specify smaller hand luggage sizes and it is | | | | picking up passengers. Designated drop-off and |
| always advisable to check with yourairline. Other | | | | pick-up zones have been made available in the car |
| bags, such as handbags, may be carried but must fit | | | | parks which can add to the time it takes to reach |
| within the single item of cabin baggage. | | | | the terminal building. |
| A laptop, if carried, must fit within the one item of | | | | The UK's airports are advising passengers to use |
| hand baggage, or if carried separately will be | | | | public transport wherever possible. Using public |
| regarded as the one piece of cabin baggage. | | | | transport with young children can be impractical and |
| Remember any gifts carried as hand luggage must be | | | | one solution is to use meet and greet parking ( Meet |
| unwrapped and must fit within your one bag | | | | and greet valet parking( has its own designated drop |
| entitlement. | | | | off zone and is great idea for parents with small |
| Restrictions on liquids. | | | | children or travellers with heavy luggage who want |
| Make sure you are aware of the hand luggage liquid | | | | to avoid the queues this summer. Cars are driven |
| restrictions ( - in excess of five tons of liquids and | | | | right up to the airport where a valet parking driver is |
| gels are confiscated at the UK airports every day | | | | waiting to collect your vehicle and park it for you. |
| due to ignorance of the restrictions imposed last | | | | On your return your car will be waiting for you |
| year.Liquids, gels and aerosols can only be carried in | | | | outside the terminal building - you can be on your |
| individual 100ml containers (larger containers, even if | | | | way home before your fellow passengers have |
| only partially full, will be confiscated) and should fit | | | | found their cars. |
| comfortably in a transparent, re-sealable bag | | | | |