Heathrow Baggage Security

This isn't just Heathrow, it's all European airports.

This is universal in Europe since the "liquid bomb plot" case in 2006.

Have you been through any airports in the past ten years? This is standard. Of course, sometimes they don't make you follow all these procedures (for instance, they don't always make you take off your shoes, or take out your 3-1-1 bag), but these are the procedures nonetheless.

For the 3-1-1 bag, the rule is, if it pours, smears, sprays, or does not hold its shape outside the container, it's a "liquid" and must go in the bag. So toothpaste counts - and always has, since they started the 3-1-1 rules.

How much is 100 ml? Actually, 3.4 ounces, so a bit bigger than the 3 ounces we get in the US.

Just to recount our experience thru Nice airport security screening - the guy in front of us didn't have ANY of his liquids in the baggie - shampoo, body wash...any personal grooming stuff, so he had to dig it all out. The family behind us tried to bring thru huge bottles of water that they bought before security - nope. So a lot of people don't look into the restrictions - I just figured they were common knowledge. I mean - the EU regulations are the same as the Canadian ones with regards to liquids and whatnot, so...

It's no different in the US or anywhere else in Europe. If you don't know how much 100 ml is then why not buy the travel sized toiletries that are available everywhere? The US imposes the same rules on fluids and the same rules on removing your shoes, removing laptops, tablets et al.

they removed all trash bins from the tube, because terrorists put bombs in them?

been like that for years due to Irish terrorism - funded by guess who...

These days bags for rubbish / recyclables are often provided rather than a solid bin.

Shoes off is not obligatory, but often a random thing.

Mike, you need to fly more often. Then none of this would have come as a surprise. Why would you think that TSA PreCeck had any validity outside the US? All of these security restrictions are pretty much identical in any international airport in North America and Europe. No need to identify Heathrow as different - it's not.

TSA Pre-check means nothing

And why would it in England? TSA is part of the US security system. TSA does not have anything to do with anything outside the US. Each country has their equivalent but each also has its own rules.

Do you know how much 100 ml is?

A little over 3 ounces. Also, nearly every liquid bottle you buy anywhere in the US has both ounces and ml on it, especially if it is a personal care item like shampoo and makeup. Or it will have grams which for liquid or paste items is equivalent.

Thank you and your post may help some people, but for anybody who has traveled anyplace overseas in recent years, this is old news. As somebody pointed out, TSA-pre is a U.S. thing only. Works great leaving, but not on the return. Now, if only somebody could figure out a way to shorten those passport control lines upon arrival overseas.

They want pastes (like toothpaste) in your little liquids baggy, too

This is required by TSA too.

I appreciate your willingness to share and to try to make someone else’s experience a little smoother.

The other item to watch out for is if you are a connecting flight where you arrive internationally. If you filled your water bottle after your first time through security and prior to the first flight, you will need it empty again upon landing at Heathrow prior to going through security again.

We flew out of LHR two weeks ago and shoes did not have to be removed. Security was quick and hassle free.

One thing that was different at Heathrow in September 2017: You were not allowed to carry liquid medications out of your single 3-1-1 bag. Every liquid/gel/etc. had to fit in there along with all your toiletries, etc.

Mike, I do know how much 100 ml is. If I were unsure, I can read the packaging just like you can. I travel weekly domestically and nothing you described in the OP is Heathrow-centric including toothpaste in the 3-1-1.

If you filled your water bottle after your first time through security and prior to the first flight, you will need it empty again upon landing at Heathrow prior to going through security again.

This is an important point in that the CAA does not take on trust the competency of any other authority's security, including the TSA. So a flight connection in the UK from anywhere else will require going through CAA-regulated security.

Mike it’s Europe not the US of A.

By traveling more to other countries you’d discover the differences.

Then again the removing of shoes and size of bottles with liquid content has been consistent for years.

Remember, until that horric September day in 2001 Our experience of terrorism on our soil had been minimal . Countries in Europe have dealt with it for years and years and their approach to airport security procedures reflect that.

I’m also surprised you found the Tube expensive. London is one of the most expensive cities on the planet. Why did you think public transport costs wouldn’t be pricey? At least you found it great transport.

Traveling abroad a Bit of an opener eh?!

Yup, nothing new. At least you have the option of leaving shoes on.

I actually like the security set up they have at Heathrow and Gatwick. At least vs the US style. There are spots for 4 or 5 people to put their belongings into bins for screening. First person to finish goes to the next step. It seems less frustrating waiting in line and seems to move travelers through quicker.

Mike, I just want to apologize for the grief you are getting when you tried to share information to help others. Sometimes, civility seems to have vanished on this forum. I don't understand why so many people felt it necessary "put you in your place." You completely took responsibility for not thinking ahead about this.

I for one, appreciate your thoughtfulness and I am sure that there could easily be some people who have a better transit through the screening process at Heathrow because of your post.

I’ll suspect that Mike can take of himself.

BTW check his posting history. You’ll discover I shared helpful information answering his queries prior to his departure.

Thanks, Mike
It never hurts to have a reminder. For those who have TSA-precheck, it's easy to forget what it's like to go through more formal screening. When you depart a USA airport going through pre-check and then a have an LHR connection (with additional fatigue) and no pre-check, it's easy to forget the drill. I got caught fumbling on a previous trip and friends had the "we need to empty your entire bag" on this last trip because they forgot to pull an electronic.

I somehow don’t think Mike meant this for the people on the forum who travel all the time - but for the many people just beginning their travels, reading here but maybe not commenting, who may not have the details down yet. Having been in line behind some of them, a little self-effacing reminder isn’t a bad thing. :)

I travel alot though not to europe for 4 years. I have never had to take out my liquids until coming home from Heathrow a few weeks ago. They said they have been doing it since 2006. I knew about it but since I never had to do it before I was surprised by it. Luckily I carry very little liquid and it was easily placed into a bag.

Also 100 ml is approx 3 oz.