Passengers at UK airports carrying a common item in their luggage have been warned to allow for extra time. London's Heathrow Airport has told passengers they may need 'extra time' for security checks if they are carrying certain items, such as ground coffee or powder supplements.
Heathrow Clarifies Rules After Passenger Inquiry
The clarification came after a customer reached out via social media. The passenger asked Heathrow's team whether they could travel with a tin of ground coffee and a health supplement in powder form in their cabin bag.
In response, Heathrow explained that while these items are usually permitted in cabin baggage, it is advised to pack them in hold luggage whenever possible. Otherwise, passengers may be required to complete additional checks at security and should allow for 'extra time'.
Passenger's Question on Social Media
Posting on X, the passenger said: "Heathrow Airport. Hi team, I will be flying to Sofia, Bulgaria in about two weeks time. Is it possible to bring a tin of ground coffee and magnesium supplement in a form of powder in my cabin bag? Please let me know."
The airport replied: "Food or powders should be packed into hold baggage where possible. Although these items are permitted in hand luggage (except some flights to the US), they can obstruct images on the x-ray machine, or may be mistaken for suspicious items – so putting them in the hold will help reduce the need for additional checks. Passengers who need to take these items on board should therefore allow extra time at security. For further information go to http://gov.uk."
Government Advice on Powders and Food Items
Labour Party government advice on the government website states: "Food items and powders in your hand luggage can obstruct images on x-ray machines. Your bags may need to be checked again manually by security. You can put these items in your hold luggage to minimise delays."
The advice continues: "Airport security staff will not let anything through that they consider dangerous - even if it’s normally allowed in hand luggage."
