Heathrow Airport has issued a reminder to passengers that carrying certain common items in hand luggage may require additional security checks. The clarification came after a traveller inquired on social media about bringing a tin of ground coffee and a magnesium powder supplement in their cabin bag.
Powders in Hand Luggage: What You Need to Know
The passenger, who was flying to Sofia, Bulgaria, asked Heathrow's team via X: "Is it possible to bring a tin of ground coffee and magnesium supplement in a form of powder in my cabin bag?" The airport responded that while these items are generally permitted, they can obstruct X-ray images or be mistaken for suspicious substances, potentially leading to extra screening.
Heathrow advised: "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."
Extra Time at Security
Passengers who need to carry such items onboard should allow additional time at security checkpoints. The official GOV.UK guidance echoes this: "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."
Restrictions also apply to liquids, lighters, frozen items, and some sports equipment. The guidance emphasises that security staff have the final say on what is allowed, even if items are normally permitted.
New CT Scanners at Heathrow
Despite these powder-related warnings, Heathrow has recently introduced advanced CT security scanners across all four terminals as part of a £1 billion upgrade. The new technology allows passengers to keep liquids and electronics in their bags, speeding up the screening process and reducing the need for separate trays. The airport estimates this will save nearly 16 million plastic bags annually and ease pressure during peak travel periods.
For more detailed information on hand luggage restrictions, passengers are directed to the official government website at gov.uk.
