You have made it to the airport with plenty of time to spare, and there is only a short queue at security. Everything is going well until you send your bag through the scanner and it gets pulled to the side. You forgot that you have liquids, too many of them, and some are more than 100ml. The officer says they are sorry, but you are going to have to leave those behind. Even the new perfume you paid £100 for the day before. We have all been there, and confiscated items are usually gone forever. But in some UK airports, there is a way to get them back.
What is the Post and Fly Service?
At London Stansted, you can have confiscated belongings delivered to your door by the ‘Post and Fly’ service. The process is simple. Security staff will place your item in a bag and stick it in a special bin. You will be given a ticket with a unique reference number, which you can enter on the Post and Fly website and select your return preference. You can pay to have your stuff sent to any address in the UK or Europe, or pay a bit less to collect it from the airport.
Caveats to Consider
There are caveats. You have 30 days from the day the item is confiscated. After that, it gets disposed of or destroyed. Certain things, such as alcohol, perishables and dangerous goods, may not be eligible for shipping. And the privilege does not come cheap. Sending a 500g parcel from Stansted to east London costs £24. To collect it from the airport, £15. But if there is something expensive or sentimental that you desperately want back, it is a handy trick that few people know about. Just ask a security officer, and they will give you a ticket.
Other UK Airports Offering Similar Services
As well as Stansted, similar services are also available at Manchester, Glasgow, Bristol, and London’s Heathrow, Luton, and City Airports.
The Common Mistake That Could Get Your Phone Confiscated
Having liquids confiscated is one thing, but did you know that your phone could also be taken if you try to fly with a dead battery? Travelling with a phone, laptop, or any electrical device on 0% is against the rules at airport security. Airport staff must be able to see devices turned on for safety reasons and to confirm that they are not a security risk. Uncharged or broken devices could potentially conceal illicit materials or hidden explosives. If you cannot switch it on, staff can confiscate the device and even stop you from boarding. Many travellers are not aware of this rule because typically, it is enforced by airport security — not airlines.
