Every piece of air cargo is security-screened before it flies. Here is what that means for your shipment, why it exists, and why it is a good thing.
Anything that flies on an aircraft — passenger or freight — has to meet strict aviation-security standards. For air cargo, that means every consignment must be security-screened by an approved method before it is allowed near an aircraft. This is a legal requirement set by aviation-security regulators, not something an individual shipper can opt out of.
It exists for an obvious reason: to keep aircraft, crew and passengers safe. For you as a customer, it is reassurance that the system your belongings pass through is tightly controlled.
The most common method is X-ray screening, where the consignment passes through equipment that lets trained operators see inside without opening it. For items that cannot be effectively X-rayed — because they are too large, too dense, or oddly shaped — other approved screening methods are used instead.
The important point is that screening is systematic. It is not a spot-check; it is applied to cargo as a matter of course before flight.
Because your shipment will be screened, a few things follow naturally. Pack so that contents are clear and reasonable — a well-organised box is easier to screen than a chaotic one. And be scrupulous about prohibited items: things like lithium batteries, aerosols, flammable liquids and perfumes are not allowed in unaccompanied air freight, partly for these very safety reasons.
Screening is a security process, not a rummage through your things. Its purpose is safety, and it is carried out under controlled, regulated conditions. Understanding that it happens simply helps explain why air cargo is handled the way it is — and why the “known shipper” system, which we explain separately, matters so much.
Most screening is done by X-ray without opening anything. Cargo can be physically inspected where required by security or customs, which is another reason an accurate contents list helps — it makes any inspection quick and straightforward.
Standard security X-ray screening does not damage normal household belongings or electronics. What protects your items far more is good packing. Note that certain items — loose lithium batteries especially — are prohibited in air freight entirely, for safety reasons.
Because it has to fly safely. Prohibited items in unaccompanied air freight include lithium batteries, aerosols, flammable liquids, perfumes and similar goods. These rules exist for aviation safety and are non-negotiable. We will always tell you if something you want to send is not allowed.
Screening is a built-in part of the air-cargo process, and it is one of the reasons air freight takes several working days rather than hours. It is time well spent — it is what makes the whole system safe.
We have been sending personal effects and excess luggage from the UK since 1998, from our base two miles from Heathrow. Tell us what you are sending and we will give you a clear quote.
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