Towards the end of 2024, the MU was alerted to the recent changes in security scanners at Heathrow Terminals 2 and 3.

The new scanners that were introduced were not designed to accommodate musical instruments and therefore instruments were being checked by hand.

Some members got in touch as they were unhappy about the stance being taken by security staff and a lack of understanding of the delicacy and importance of the instruments.

Handling of musical instruments to be led with guidance from musicians

Dave Webster, MU Head of International, wrote to Heathrow and subsequently to the Secretary of State for Transport raising the issue and advocating for training to be put in place and for staff to be led and guided by the musicians.

The Government welcomed the information we had provided and stated that the airports are responsible for training their staff and that the Civil Aviation Authority ‘will remind airports that extra care should be given during the screening of delicate items’.

Heathrow Customer Services has ‘acknowledged the impact that the update in screening equipment has caused, as they look to provide a positive security experience for all musicians.

They added “we are working with manufacturers to explore less intrusive approaches. Following your feedback, our security staff would be able to support handling of the instruments with guidance from the musicians.“

Let us know if you experience issues travelling through UK airports

This is welcome news, and we urge members to contact their Regional Office if they experience problems of this nature when travelling through UK airports.