A FLIGHT out of Stansted Airport nearly took off with unexpected passengers on board after two chameleons were handed over to security guards by a female traveller.

A FLIGHT out of Stansted Airport nearly took off with unexpected passengers on board after two chameleons were handed over to security guards by a female traveller.

The scaly pair were taken from the woman, who was a foreign national, as she queued to go through security checks. They were passed on to the RSPCA.

A spokesman for the Danahar Animal Centre near Braintree, where the four-inch reptiles were taken, said they were a “little bit underweight” but doing okay.

She said: “We would never advise people buying them as pets - we don't re-home them when we receive them because they need such specialist care.”

Yesterday, Stansted Airport used “extremely rare” incident to remind passengers exactly what they can and can't take on board.

Nick Cole, Stansted's head of terminal, said: “It is very unusual for us to be presented with two live chameleons at security, but in the past we have had passengers trying to take cats and dogs through, and on one occasion even a tarantula.

“While these are rare incidents, we do, on a daily basis, have passengers turning up at security with too many bags or trying to take too much liquid through security, which slows the process up for everyone.

“Current restrictions at all UK airports allow for just one piece of hand luggage to be taken on flights and liquids that are not over 100ml.

“If all our passengers follow these simple rules it will make their journey through the airport far quicker and a more enjoyable experience.”

He advised all passengers to only carry items in their hand luggage that are essential for their flight.

A full list of the current security restrictions can be found at www.stanstedairport.com.

elliot.furniss@eadt.co.uk