Please note, the Club's bag policy was updated at the beginning of the 2024/25 season and further details can be found here.
Ahead of Saturday’s match against Brentford, the Club wishes to provide an update and friendly reminder to the new bag policy for fans attending Craven Cottage.
The new bag drop policy was implemented for the first time at the friendly against Hoffenheim earlier this month.
Ahead of our first home Premier League fixture of the season, we would like to provide our supporters with additional information to ensure that this process runs smoothly on matchdays.
Why is the club bringing in this policy?
The policy has been implemented first and foremost to ensure the enhanced safety of all spectators both inside and out of Craven Cottage. This also ensures the Club is fully compliant with the incoming Martyn’s Law. This legislation was introduced following the Government inquest into the Manchester Arena attacks and requires that all major venues do all that is reasonably practicable to mitigate against the threat of a terrorist attack. In addition, the Club has been in dialogue with our Counter Terrorism Security Advisor, who has provided guidance on introducing a bag policy to ensure fans can enter the ground more efficiently.
The Club strongly believes that it makes sense to set out the policy to enhance public safety and make stadium access more efficient by limiting the size and style of bags brought in.
This will enable us to move fans through our security check points much faster, allowing appropriate checks of smaller bags to take place through dedicated bag search queues.
What size bag can I bring in?
Bag to be no larger than A4.
- Height 297mm (11.7 inches)
- Width 210mm (8.27 inches)
- Depth 210mm (8.27 inches)
The approved criteria are in reference to the dimensions of the bag itself - bags that are half full and folded to reduce overall size will not be accepted.
All items and bags carried by spectators and staff will be carefully inspected upon entry to the stadium, which may include a personal wanding or pat down.
Fans are advised that it is one bag within the restrictions permitted per person.
We encourage all fans, where reasonably possible, to avoid bringing larger bags into the venue, but - if they must - to arrive early to avoid late entry since bags may need to be dropped off at the left luggage facility.
Fans are advised that the Club will continue to offer a free left luggage facility for those who cannot avoid attending with a large bag.
What do I need to know about the left luggage facility?
This service is located at Bridge Academy, via the Greswell Street entrance, and is stewarded at all times. Fans leaving bags will be given a ticket to provide upon return to reclaim their bag. The service is available from 2 hours before kick-off until 2 hours after full time (1 hour for matches kicking off after 6pm).
What happens if I show up at the gate with a bag that is not permitted?
Fans carrying bags that do not meet the criteria will not be permitted entry and will be redirected to the left luggage facility.
Which turnstiles should I use if I’m entering with a bag?
There will be dedicated bag search lanes at the following stand turnstiles:
- Johnny Haynes: 20, 23, 24 & 29
- Hammersmith: 38, 39 & 47
Those seated in the Putney Stand can use any turnstile, while anyone seated in the Riverside Stand is advised to use the Hammersmith Stand bag queues, where possible.
What if I need to bring a bag in for medical or childcare purposes?
If, for a medical or childcare reason, your bag does not adhere to the policy, you may apply for an exemption. Acceptable evidence for an exemption can include any of the following:
- A statement of higher or middle rate disability living allowance (DLA)
- Receipt of either the Severe Disablement Allowance or Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Qualifying annual uprating letter
- The Access Card (Details available from www.accesscard.org.uk)
- Registration document which certifies that you are Registered Blind or Partially Sighted
- Veterans Agency letter confirming War Disablement Pension
- A personal letter outlining your access requirements from your hospital specialist (within reasonable date)
If a resident outside of UK, please use equivalent documentation.
The above is not exhaustive, and we do consider each application on a case-by-case basis.
How do I apply for an exemption and what does it look like?
Fans who are approved an exemption will be provided a certificate via email, which can either be printed or shown on their phone at the turnstile, however, please note that fans must still have their bags searched. The certificate will also be valid for the entire 2023/24 season.
Should you wish to apply for an exemption, please contact the Club’s Supporter Relations department at enquiries@fulhamfc.com or by calling 020 8336 7412.
Are all handbags prohibited?
No. Unlike some event venues, we are not banning all bags. Bags smaller than A4, with or without a handle or strap, are permitted. This should enable you to carry the same items you have in previous years and speed up entry into the stadium for all fans because it will take less time to screen bags. Shorter lines mean fewer hassles. We encourage fans not to bring any bags but have created a policy that balances fan needs with improved public safety and convenience.
What if buy something at the Club store?
All matchday merchandise purchases will be supplied in a branded bag in line with this policy and will be admissible.
Can fans carry cameras, smart phones or tablets separately from what they put in a bag?
Yes. A phone or camera can be carried into the stadium so long as it is not in its own bag. This is not a restriction on items that fans have been able to bring into the stadium. It is only a restriction on the type of container used to carry items.
What else is the Club doing to keep me safe?
In addition, spectators may see ‘Hostile Vehicle Mitigation’ devices located on their approach to the stadium, as part of the Club’s Traffic Management Order. Staff will also be carrying out random searches at turnstiles, including the use of detection dogs.
Fulham FC would like to thank you for your cooperation and your contribution to providing a safer environment and an improved event day experience.
