Airlines have strict rules over what passengers can and cannot take onboard flights in their hand luggage.
With the school Easter holidays now in full swing and summer fast approaching, many UK households will be planning a well-deserved holiday abroad. For those lucky enough to have a holiday coming up, it’s important to be aware of important airport rules before jetting off so you aren’t caught out when heading through security. Holidaymakers must follow strict hand luggage rules when travelling abroad on any airline, including major carriers including easyJet, Ryanair, TUI and Jet2, and should be aware that there are many items that are banned from going in your carry-on bags.
Passengers must not only ensure their hand luggage meets the correct size requirements for the airline they’re flying with, but must also not take any of these following banned items onboard in their carry-on bag. Anyone found to be in breach of these rules faces having their items confiscated.
1. Liquids
Liquid containers must not exceed 100ml to be allowed in hand luggage. Any liquids over this limit must go inside the hold luggage instead. Travellers taking liquids up to 100ml in their carry-on must place the items in a transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm.
2. Exceptions to the 100ml rule
Travellers can only take liquid containers larger than 100ml through security if they are for essential medical purposes, are for special dietary requirements, or contain baby food or baby milk. You can also take liquids bought at an airport or on a plane (such as duty free) through security if the items are sealed inside a security bag when you buy them, and the receipt for the items is sealed in the security bag and visible.
3. Lighters
Travellers can only carry one lighter on board, and this should be put inside a resealable plastic bag, which must be kept on you throughout the flight. You cannot put it in your hold luggage, or put it in your hand luggage after screening.
4. Other personal items
Corkscrews, knives, large scissors (with blades longer than 6cm), non-safety matches, fireworks, flares and other pyrotechnics, including party poppers and toy caps, cigarette lighters and frozen breast milk, are all banned from hand luggage.
5. Sports equipment
Various items of sports equipment cannot be taken on board flights as carry-on. This includes baseball, softball and cricket bats, golf clubs, darts, walking/hiking poles, a catapult, firearms (including replica firearms), harpoons or spear guns, crossbows, or martial arts equipment.
6. Work tools
Several work tools must not be packed in hand luggage. Banned items include tools with a blade or shaft longer than 6cm, drills and drill bits, a stanley knife, saws, screwdrivers, hammers, pliers, wrenches or spanners, bolt or nail guns, crowbars and blowtorches.
7. Chemicals and toxic substances
Chemical and toxic substances are banned from taking on flights as hand luggage or in the hold. Items include oxidisers and organic peroxides, acids and alkalis, corrosives or bleaching agents, vehicle batteries and fuel systems, self defence sprays, radioactive materials, poisons, biological hazards, materials that could spontaneously combust, and fire extinguishers.
8. Ammunition
You cannot take any guns or firearms (including air rifles and starting pistols) as hand luggage. You may be able to take them as hold luggage, but you should check with your airline before you travel. Banned items in hand luggage include grenades, fireworks, smoke canisters, smoke cartridges, flares, plastic explosives and gun cigarette lighters.
Airlines specific rules
Airlines have specific information on banned items for hand luggage on flights online, and dedicated guides for passengers can be found on the websites of airports across the UK, including London Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester.
Passengers who are unsure about rules for a specific item are advised to contact their airline or travel operator directly for more information.