Brits heading on holidays with the likes of TUI, Jet2, easyJet, Ryanair, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and more already have a checklist to navigate including Covid rules and passport requirements.
However, don't forget about hand luggage rules - and we're not just talking airlines' cabin bag allowances.
There are general rules including a list of items banned from hand luggage, which you can't take through security or on a flight.
Non-foldable umbrellas, scissors, lighter fuel and toy guns are just some of the examples - we've put a full list together below.
As previously reported by EssexLive liquids over 100ml can be confiscated too. You can take liquids under 100ml but these must be in a re-sealable plastic bag that can be no larger than 20cm x 20cm and cannot exceed one litre. Often, airports will provide these bags before security.
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What can't I take in my hand luggage?
The main items banned from hand luggage include:
- Acid
- Billiard, snooker or pool cues
- Builder's tools
- Catapults and sling-shots
- Darts
- Explosives
- Gas cartridges, or gas cartridge re-fills
- Hammers, nails or screw-drivers
- Hypodermic syringes (unless supported by medical evidence)
- Knives with blades more than 6cm
- Lighter fuel
- Lighter top-up fuel (passengers are allowed to carry one disposable lighter in a clear re-sealable plastic bag)
- Mercury
- Paint
- Razor blades
- Scissors - specifically, blades measuring greater than 6cm in length
- Sporting bats
- Toy or replica guns (plastic or metal)
- Umbrellas - unless foldable
The list above covers the key items that are banned from hand luggage, but it's worth noting that this can slightly vary depending on the airline you're travelling with, and your destination.
For example, some countries ban certain food items from being in hand luggage, so check with your airline or tour operator directly if you're unsure.
Below is a list where you can get information for specific airlines including:
Airports also offer dedicated guides for passengers including Gatwick, Manchester, London Heathrow and Birmingham.
What items are banned from both hand luggage and hold luggage?
- Flammable liquids and solids
- Oxidisers such as bleaching powders
- Organic peroxides
- Tear gas devices or any gas cylinders
- Infectious substances such as live virus materials
- Wet-cell car batteries
- Magnetrons
- Instruments containing mercury - however, thermometers with mercury are permitted in hold luggage (but not hand luggage) only, if they are carried in a protective case
- Instruments containing magnets
- Fireworks
- Toy/replica guns (metal or plastic)
- Non-safety matches
- Firelighters, lighter fuel, paints or thinners
- Poisons, arsenic, cyanide or weedkiller
- Radioactive materials, acids, corrosives, alkalis or caustic soda
- Creosote, quicklime or oiled paper
- Vehicle fuel system parts which have contained fuel
- Party poppers
If you're unsure about a specific item, get in touch with your airline or tour operator direct who can advise as to whether you'll be allowed to bring it with you in your luggage.
