With many of us preparing to jet off for a much-needed summer holiday, Brits are being reminded of four common items that can’t be taken in your hand luggage when flying. These items could be confiscated at the airport and may delay your trip.
Many of us are well aware that there are restrictions when it comes to what you can take with you on flights. This can depend on whether you have hold or hand luggage, the airline you are travelling with, and where you are travelling to.
However, there are a number of items that the Government advises against packing in your hand luggage in any instance.
On the GOV.UK website it warns: “There are restrictions on what items you can take in your hand luggage and hold luggage when boarding a plane in the UK. There are different rules if you’re taking goods to sell or temporarily abroad for business reasons, for example sales samples, professional equipment or musical instruments for a performance.
“Airport security staff will not let anything through that they consider dangerous – even if it’s normally allowed in hand luggage.”
Currently, four items that you should avoid taking in your hand luggage include:
- Liquids over 100ml;
- More than one lighter;
- Food and powders;
- Frozen items.
This includes:
- All drinks, including water;
- Liquid or semi-liquid foods, for example soup, jam, honey, and syrups;
- Cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara, and lip gloss;
- Sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray, and spray deodorants;
- Pastes, including toothpaste;
- Gels, including hair and shower gel;
- Contact lens solution;
- Any other solutions and items of similar consistency.
GOV.UK says: “At most airports, you cannot take liquids in containers larger than 100ml through security. This still applies if the container is only part full. Some airports may allow you to take liquid in containers that hold up to two litres of liquid.”
If possible, you should pack liquids in your hold baggage – the luggage which is checked in, and collected at the arrival airport after landing. The rules for taking liquids through security in your hand luggage have changed at some UK airports, so you should check with the airport before you travel.
However, countries outside the UK might have different rules on carrying liquids as a transit or transfer passenger. “You should check these rules with the relevant airlines and airports before travelling,” GOV.UK says.
But there are exceptions. You can take liquid containers up to two litres through security at all UK airports if they:
- Are for essential medical purposes;
- Are for special dietary requirements;
- 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;
- The receipt for the items is sealed in the security bag and visible.
You can only carry one lighter on board. You should put it inside a resealable plastic bag (like the ones used for liquids), which you must keep on you throughout the flight.
You cannot:
- Put it in your hold luggage;
- Put it in your hand luggage after screening.
While food in your checked luggage is not banned, food items and powders in your hand luggage can obstruct images on x-ray machines.
GOV.UK says: “Your bags may need to be checked again manually by security. You can put these items in your hold luggage to minimise delays.”
Gov.uk adds: “You cannot usually carry frozen items in your hand luggage, for example liquid, food, or ice packs.”
There are some exceptions. You should therefore check the rules for medicines, medical equipment, and dietary requirements, and baby food and baby milk, before travelling.
For more information visit gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
