Passengers must follow strict hand luggage rules when travelling abroad (Image: Getty)
Now that the festive season is over, the cold, dark and short winter days start to lose their charm, and the January blues start to set in, which gets most of us dreaming about some summer sun.
For many people, the start of the new year is the perfect time to book a holiday, as there are often huge discounts to cash in on, and it gives you something to look forward to as the winter season drags on. But while booking a holiday is the exciting part, packing for it is often a stressful affair, with specific size and weight requirements to adhere to and a long list of items that are strictly not allowed – particularly when it comes to hand luggage. For those lucky enough to be jetting off for some much-needed winter sun, or those who are planning a foreign escape later this year, it’s important to be aware of baggage rules so you aren’t caught out when heading through security.
Strict hand luggage rules apply to all passengers travelling abroad with any airline, including major carriers like TUI, easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2, which ban certain items from being taken inside the cabin. If you need a reminder of the rules, listed are every banned item passengers cannot take inside their carry-on bag on flights, and anyone in breach of these rules will face having their items confiscated:
1. Liquids
Liquid containers must not exceed 100ml to be allowed in hand luggage. Any liquids exceeding this limit must go into 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.
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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 online information on banned items for hand luggage on flights, 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 the rules for a specific item are advised to contact their airline or travel operator directly for more information.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
