What can’t I take in hand luggage? All items banned from carry-on bags as airport rules on liquids to change
Holidaymakers must abide by strict hand luggage rules as many items are not allowed, including razors, some toiletries and liquids
Holidaymakers will soon see airport security rules on liquids and laptops eased under new plans from the government.
Major airports across the UK have been set a deadline of June 2024 to install new airport security that will make the rules on carrying no more than 100ml of liquid in containers and removing large electronics from hand luggage obsolete.
It means that passengers at most airports across the country will be able to carry liquids in containers holding up to two litres in what will be the biggest relaxation of aviation security regulations in decades.
The impending rule changes also means that liquids will no longer have to be carried in clear plastic bags, while laptops and tablets won’t have to be removed from bags at security checkpoints. The Department for Transport (DfT) said new technology will instead provide security staff more detailed images of what is inside passengers’ bags.
The current airport security rules were introduced in 2006 following a foiled terror plot to blow up planes flying from London to the US with home-made liquid bombs.
The rules on liquids and laptops are still in force for now and holidaymakers should also be mindful of other strict rules around hand luggage on airlines to avoid being caught out in airport security.
There are many items travellers are not allowed to take in their carry-on luggage on flights and those found to be in breach of the rules face having such items confiscated. Travellers must ensure their hand luggage meets the correct size requirements, in line with the rules of the airline carrier, and cannot take any of the following on board.
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1. Liquids
Liquid containers must not exceed 100ml to be allowed in hand luggage. Any liquids over this limit must go inside 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.