Brits preparing for overseas holidays are being reminded of potential restrictions they may encounter while travelling. Certain unspecified items might not be permitted in your hand luggage.

Most of us understand that particular things are prohibited on aircraft as part of cabin baggage. For instance, corkscrews, knives, and scissors are banned.

Yet, you might not be aware that an item which may "normally" be listed as acceptable could still be turned away at security. The Government clarifies on its website: "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." GOV.UK offers a comprehensive list of all items prohibited on flights.

Young woman opening her suitcase at the airport security check, while security staff holding in hands cosmetics permitted in a hand luggage. [Young woman opening her suitcase at the airport security check, while security staff holding in hands cosmetics permitted in a hand luggage.]
You should always check the rules at the airport you're flying from

However, occasionally an item might be deemed acceptable to bring but could still be refused entry. GOV.UK states: "Airport security staff will not let anything through that they consider dangerous - even if it's normally allowed in hand luggage."

As a general guideline, though, these personal items are not permitted in hand luggage:

  • Corkscrew - but permitted in checked luggage
  • Knife (with a sharp or pointed blade and/or blade longer than 6cm) - verify with your airline whether it's permitted in checked luggage
  • Large scissors (with blades longer than 6cm) - verify with your airline whether it's permitted in checked luggage
  • Non-safety matches - and not permitted in checked luggage
  • Fireworks, flares and other pyrotechnics, including party poppers and toy caps - and not permitted in checked luggage

Additional items subject to particular regulations include lighters, food and powders, and frozen goods.

Lighters

GOV.UK states you may only take one lighter on board. It must be placed inside a resealable plastic bag (similar to those used for liquids), which must remain on your person throughout the flight. You must not:

  • Place it in your checked luggage
  • Place it in your hand luggage following screening
Penknife [Penknife]
Knives with a sharp or pointed blade and/or blade longer than 6cm are not allowed in hand luggage

Food and powders

Food products and powders in your hand luggage may obscure images on x-ray equipment. Your bags might require manual inspection again by security. You may place these items in your checked luggage to reduce delays.

Frozen items

GOV.UK states: "You cannot usually carry frozen items in your hand luggage, for example, liquid, food or ice packs." Some exceptions apply including:

  • Medicines, medical equipment and dietary requirements
  • Baby food and baby milk
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Liquids

Restrictions apply to the quantity of liquids you may take in your hand luggage. Where possible, pack liquids in your checked baggage (luggage that you check in). At the majority of airports, you're not permitted to carry liquids in containers exceeding 100ml through security. This rule remains in effect even if the container isn't full.

However, certain airports now permit passengers to bring along liquid in containers capable of holding up to two litres. As of the time of reporting, these airports included:

  • London Heathrow
  • London Gatwick
  • Birmingham
  • Edinburgh
  • Bristol
  • Belfast International
  • Belfast City
  • Bournemouth

It's advisable to verify the specific rules regarding liquids at your departure airport prior to travelling.