Importance Score: 35 / 100 π΅
Airline Hand Luggage Restrictions: Essential Rules for Passengers
Navigating airport security can be a crucial part of your journey. Airlines enforce stringent regulations regarding items permitted in hand luggage. As families across the UK gear up for Easter and summer getaways, understanding these airline rules is paramount to ensure smooth passage through airport security checks. Holidaymakers flying with major carriers like easyJet, Ryanair, TUI, and Jet2 must be aware of the prohibited items list for carry-on baggage to avoid confiscations.
Passengers must not only adhere to hand luggage size restrictions set by their chosen airline but also ensure they are not carrying any banned items. Non-compliance can lead to items being confiscated at security.
Liquids Regulations for Carry-On Baggage
Strict rules apply to liquids in hand luggage. Containers holding liquids must not exceed 100ml to be permissible in cabin baggage. Quantities exceeding this threshold must be placed in hold luggage. Travellers carrying liquids in containers up to 100ml are required to place them in a transparent, resealable plastic bag. This bag must have a capacity no greater than one litre and measure approximately 20cm x 20cm.
Exceptions to the 100ml Liquid Rule
There are exceptions to the standard liquids rule. Passengers are permitted to carry liquid containers larger than 100ml through security under specific circumstances:
- For essential medical purposes.
- For special dietary requirements.
- Containing baby food or baby milk.
Furthermore, liquids purchased at the airport or onboard an aircraft, such as duty-free items, are allowed if sealed within a security bag at the time of purchase. The purchase receipt must also be sealed and visible inside the security bag.

vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
Lighter Allowance in Hand Luggage
Passengers are allowed to carry only one lighter onboard. This must be placed inside a resealable plastic bag and kept on your person throughout the duration of the flight. It is prohibited to place lighters in hold luggage or add them to hand luggage after security screening.
Restrictions on Personal Items
Certain personal items are prohibited in hand luggage for flight safety reasons. These banned items include:
- Corkscrews
- Knives
- Large scissors (with blades longer than 6cm)
- Non-safety matches
- Fireworks, flares and other pyrotechnics
- Party poppers and toy caps
- Cigarette lighters (except one as per rule above)
- Frozen breast milk
Sports Equipment Carriage Regulations
Various categories of sports equipment are restricted from being carried as carry-on baggage. These include:
- Baseball, softball, and cricket bats
- Golf clubs
- Darts
- Walking/hiking poles
- Catapults
- Firearms (including replica firearms)
- Harpoons or spear guns
- Crossbows
- Martial arts equipment
Work Tools Prohibited in Cabin Baggage
Specific work tools are not permitted in hand luggage. The list of banned items encompasses:
- Tools with a blade or shaft longer than 6cm
- Drills and drill bits
- Stanley knives
- Saws
- Screwdrivers
- Hammers
- Pliers
- Wrenches or spanners
- Bolt or nail guns
- Crowbars
- Blowtorches
Chemicals and Toxic Substances Ban
Chemicals and toxic substances are strictly forbidden in both hand luggage and hold luggage. This extensive ban covers:
- 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
- Fire extinguishers
Ammunition Restrictions on Flights
Carriage of ammunition is heavily regulated. Guns and firearms, including air rifles and starting pistols, are prohibited as hand luggage. Carriage in hold luggage may be permissible subject to airline approval β passengers must verify with their airline prior to travel. Banned items in carry-on baggage include:
- Grenades
- Fireworks
- Smoke canisters
- Smoke cartridges
- Flares
- Plastic explosives
- Gun cigarette lighters
Airline-Specific Hand Luggage Guidance
Airlines provide detailed information regarding prohibited items in hand luggage on their websites. Comprehensive passenger guides are also readily available on the websites of major UK airports, including London Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester.
Passengers uncertain about the regulations concerning a specific item are advised to directly contact their airline or travel operator for clarification before travelling to avoid issues at airport security.