What items are not allowed on a plane in hand luggage? Everything you can and can’t carry onto a plane

22 Apr 2024

Jo Plumridge

Plane hand luggage header man placing items in a tray at security control

Carry-on rules can be confusing, but our guide to what items are and aren’t allowed in hand luggage should save you a lot of time and effort

There’s a certain art to remembering what you can and what you can’t take on an aeroplane in your hand luggage. Security is, understandably, very tight and some certain rules and regulations need to be followed. Even if an airport has the latest scanning equipment, you still need to know what’s allowed in your carry-on bag, as well as what you’ll need to have ready for inspection.

How can I prepare for a trip in advance?

If you want to get through security as quickly as possible, make sure you’re organised well in advance and have everything ready before you even leave for the airport.

First things first: make sure you check the hand luggage restrictions and weight limits with the airline you’re travelling with, as they can differ, with budget airlines typically not allowing as much as premium ones. If you’re just sticking with a carry-on, our recommendations for the best hand luggage will give you a wide selection of robust bags to choose from. If you’re on a longer haul trip and need to check in your baggage for the cargo hold, then our selection of the best suitcases on the market will help ensure all your belongings arrive safely in one piece.

Remember that you can only take liquids in individual containers with a maximum capacity of 100ml on the plane (more on liquids later), so be careful what you pack. Place your liquids – including gels, pastes and balms – into a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag. Liquids and certain electronic items – laptops, tablets, phones and other similar devices – will need to be scanned separately, so it’s a good idea to pack them at the top of your carry-on luggage, or in a separate pocket section, keeping in mind that you’ll need to be ready to remove them for inspection. You can usually make sure your laptop is still protected by using one of the best laptop sleeves (just make sure that it’s switched off first to prevent overheating).Best backpack

Then, at the airport but before you get to security, remove any coats, jackets and belts (some airports also require shoes and boots to be removed – check the signage for information as you join the queue). Take your electronic items out of your luggage and place them in a separate tray for scanning. And don’t forget to check your pockets for any metallic items, like keys and loose change, as these will set off the detector and require you to go through again, or even to be taken aside for a personal search.

If you’re a smoker, you’re only allowed to travel with one lighter and, after screening, it’s not permitted to go in your luggage, it must stay on your person.

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Why does airport security take so long?

Although they seem annoying and time-consuming, security checks are an important airport procedure. They’re there to keep passengers and staff safe from potential dangers or threats, so you do need to remember that these measures are in place for your benefit, as well as the benefit of your fellow travellers. These checks include full-body scanners or metal detectors and X-ray baggage scanners to check bags for any prohibited items.

What items are allowed on a plane in hand luggage?

Let’s start with the items that you are allowed to carry in your hand luggage.

1. Liquids

You can take liquids in your hand luggage, but containers can’t hold more than 100ml. All these containers must go in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20 x 20cm. You are limited to one plastic bag, which must be able to be sealed at the top. Liquids include:

- All drinks, including water
- Cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascaras and lip gloss
- Liquid or semi-liquid food, such as jam, honey or syrups
- Sprays, such as shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants
- Pastes, such as toothpaste
- Contact lens solution
- Gels, such as shower gel and hair gel
- Any other liquids of similar consistence
There are some exemptions to the liquids rule. If you’re travelling with a baby, you’re allowed to take enough baby food, baby milk and sterilised water to cover the journey. You are also permitted to travel with breast milk, though individual containers of breast milk cannot hold more than 2,000ml and airport staff may need to open the containers to screen the liquids at the security desk.
You are also allowed to carry more than 100ml of essential medicines, including dietary foodstuffs and inhalers. You may be required to provide proof that the medication is prescribed to you, whether that’s a letter from your doctor or a copy of your prescription.
2. Medical equipment and mobility aids
You are allowed to carry any essential medical equipment for your journey, including tablets and hypodermic needles. However, again, you do need to carry proof that the medication is prescribed to you if it’s a liquid in a container larger than 100ml, or if your medicine is a controlled substance (do check the rules for the country you’re travelling to as well).
Mobility aids, such as pushchairs, wheelchairs, walking frames and walking sticks, are usually allowed in the cabin in addition to your hand luggage, though they will need to be scanned through security. You will need to check with the airline if your aid has batteries, or if you need to take oxygen cylinders. It’s advised that you notify the airline at least 48 hours before you’re due to fly if you’re likely to need any assistance.
3. Electronic items
You can take your mobile phone, laptop, tablet, MP3 player, hairdryer, straighteners, camera, travel iron, electric shaver and e-cigarettes onto a plane in your hand luggage. Make sure they have enough charge to be switched on if security staff request it. Do note that e-cigarettes and anything with a lithium battery have to be carried in your hand luggage as these items cannot go into the hold. Lithium batteries with 101-160 Wh are only allowed with airline approval – anything higher than 160 Wh is banned.
4. Personal items
You might be surprised to learn that these items are all permitted in hand luggage:
- - Small scissors with blades no longer than 6cm
  - Round-ended/blunt scissors
  - Nail clippers/nail file
  - Tweezers
  - Knitting needles
  - Sewing needles
  - Umbrella
  - Safety matches
  - Fixed-cartridge razor blades
  As mentioned earlier, you are permitted to travel with a cigarette lighter; however, it must be placed in your plastic liquids bag as you go through security and then remain on your person – it is not allowed in your hand luggage.
  5. Duty free
  Anything you buy from duty-free after security is exempted as long as it’s sealed in a security bag with the receipt visible. You aren’t allowed to open the duty-free until you reach your destination.
  6. Specialist items
  Some specialist items such as sports equipment, musical instruments or professional camera equipment are allowed onto the plane in the cabin as hand luggage, but you will need to check with the airline you’re flying with. Larger pieces of equipment may incur extra costs, such as buying an extra ticket.