Hand luggage rules

Before you fly, it’s important to know what you can take on the aeroplane with you, especially when it comes to what you can take in your hand luggage. Below are some hand luggage rules to help you have the safest, easiest journey possible.

Please note that, even if you follow the guidelines below, airport staff are still legally allowed to remove and/or discard anything that they deem dangerous, even if it’s normally allowed in hand luggage. The guidelines here are based on the best of our knowledge at the date of this blog post, but the rules on what can be taken on a plane may change from time to time, so always check with your airline and/or airport before you travel.

Don’t forget to also check the luggage size and weight limitations with your airline before flying.

01

What liquids can you take on a plane?

All liquids (including all food products and toiletries) must be in containers of 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less. All containers must fit inside a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag that holds no more than one litre. You are only allowed one clear bag per person.

According to airline regulations, liquids on planes include:

1. all drinks (including water)
2. cosmetics (including mascara, lip gloss, foundation and any other liquid or semi-liquid make up)
3. toiletries (including shaving foam, creams, lotions, oils, toothpaste, hair gel, shampoo, contact lens solution, hairspray and any other liquid or semi-liquid product)
4. liquid or semi-liquid food (including soup, honey, yogurt, jam, oil, etc.)
5. any other gel, paste, spray or item of similar consistency

There are some exemptions, including liquids of vital medical importance, liquids that aid special dietary needs and baby food or baby milk. Always check with your airline in these circumstances.

02

Can you take food through airport security?

Yes, if it’s a solid food. Liquid or semi-liquid food including jam, jelly, honey, syrup, soup, oil or anything of a similar consistency must be in a container of 100 ml or less; if it’s larger than 100 ml, it must go in the luggage you have checked in to be put in the plane’s cargo hold.

Please note that many countries have restrictions on which foods can be brought across borders (such as fresh fruit, meat, seeds, etc.) so always check online before you fly.

03

Can you take food on a plane?

Yes, if it complies with the rules listed above, or if it’s bought after security, you can take food in your hand luggage on the plane.

Please note that many countries have restrictions on which foods can be brought across borders (such as fresh fruit, meat, seeds, etc.) so always check online before you fly.

04

Can you take sweets on a plane?

Yes, you can take sweets in your hand luggage, provided they are not liquid or semi-liquid in consistency. If they are, they must be in a container that’s 100 ml or less or placed in your hold luggage.

05

Can you take electric devices in your hand luggage?

Yes, most electrical items are allowed in your hand luggage, including mobile phones, laptops, tablets, hairdryers, hair straighteners/curlers, cameras, travel irons and electric shavers. Make sure your electrical items are charged (i.e., phones and laptops) – if they don’t turn on, they may not be allowed on the flight.

06

Can you take hair straighteners in your hand luggage?

Yes, hair straighteners are allowed in your hand luggage on a plane. Gas hair tongs are also allowed as long as the safety cover is in place, but spare gas cartridges are not allowed in either your hand luggage or your hold luggage.

07

Can you take make-up in your hand luggage?

Yes, you can take all make up in your hand luggage on a plane (including mascara, foundation, lipstick, lip gloss, eyeliner, concealer, blush, etc.) as long as it is in a container of 100 ml or less. All cosmetics must be able to fit in one clear, re-sealable bag per person.

08

Can you take aerosol cans of hairspray or deodorant on a plane?

Yes, you can take aerosol cans in your hand luggage as long as they are 100 ml or less. All larger sizes must go in your hold luggage.

09

Can you take deodorant on a plane?

Yes, all deodorant is allowed. Note that solid deodorants are unrestricted, while aerosols, gels, creams and roll-ons are allowed in your hand luggage, provided each is 100 ml or less.

10

Can you take perfume on a plane?

Yes, you can take perfume in your hand luggage through security as long as it is in a container of 100 ml or less. If you decide to buy perfume at duty-free, the airport staff there will advise you on the procedure for taking your perfume on the plane.

11

Can you take an umbrella on a plane?

Yes, umbrellas (both travel size and regular size) are allowed on airplanes in both your hand luggage and hold luggage.

12

Can you take knitting needles or sewing needles on a plane?

Yes, you are allowed to take knitting needles and/or sewing needles in your hand luggage.

13

Can you take scissors on a plane?

Scissors with blades that measure less than 10.16 cm (4 inches) from the pivot point, such as nail clippers, are generally allowed in your hand luggage. Round-edge scissors, like those used by children, are also allowed in your hand luggage. All scissors with longer blades must be packed in your hold luggage. However, note that some countries have stricter rules around sharp objects so always check the local rules before you fly.

14

Can you take tweezers on a plane?

Yes, you are allowed to take tweezers in your hand luggage.

15

Can you take a razor on a plane?

Yes, you can take disposable razors or electric razors in your hand luggage. If you are travelling with a razor with removable blades, it must it must be packed in your hold luggage.

16

Can you take a lighter on a plane?

Yes, you can take a disposable or Zippo-type lighter on a plane, but only one per person. You must place the lighter inside a clear, re-sealable bag through security, and you must keep the lighter on your person at all times (not in your hold luggage or hand luggage). Lighters can be placed in your hold luggage but only if they contain no lighter fuel. Note that torch lighters (like barbecue lighters) and ones designed to resemble firearms are not allowed on planes.

17

Can you take an e-cigarette on a plane?

You should check with your airline. However, in general e-cigarettes are allowed in your hand luggage but are prohibited in your hold luggage. All e-cigarettes must go in a clear, re-sealable bag through security alongside any other liquids (this includes all e-liquids). However a number of countries have banned e-cigarettes, so you should always check that they’re allowed in the country to which you are travelling to avoid problems.

Please note that smoking e-cigarettes or charging them is not allowed on planes.

18

Can you take work tools on a plane?

In general, work tools are not allowed in your hand luggage, and must be placed in your checked hold luggage. These include saws, screwdrivers, hammers, wrenches, crowbars, bolt or nail guns, pliers, drills and drill bits, or any tool with a blade longer than 17.78 cm (7 inches). Power tools can also be packed in your hold luggage but only if their batteries are installed. Any spare batteries must be taken in your hand luggage.

19

Can you take a wedding dress on a plane?

Yes, you may take your wedding dress on the plane with you as long as it complies with your airline’s hand luggage size and weight allowances. Dresses can, of course, be packed in your hold luggage. However, you should check whether your travel insurance policy will cover your wedding dress in case of accidental damage. Note that some travellers even purchase an extra plane seat to ensure their dress remains wrinkle-free.

20

Can you take musical instruments on a plane?

You may bring a musical instrument on a plane if it fits in your hand luggage. If it does not, it will either have to be placed in the hold or you will have to purchase a separate seat for it. It’s best to check with your airline about their policy on musical instruments. You should also check whether your travel insurance policy will cover your musical instrument in case of damage.

Further information on hand-luggage restrictions at UK airports can be found here.

Please note, the information contained in this blog post is based on the best of our knowledge at the date this post was created and is provided for your information only. It’s not to be relied upon as reflecting the policies of all airlines and you should therefore always refer to the policies of your specific airline before booking your flights and travelling.