George has extensive experience in the insurance industry and a deep understanding of the challenges travellers face, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions.
Travelling by air can be stressful, especially when it comes to packing. You want to ensure you have everything you need for your journey, but if you pack the wrong things in your carry-on bag, they can easily get confiscated before boarding the plane.
That's why it’s essential to know exactly what is allowed and not allowed on board an aeroplane! In this post, we will guide you through all the correct items you should take in your luggage, as well as look at a few of the more commonly confiscated items and explain why they are prohibited.
What Items Are Allowed in Carry-On?
When it comes to packing for a trip, it's important to understand what items are allowed in your carry-on luggage to make your travel experience as smooth as possible. Read on for useful information about what’s allowed onboard so that you no longer have surprises waiting on the other side!
Liquids
When it comes to packing for a flight, knowing what liquids are allowed and not allowed in your hand luggage can be confusing. Generally, liquids, gels, creams, and aerosols must be in containers that are 100ml or smaller, and all containers must fit into a 20cm x 20cm, clear, plastic bag.
There are also some slight exemptions to the 100ml rule. You can take more than 100ml of liquid, provided it is:
- for essential medical purposes.
- for special dietary requirements.
- baby food or formula (read further down for more details).
If in doubt, contact your airline or the airport to discuss any concerns you may have regarding the liquids you plan to take with you. You can read the UK Government's rules on liquids here.
If you typically carry a water bottle, be prepared to empty it before passing through airport security. Don’t worry, though—most airports provide water fountains where you can refill your bottle afterwards.
Alternatively, you can purchase a new bottle of water from one of the airport shops. To avoid the hassle, you might consider packing your water bottle in your checked luggage, ready for use when you reach your destination.
Furthermore, you can also save some money (and the environment) here; rather than buying travel-sized miniatures of your favourite toiletries, you can buy reusable plastic/silicone containers that you can use to decant your products.
However, it's important to note that not all liquids fall under this rule. For example, alcohol above 70% Alcohol by Volume (ABV), compressed gases (e.g., deodorant), and flammable liquids are prohibited in hand luggage. So, before you start filling your plastic bag, make sure you know which liquids are allowed and which ones should be left at home.
Medications
When travelling with medications, it’s best to pack them in your carry-on luggage rather than checked baggage. This ensures you have easy access to your medications during the flight and avoids the potential hassle of locating replacements if your checked luggage is lost or delayed.
Always keep medications in their original packaging to prevent confusion or issues at security checkpoints. If you’re carrying liquid medications that exceed the 100ml limit for carry-on liquids, they can still be brought through security if they are medically necessary and declared to security officers.
Bringing a copy of your prescription or a note from your doctor explaining your need for the medication is also highly recommended. Additionally, research the specific regulations for medications in your destination country, as some may impose restrictions on certain types of drugs.
READ MORE: Taking Medications Abroad
Additionally, things like hypodermic needles, inhalers and medical equipment (like glucose monitors and CPAP and TENS machines) can be brought onto the plane too. You may need to present a doctor's note that advises that these are required for medical use. If in doubt, speak with your airline to see what they recommend.
Finally, if you need oxygen cylinders to help you breathe, these are usually accepted to be bought on the plane too. However, the UK Government advises that you speak with your airline before your flight. You can read more about the UK Government's restrictions on travelling with medication here.
Travelling with a Baby
When travelling with a baby, most airlines allow you to bring a carry-on bag for the baby in addition to your carry-on luggage. This carry-on allowance typically includes items such as a nappy bag, pushchair, and car seat. However, it is important to check with your airline ahead of time to find out their specific carry-on guidelines for infants.
Many airlines also allow you to bring breast milk, formula, and baby food in quantities exceeding the 100ml liquid allowance, so long as you declare it to airport security, and it is medically necessary for the baby.
As per the UK Government's website, restrictions for baby food and milk are as follows:
You may also want to consider bringing a few extra items in your carry-on, such as a change of clothes for the baby and any necessary medications. Make sure to pack these items in an organised manner to make security screening and access during the flight as easy as possible.
READ MORE: Flying with a Baby
Personal Items
There might be times when you need to take some items that are not the usual items you'd find in the carry-on. Unlike a change of clothes, snacks or a good book, sometimes you need to pack other essentials.
Musical Instruments
Musical instruments are allowed in your carry-on, however, these items will need to be discussed with your airline before your flight. If the instrument is large, your airline may request that you purchase another seat to stow the item or request that it go into the hold. The airline may require that these items be screened separately.
Mobility Aids
Again, mobility aids are definitely allowed to be bought onto the plane as carry-on. Should you need a walking stick/cane to help you move about, your airline will allow you to bring it on board. Again, the airline will likely request that these items be screened separately.
Sporting Equipment
It goes without saying that Skis and Snowboards are allowed on your plane - these just need to go in to hold luggage rather than in carry-on. Remember, most airlines prefer you to let them know if you will be bringing these items.
READ MORE: Winter Sports
Things like tennis rackets and pool cues can be included in your carry-on. Yet, heavy bats, like cricket bats, baseball bats and golf clubs, need to be put into your hold luggage. You can read more on the UK Government's restrictions on sporting equipment here.
Other Items
Items like knitting needles and sewing needles are allowed to be included in your hand luggage. Same with small scissors (so long as the blade is no longer than 6cm), nail clippers, files and tweezers.
You can learn more about what personal items can be in your carry-on luggage here.
Electronic Devices
If you're wondering what types of electronics you can take on the plane, you're not alone. The good news is that most electronics are allowed on planes, but there are some restrictions you need to keep in mind.
Some electronic devices can contain lithium-ion batteries that can overheat and catch fire if damaged or subjected to extreme temperatures or pressure changes. If you are unsure whether your electronic devices contain lithium-ion batteries, check with the manufacturer before packing the item.
Devices like laptops, tablets, phones, cameras, and e-readers are usually permitted in your carry-on luggage. Yet, larger items like gaming consoles, hoverboards, or drones may need to be checked in.
You can learn all about what electronic devices the UK Government would rather you leave at home here.
Don't forget, should you decide to take your gadgets with you on your holiday, these might not be covered under your standard travel insurance policy - you may need to purchase additional cover to include them.
READ MORE: Gadget Insurance
Prohibited Items
It's important to keep in mind what you cannot bring as part of your hand luggage. Prohibited items include sharp objects such as knives, scissors, or razors, which can easily become dangerous if mishandled.
Obviously, things like explosives, fireworks, guns, and petrol are definite no-nos, but things like vapes and electronic cigarettes are also not allowed. As noted before, certain sporting equipment is also not allowed to be in carry-on: no cricket bats or golf clubs – these all must be checked into the hold. Anything like this is prohibited, as they have the potential to be used as weapons.
Make sure to check the list of prohibited items before packing your hand luggage to avoid any mishaps at the security checkpoint.
Make sure to check the UK Government's restrictions on items by visiting their site here.
Helpful Tips for Packing You Carry-On
Packing can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to only having a carry-on suitcase for those weekend escapes. You want to pack everything you need, but also want to avoid overpacking. The key is to prioritise your essentials and pack them strategically.
Start by creating a packing list that includes all the must-haves for your trip. Then, choose versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits.
Roll your clothes to save space, and don't forget to make sure that any liquids you pack are under the 100ml requirement and near the top. Keep these items separate and easy to access in a clear plastic bag, so you can easily pull them out ready for airport security.
When it comes to packing hand luggage for a flight, rules and regulations must be abided by. However, with careful planning and organisation of your items ahead of time, you can successfully make sure that all your carry-on belongings comply with the regulations.
If in doubt, make sure to check with your airline and the regulations of the country you are visiting to make sure you are ok to bring the items you are unsure about.
Each item should be thoroughly researched to confirm what items are allowed on board the plane in your hand luggage before departure. Dedicating the time to bring yourself aware of what is permissible in terms of carry-on luggage will help alleviate potential stressful scenarios encountered when going through security screening at the airport.
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