Packing for a flight can be stressful. Especially when you’re unsure what you can or can’t bring in your hand luggage. If you’re flying from the UK, there are clear rules about what’s allowed in your bag and what’s not. Let’s break these rules down simply so they’re easy to understand.
What You Can and Can’t Bring Onboard
Airports in the UK have a long list of items that are either restricted (limited) or completely banned from hand luggage. These rules are in place to keep everyone on the plane safe.
Even if an item seems harmless, airport security staff can still stop it from being taken on board. They may ask you to remove something that looks dangerous or unusual.
Before entering the complete list, check with your airline about how many bags you can bring, and always check the size and weight limits.
Musical Instruments
Bring a small instrument, like a violin or guitar, as hand luggage. Bigger ones might need their seat. Instruments go through separate screening, so pack them safely in complex cases.
Mobility Aids
Pushchairs, walking frames, and wheelchairs are allowed but will be checked at security. Battery-powered wheelchairs, however, might be prohibited, so you need to check with the airline before bringing them.
Sports Gear
Allowed in hand luggage:
- Tennis racquets
- Fishing rods
- Snooker or pool cues
- Sports parachutes
Not allowed in hand luggage:
- Golf clubs
- Cricket bats
- Baseball bats
- Darts
- Hiking poles
- Martial arts gear
Check your airline’s rules and pack them in hold luggage.
Tools
Most work tools are not allowed in hand luggage.
Banned from cabin bags:
- Drills
- Saws
- Screwdrivers
- Wrenches
- Hammers
- Blowtorches
These can only go in checked baggage.
Dangerous Stuff (Completely Banned)
You cannot take these on the plane at all:
- Bleach
- Acid
- Mace or pepper spray
- Rat poison
- Fire extinguishers
- Wet batteries
- Chlorine
Even in your checked bag, these are a big no.
Firearms and Ammunition
Firearms, bullets, and anything explosive are banned from hand luggage. Some items might be allowed in hold luggage, but only with your airline’s permission.
These are always banned:
- Grenades
- Flares
- Dynamite
- Fireworks
- Smoke canisters
- Plastic explosives
Liquids
Liquids are the biggest problem for many travellers. You can only bring small bottles, each holding 100ml or less. All your liquid items must fit in one transparent, resealable plastic bag. This bag should not be bigger than 20cm x 20cm and must not hold more than 1 litre.
Liquids Include:
- Water, juice, soft drinks
- Liquid or soft food (like soup, jam, honey)
- Creams, oils, perfumes, mascara
- Sprays (like deodorant or shaving foam)
- Gels and pastes (like toothpaste or hair gel)
- Contact lens solution
Security will take it away if you try to bring a bigger bottle, even if it’s half empty.
Special Exceptions:
You can bring larger liquid containers if they are:
- Essential medicine (with a doctor’s note)
- Baby milk or food (if travelling with a baby)
- Special dietary liquids
Make sure to tell security about them. They might open them or test them.
Frozen Items
Frozen items like ice packs, frozen food, or frozen drinks are not allowed in hand luggage. The only exceptions are:
- Baby food that needs to be kept cool
- Medicine that must stay frozen
You can bring these if they’re clearly for personal use. Always ask your airline if you’re unsure.
Baby Items
Here’s what you can bring:
| Item | Hand Luggage | Hold Luggage |
| Breast milk (up to 2000ml) | Yes | Yes |
| Frozen breast milk | No | Yes |
| Formula milk | Yes* | Yes |
| Cow’s milk | Yes* | Yes |
| Sterilised water | Yes* | Yes |
| Soya milk | Yes* | Yes |
| Baby food | Yes* | Yes |
| Cooling/ice packs | Yes | Yes |
*Only if the baby is travelling with you.
You can carry as much as you need for the journey. But each container may be opened and screened.
Medicines and Medical Devices
Airport staff might ask you to show proof. If the medicine is liquid and over 100ml, you must show a doctor’s note or prescription. You can carry:
- Inhalers
- Syringes (if required)
- Tablets and pills
- Liquid medication (even over 100ml with a letter or prescription)
- CPAP machines
- Cooling gel packs
Electronic Devices
You must be able to turn these devices on at security. If your laptop or phone is dead, you may have to leave it behind. So, always charge your devices before your flight. Some batteries (especially lithium ones) are only allowed in hand luggage. Ask your airline if you’re unsure. Allowed in hand luggage:
- Phones
- Tablets
- Laptops
- Cameras
- Electric razors
- Hairdryers or straighteners
- Travel irons
Personal Items and Tools
Some everyday items might surprise you.
| Item | Hand Luggage | Hold Luggage |
| Corkscrew | No | Yes |
| Knife (over 6cm blade) | No | Yes |
| Scissors (under 6cm) | Yes | Yes |
| Scissors (over 6cm) | No | Yes |
| Tweezers | Yes | Yes |
| Nail file, clippers | Yes | Yes |
| Umbrella, walking stick | Yes | Yes |
| Lighter | Only one must be kept on you | No |
| Safety matches | Yes | No |
Final Thoughts
Airport rules change more often than you think. New security technologies, airline-specific policies, and even updated country laws can affect what you can bring. That’s why checking with your airline and the airport you’ll be departing from is a good habit. The Heathrow rules might differ slightly from those at Manchester or Edinburgh.
Always arrive early so you have enough time in case your bag needs to be manually checked. A five-minute delay at home can turn into a big issue at security if you’re rushing. Label your electronics and keep medications, important documents, and valuables within reach in your hand luggage. And don’t forget to share your travel experience, your tips, and lessons could help others travel smarter too!
Being prepared helps reduce stress and keeps security lines moving. So, take a few extra minutes to double-check everything next time you’re packing. Safe, smooth travels start with smart packing.
FAQs
Can I bring my food on a plane from the UK?
You can bring solid food in your hand luggage, like sandwiches or snacks. But soups, sauces, and yoghurts count as liquids and must follow the 100ml rule.
Are power banks allowed in hand luggage?
Yes, but only in your carry-on bag. Due to fire risks, you can’t pack them in hold luggage.
What if my liquid container is slightly over 100ml but not full?
It still won’t be allowed. Security checks the size of the container, not the contents.
Can I bring safety razors in hand luggage?
Yes, disposable razors with fixed cartridges are allowed. But loose razor blades are not.
Can I take an umbrella on board?
Yes, umbrellas are allowed in hand luggage.
Can I bring nail polish or perfume?
Yes, but only in containers of 100ml or less, and they must be placed inside your 1-litre liquid bag.
Are e-cigarettes allowed on UK flights?
Yes, but only in your hand luggage. You can’t use or charge them during the flight.
What about protein powder or baby formula powder?
They’re allowed but might be screened separately. Try packing them in your checked luggage to avoid delays.
Is my medication safe in hand luggage?
Yes, you can bring essential medicines. If over 100ml, show a doctor’s letter or prescription.
What do I do with items I can’t take through security?
You can throw them away or check if the airport offers mailing services to send them home.
Can I take a drone in my hand luggage?
Yes, most airlines allow drones in carry-ons. Remove the battery and follow your airline’s battery rules.
Are scissors allowed in hand luggage?
Yes, but only if the blade is 6cm or shorter. Longer blades must go in checked bags.
Can I carry matches or a lighter?
You can bring one lighter or a pack of safety matches, but only in your pocket, not in your bag.
What about items like knitting needles?
Yes, knitting needles and crochet hooks are allowed in hand luggage.
Can I bring a small tool or screwdriver?
No. Due to safety risks, even small tools are not allowed in cabin bags.
Can I take duty-free liquids on connecting flights?
Only if they’re sealed in a tamper-proof bag with the receipt inside should you keep them unopened until your final stop.
