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Remembering what you can and can't take in hand luggage has become quite an art as regulations have evolved to suit the times we live in. With the current roll out of new 3D scanners across UK airports, the 100ml rule for liquids is likely to be scrapped eventually, and when that happens travellers should be able to keep liquids (and electricals) inside their hand luggage during the security process. But, for the foreseeable future, says ABTA, the existing regulations continue to apply. And even when the airport you are travelling from has the latest technology, don’t assume this means you can ignore the liquids rule.
There has been considerable confusion recently over this rule. Some regional airports such as London City Airport, Teesside, Newcastle, Leeds-Bradford, Aberdeen and Southend had been able to drop the 100ml allowance as they had installed new scanners that allowed up to two litres of liquids to be stored in hand luggage when going through security. (Larger airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester have not yet installed the new scanners so had kept to the 100ml rule).
But from June 9 the rule saying that only allowing liquids, gels and pastes under 100ml to be taken through security was reinstated by the Department for Transport so all airports in the UK are now operating under the old 100ml limit for the moment, although it is hoped by the affected airports that this is a temporary measure.
London City Airport, for example, has informed passengers that they can still keep everything, including all liquids and large electronics, in their hand luggage when passing through security, so while the limit for liquids still 100ml, there's no need to put them in plastic bags as they can be left in hand luggage to be scanned.
Baggage rules vary per airline and ticket type, so please check your airline's baggage guidelines before arriving at the airport.
So, whether you are off for a city break or beach holiday, here's what you need to know before you set off for the airport.
First things first... that hand luggage you've just taken down from the attic may or may not be small enough for the airline you're travelling with this year. It's always advisable to check details on the airline's website directly for the weight and exact dimensions of the bags it allows as hand luggage as these can vary considerably.
What you can take in hand luggage
Suitcases sorted, here’s our handy guide to what you are allowed to take in your hand luggage if you are leaving from a UK airport. Not flying direct? Countries outside the EU might have different rules on carrying liquids as a transit or transfer passenger. You should check these rules with the relevant airlines and airports before travelling.
Liquids
If you need to take liquids, pack them in your hold luggage, if possible. If, however, you are travelling with hand luggage only, current rules state that containers must hold no more than 100ml of liquid. For most airports, these must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm. Don't try and cram too much in; contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed (not knotted or tied). You are limited to one plastic bag per person and this will be checked at airport security.
The liquid restriction also applies to gels (including toothpaste), sprays, pastes, creams and any semi-liquid foods like honey, jam or syrup.
You can take drinks with you but they need to be less than 100ml and fit into your plastic bag. Contact lens solution is regarded as a liquid, so you can only take up to 100ml.
Exemptions
Baby food or baby milk
If you're travelling with a baby, you’re allowed to take enough baby food, baby milk and sterilised water for the journey. There is no legal limit to how much you can take, however, it's check with the airport before you travel.
Individual containers of breast milk must hold no more than 2,000ml. Be warned, airport staff might need to open the containers to screen the liquids at the security desk.
Medicines, medical equipment and mobility aids
You’re allowed to carry more than 100ml of essential medicines, including liquid dietary foodstuffs and inhalers, and any medical equipment that's essential for your journey, such as tablets and hypodermic needles. You’ll need to carry proof that the medication is prescribed to you (for example, a letter from your doctor or a copy of your prescription) if it’s a liquid in a container larger than 100ml.
You do not need to show proof if the medication is either in tablet form or a liquid in a container that’s 100ml or smaller.
There are different rules if you are travelling with medicine that contains a controlled drug.
Mobility aids, such as pushchairs, wheelchairs, walking frames and sticks, are usually allowed in the cabin (check with the airline if you have battery-powered aids) but these will need to be screened first. Contact your airline if you need to take oxygen cylinders.
ABTA advice: If you take medication, take enough with you to see you through the holiday and allow for possible delays. Always keep clearly-labelled medication and any medical documents in your hand luggage or in a place you can easily reach.
Duty free
Anything you buy from duty free at the airport after security is exempted if it’s sealed in a security bag and the receipt is sealed in the bag and visible. You can’t open it until you reach your destination.
Electronic items
You can take certain electronic items on the flight with you. Your mobile, laptop, tablet, MP3 player, hairdryer, straighteners, camera, travel iron and electric shaver are all allowed in both hand luggage and hold luggage. E-cigarettes and cigarette lighters are not allowed in hold luggage.
Any electrical items need to have enough charge for you to turn them on if requested to do so by security. Anything with a lithium battery must be carried in your hand luggage (this usually means your phone and your laptop).
Sports equipment
You can take some things as hand luggage, such as a tennis racket or fishing rod, but check with the official government list, as most items will need to go in the hold.
Other things you can take as hand luggage
You may be surprised to hear that all of the below are allowed in hand luggage:
- Small scissors (blades no longer than 6cm)
- Disposable razor (fixed-cartridge razor blades)
- Nail clippers/file
- Tweezers
- Knitting needles
- Sewing needle
- Umbrella/ walking stick
But be aware that airport security staff will not let anything through that they consider dangerous – even if it’s normally allowed in hand luggage.
For more information visit gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions/personal-items
