The unusual hand luggage item that can get you stopped and swabbed at airport security – and delay your boarding
IT’S IMPORTANT to know what you can and can’t pack in your hand luggage when travelling through airport security.
While lots of unusual items like human remains and animal horns are allowed to be taken onto a plane, there are some restrictions on common household items.
A candle is one common household item that might cause delays at the security gate.
While it’s not illegal to take a lighter onto a plane, there are plenty of rules travellers need to know.
Travellers trudging through security have had the item inspected and swabbed individually in case they concealed illegal substances.
UK LIQUID RULE EXPLAINED
New scanners are currently being installed at airports across the UK, which will prevent holidaymakers from having to remove electronic items or liquids from their bags at security gates.
Liquid allowances will also increase from 100ml to 2litres, when the new scanners are fully operational.
Only a few airports have completely installed the new scanners, including Birmingham Airport, Bristol Airport, Teesside Airport, London City Airport, Aberdeen Airport and Leeds Bradford Airport.
Even though some UK airports have the new scanners installed, the 100ml liquid rule remains in place.
Hand Luggage rules at UK airports explained
Going through airport security can be a stressful experience, so it's important to be aware of strict hand luggage rules before you travel. Most UK airports will be implementing the following rules:
- All liquid items packed in a passenger’s hand luggage must be less than 100ml
- Liquids include items like gels, aerosols, moisturisers, sunscreen and makeup products
- All liquid items must fit into a 20cm x 20cm sealed plastic bag, before they go through the scanner at airport security
- Electronic items like laptops and tablets must be removed from bags and placed in a separate tray.
New CT scanners have already been installed at Teesside Airport, London City Airport and Aberdeen Airport, which means holidaymakers will be able to pack two litres of liquid in their hand luggage.
Liquids placed in hand luggage, including aerosols and gels, should not exceed 100ml and should be packed in a clear plastic bag.
Until the 100ml liquid rules have come into force at airports across the country, travel experts are encouraging passengers to adhere to the liquids rule.
The Sun’s Head of Travel, Lisa Minot, said: “It’s worth bearing in mind that not all airports across the globe have the equipment.
“You may well be able to fly out with liquids over 100ml – but if the airport you fly home from doesn’t have them yet you could find yourself coming a cropper.
“While we transition over the next couple of years you’ll need to make sure you’re aware of the arrangements in any airport you fly through.”
It comes as holidaymakers were warned they could be prevented from entering certain countries, even if their passport still hasn’t expired.
We’ve also revealed the clothes that could you banned from your flight.
And here are the nine bizarre items that are banned from hand luggage, including protein powder and hair dye.
Experts at Travel Republic are advising travellers to check when their passport is due to expire, as well as the rules for the destination they’re heading to.
Meanwhile, a flight attendant revealed why passengers should be banned from wearing headphones on planes, and it could save your life.