What items are prohibited in hand luggage

Are you going on vacation soon and it's time to pack your suitcase? Have you decided to travel light and only want to bring hand luggage? Want to be sure to avoid security problems at the airport?

Good news. We have the answer to all your questions.

Much of what is not allowed in hand luggage is common sense. But there are a few surprises. Rest assured, we have listed a series of items that you cannot take in your hand luggage.

Airlines seem to be charging more and more for checked baggage, which is why many people choose to travel by plane with just hand luggage. This saves money, but means you need to be more careful about what you take with you, as there are many restrictions on what is not allowed in hand luggage.

It's quite surprising how much you can fit in a small bag, but it's obviously important to know what items you can take with you on your trip.

Let's take a look at the most common items not allowed in hand luggage.

Liquids

It is important to remember liquids over 100ml. You cannot take individual liquids or, to be more precise, any container of liquid larger than 100ml in your hand luggage, even if the container contains less liquid than 100ml. All liquids should be carried in a clear, resealable bag.

Traveling with hand luggage therefore means that any toiletries you wish to take must meet these size restrictions.

Some things that you may not consider liquids are also treated as liquids under these rules.

Buy travel size containers and fill them with shampoo, shower gel and any other products you want to take on a trip. Buy products like toothpaste in travel size.

There are special rules for medicines, but they vary by country. Check the rules in the country you are departing from, but in most cases you will need to tell the screening officers that you have liquid medication in addition to the one liter bag you are entitled to.

Finally, be aware that items like mascara or aerosols are considered liquids.

Sharp objects

It should be obvious, but sharp objects are not allowed in hand luggage, as they could be used as a weapon. If you absolutely must carry a knife, a box cutter, you must put it in your checked baggage.

Scissors less than 10cm long, such as nail scissors, are generally allowed, but as the final decision rests with the officer, be aware that they may confiscate them.

Knives of any kind are not allowed, although it is possible to bring a plastic or round-bladed butter knife in your hand luggage. As for metal knives, pocket knives and Swiss knives, they are not allowed.

If you want to take one with you, pack it in your checked baggage so it can't accidentally cut your bag and injure a porter or baggage checker.

Can we take glass on a plane?

Glass can be quite sharp and potentially dangerous when broken. However, you can take glass on a plane in your hand luggage.

It is specifically mentioned that frames and glass vases are permitted in carry-on and checked baggage. As long as the glass object fits in your bag and your bag meets your airline's size and weight restrictions, you're good to go.

Always pack glass and other breakables to prevent them from breaking during travel. If possible, put glass objects in your hand luggage, as checked luggage can take a lot of knocks.

Can you take a razor on a plane?

Packing razors on a plane can be a bit confusing. Straight razors and safety razor blades are not permitted in carry-on baggage.

However, you can pass security with a disposable razor. This means the blade is attached to a handle, like the ones most of us use to shave. Electric razors are also allowed in your hand luggage.

Sport equipment

Baseball bats, ski poles, pool cues, bows and arrows, hockey sticks, golf clubs, and just about any other sporting equipment containing the words "stick", "pole", " bat" or "club" cannot be carried on board the aircraft as hand luggage. Indeed, they could be used as a weapon. If playing a sport is part of your travels, consider renting equipment at your destination.

If you insist on using your own sports equipment, you will probably need to register it.

Firearms

Obviously, a gun is a gun, and you can't take it on a plane in your hand luggage. Most firearms are permitted in checked baggage, provided they are empty and in a locked hard container. (In addition to your gun license)

Check with your airline for other restrictions and/or fees they may apply. Some items, like rockets and gunpowder for example, are not even allowed in checked baggage.

Before you travel, find out about the firearms laws in the country you are traveling to.

The tools

Most, but not all, tools are prohibited in carry-on baggage. If you plan to bring your tools with you, you will most likely need to put them in checked baggage.

You might not think of a hammer as a weapon, but the airlines' opinion is very different.

Are lighters and matches allowed on planes?

You can take one lighter in your hand luggage on board an aircraft, but usually only one is allowed. Lighters can only be registered if they do not contain fuel.

Meat, fruits, vegetables and other agricultural products

When traveling abroad, most countries prohibit you from bringing meat, fruits, vegetables, plants and other agricultural products. If you want to bring an apple as a snack, be sure to eat it on the plane. Otherwise, it will be confiscated upon arrival and you may find yourself facing an angry border agent.

And now, here are some items that are allowed, but not recommended, in your carry-on:

smelly food

I know the food served by the airlines is notoriously bad, often even not offered, so it makes sense to bring your own food on occasion. But be respectful of your neighbors and leave fish and other smelly foods at home.

Scent

We're glad you care about how you smell, but scent can be unpleasant and bothersome to many people. Some are even allergic. Wait until you arrive at your destination to spray perfume. So your seat companions can breathe easy during the flight.

What about my toiletry bag?

You can carry toiletries or other liquids in containers no larger than 100ml (as we pointed out in the first part of our article).

They must also all fit in a toiletry bag or a transparent bag with zipper of one liter. This includes liquids, gels and deodorants.

If you need to take more toiletries than permitted, you must place them in checked baggage.

As you will have understood, preparing hand luggage is an art.

As a savvy traveler, you must therefore balance the demands of airlines and airport security, ensure that your important items are easily accessible and do not forget all the little things that will allow you to be comfortable in flight.

With all of these tips for packing light, you'll save money, have a better flight, and avoid trouble with airport security.