Brits urged to verify ‘weird’ hand baggage guidelines earlier than flights

Post-summer hols, flyers are back to battling the pesky 100ml limit for liquids and gases in their carry-on, despite chatter that new-fangled security tech might kick this 2006 rule to the curb. Confused about what’s a go or no-go in your hand luggage? The experts at Fulton Umbrellas have come up with a lowdown on some sneaky regulations and items that could trip you up at security.

One thing to remember is that Aairport security staff will not let anything through that they consider dangerous – even if it’s normally allowed in hand luggage. Here are the rules around some items people may thing it’s perfectly safe to take on board.

Brollies

To pack a brolly in your carry-on or not? Some reckon it’s a potential weapon and best chucked in the hold, while others won’t risk a downpour without it, reports the Express.

Fulton Umbrellas’ gurus said travellers are good to put their compact, foldable umbrella in your cabin bag, but those hefty “golf-style” numbers need to be checked in they’re too big and might pop open by accident.

Tent pegs

Adventurous souls off for a wild break, take note: tent pegs are a no-no in your cabin bags, as security might nab them. They’re sharp and could injure you or other passengers, so it’s best to stick ’em in your hold luggage.

Protein powder

There’s a raft of rules around taking food and related items abroad, but the security issues with protein powder are more about its form than its nutritional value. Experts have explained that while you can technically take it in your hand luggage, it might be worth thinking about the extra hassle.

Powdered substances can mess with the X-ray machines at security checkpoints, meaning they’ll need to be checked by hand. This could cause delays and stress, so the experts suggest either packing your protein hit in your checked luggage or leaving it at home.

Cheese

Surprisingly, some soft cheeses are classed as liquids and will have to stick to the same 100ml rule as your toiletries if you’re coming back from the EU. This also goes for jams, chutneys, sauces and items sold in liquid form like olives.

Lip balm or lipstick

While some cheeses are seen as liquid, lip balms and lipsticks are viewed as solids, so they won’t have the same restrictions and limits despite their semi-solid, waxy texture.

Frozen items

You cannot usually carry frozen items in your hand luggage, for example liquid, food or ice packs.

Sports equipment

When it comes to packing your sporting kit, the rules can be a right headache. You can usually take your tennis rackets on the plane with you, but if you’re lugging around bulkier stuff like golf clubs or cricket bats, you’ll likely have to check them in.

And then there’s the murky territory of snooker cues some airlines are chill with them as hand luggage, while others are having none of it, so make sure you give your airline a bell before you head off.

Drones and electronics

As for drones, they’re part of the electronic gang and most airlines would rather you keep these high-tech toys in your cabin bag, not stuffed in your checked luggage. But watch out, because each airline has its own set of fussy rules about batteries, whether you’re stowing them overhead or down below.

And here’s a tip from the pros for when you’re jetting in and out our country: “For leaving and entering the UK, electrical items capable of holding a charge must be charged up before you go through security. This rule only means that you must be able to switch on the device if required.”

With all the different airline and international regs, you’d better do your homework before you fly to avoid any nasty surprises.

Scissors

Despite common misconceptions, passengers are allowed to carry sharp scissors in their hand luggage, as long as they adhere to certain guidelines. In the UK, the general rule is that the blades should not be longer than 6cm; anything bigger must be packed in checked luggage.

However, given that airline rules can differ, it’s advised to check this before packing your arts and crafts kit for the flight.