What can’t you take as hand luggage on a plane?

Key points:

• Liquids must be in 100ml or less containers and fit into a single, transparent bag at most airports

• Power banks and lithium batteries aren’t allowed in checked hold luggage and must stay in your cabin bag

• Scissors, knives, and blades are banned in carry-on bags but small items including nail clippers and tweezers are allowed

• There are strict rules around sports equipment and musical instruments and you may need to pay extra to take them with you

What are airport liquid rules?

From water bottles to baby milk, there are security restrictions on what liquids you can take on a flight. These vary depending on the airport you’re flying from, so always double check well in advance of arriving at the airport.

Most airports allow passengers to take liquids on board in their hand luggage which are in individual containers of no more than 100ml. They usually need to be in a clear plastic bag of 20cm by 20cm, which you can usually pick up at the airport. 

If you have any liquids which are over 100ml, they’ll need to go into your hold luggage.

Liquids include any type of drinks and also…

• Liquid or semi-liquid foods such as soup or jam

• Cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, mascara and lip gloss

• Sprays, including shaving foam and spray deodorants

• Toothpaste

• Hair and shower gel

• Contact lens solution 

There are some exceptions to the 100ml rule, such as milk for babies or liquid medications. You’ll need a prescription and a doctor’s note to take liquid medication on board if it’s in a container of more than 100ml.

Although some airports now allow passengers to take up to two litres of liquids in their hand luggage, the 100ml limit is still the standard rule and may be in place at your return airport.

Electricals and batteries: why power banks stay in the cabin

You’ll usually need to take out laptops and other large electrical items when you go through the security checks at the airport.

They can then be stored back in your hand luggage, and it’s generally recommended you keep them there - instead of checking them into the hold.

Power banks can be a handy tool but there are strict rules around these and anything with a lithium battery. These items must go in your hand luggage as there can be safety risks if they’re placed in the hold. 

You also can’t use power banks while you’re on your flight to recharge devices. If you’re not sure, there’s a full list of the type of batteries which must be stored in your hand luggage on the Civil Aviation Authority’s website.

Before you get to the airport, remember to charge any electrical devices, such as your phone, camera or tablet, as you may be required to turn them on by security staff.

Sharp objects and lighters

You won’t be able to take any sharp items like knives, scissors (with blades no longer than 6cm), cork screws or razor blades in your hand luggage and these must be stored in the hold.

Some smaller items, such as tweezers, knitting needles or nail clippers are usually allowed but always check with the airline in advance.

One lighter or a box of matches is allowed per person - which must be kept on you (not in your hand luggage).

Flying with sports equipment

You may be travelling with sports equipment (if you’re off on a golfing holiday, for example), but there are strict rules around what can be brought into the cabin and what should be packed in the hold.

Any type of heavy, blunt or sharp sports equipment will need to be checked into the hold, including cricket and baseball bats, and hockey sticks. This rule applies to walking sticks, darts, and martial arts equipment too.

You’re allowed to take on things like tennis racquets and fishing rods, but it’s always worth double checking in advance with your airline.

If the item is especially big, such as a kayak or skis, you may need to pay extra too.

Can you take musical instruments on a plane?

Small musical instruments including violins, flutes, clarinets and trumpets are all allowed to be taken as hand luggage.

If you’re taking a large instrument, such as a cello or keyboard, you may need to pay for extra space for it - such as an extra seat. 

Some airlines also won’t accept instruments with soft cases into the hold, because of the risk of damage. If you have a larger instrument, especially one of high value, it’s recommended you keep it with you on board because if it goes into the hold it may be damaged. 

Always check in advance what the rules are with the airline you’re flying with. Your travel insurance provider may also have restrictions over where you keep the instrument when you’re on the flight.

Money and valuables

If you’ve exchanged money in advance for your trip, which you can order with John Lewis Travel Money, this should be kept securely in your hand luggage.

Exchanging money in advance can often offer better rates compared to buying it at the airport, but rates do vary. If you keep this money in your hold luggage and your bag goes missing, it may not be covered under your travel insurance. If you’re taking more than €10,000 in cash, you may have to declare this at customs.

If you have any other valuables or high-value items, such as jewellery or a watch, these should also be kept on you - or securely in your hand luggage. 

How to protect your valuables on board

Any valuables that you take away with you, including cash, jewellery, watches, should be stored safely with you in a bag, money belt or backpack.

Some travel insurance policies will cover your bags if they’re damaged, stolen or lost while in transit (including in the hold) but this doesn’t always cover holiday money. Check your specific policy terms to understand what’s covered. 

Airlines also have limits on what they can cover if luggage is lost or delayed, which are outlined in the Montreal Convention. Airlines do not pay out compensation on a ‘new for old’ basis, for example, and limit the amount paid out if your bags go missing.

This is why it’s a good idea to keep important documents, valuables and your holiday money with you safely in your hand luggage.

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This article is for promotional or information purposes only. You must not rely on it as advice.