Items You Are Not Allowed To Take On A Plane

Before you leave for the airport, you need to be confident that you aren’t carrying anything that could get you stopped by security. It’s easy to forget what is and what isn’t allowed on a plane, so make sure you check before you travel.

Some common items you have in your home might not be allowed on board. For example, you can’t put a lighter in your hold luggage, but you can put it in your hand luggage. And you can take perfume bottles over 100ml in your hold luggage but not in your hand luggage. And finally, high-strength painkillers such as codeine can also land you in hot water.

If you’re curious about what you can and cannot take on a plane, read on to learn more.

Can I take matches and a lighter on the plane?

Smokers will be curious to know if they can take a lighter and matches on the plane, or if they should place these in their hold luggage. Contrary to popular belief, you should actually pack your matches and lighter in your hand luggage. You can only take one book or box of matches on board, and you’ll need to put your lighter in your bag with your other liquids.

Can I take my laptop on board?

Electronic items were banned on planes not too long ago but these rules have now been relaxed. This means you can travel with your phone, laptop, tablet and other electronic devices. One thing to note is that you should make sure your device has sufficient charge to turn on when you go through security as you may be asked to do something.

Can I take a power bank on the plane?

Many people use power banks as backup power for their devices so that they don't run out on the go. If you're curious to know if you can bring a portable power bank on the plane, the answer is yes. Power banks for personal use are allowed and they will have to be placed in your hand luggage.

Like lithium batteries, they are combustible and therefore are not allowed in checked luggage. Airlines may also have restrictions on the capacity of the power bank. All power banks rated less than 100 Wh are allowed in your hand luggage but if the power bank is more powerful than this you will need to check with the airline before you packet.

Can I bring liquids on board?

You can bring liquids on board provided they are in a container under 100ml and they are placed in a clear plastic bag which is removed from your hand luggage at security. Liquids can include items like cosmetics, toothpaste, water, hand gel, makeup, toiletries and food.

Once you've passed through security you can purchase items that are larger than 100ml but these will need to remain sealed in a bag until you arrive at your destination. This means you could buy perfume or duty-free alcohol in the shops.

However, you should note that if you are flying with hand luggage only, you may not be able to bring this item home with you, if it is over 100 ml. So, if you want to buy perfume on your trip, you should wait until your return flight so that you don't have to leave it at your destination.

Can I bring aerosols on the plane?

You can bring aerosols on the plane, provided the container is smaller than 100ml if you want to keep it in your hand luggage. You can take aerosols of any size in your hold luggage. You don’t need to worry about them exploding or leaking, as the hold is also pressurised.

Can I bring musical instruments on board?

You may be able to bring a musical instrument on board as your hand luggage if it is small enough. For larger instruments, you might need to check them into the hold. For delicate larger instruments, it can often be cheaper and safer to purchase a seat for the instrument. You will then be responsible for keeping this secure throughout the flight.

Can I bring medication on my flight?

Yes, most medication is fine, but it should always be in the original packaging and you may need to travel with a prescription and doctor’s note. This is particularly true if you need to travel with more than 100ml of medication, or if you need sharps or medical equipment.

Some medications need a personal licence to be able to travel with them, including steroids and high strength painkillers including morphine and codeine. You can apply for this from the Home Office and it takes around 10 days.