Table of Contents
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Before you pack, it's worth checking whether the items you're taking are allowed on the plane.
Some things can only travel in your hand luggage, others belong in check-in luggage, and a small number of items are completely prohibited. Getting it wrong can mean losing belongings at airport security or paying unexpected charges at the airport.
This guide explains the most common restricted and prohibited items, helping you pack with confidence before you travel.
Looking for airline-specific baggage allowances or a complete guide to UK baggage rules? Explore our travel advice hub before you fly.
Table of Contents
What Can’t You Take on a Plane?
Can You Take Liquids in Hand Luggage? UK 100ml & 2-Litre Rules Explained
Can You Take Food on a Plane?
Can You Take Duty Free Liquids Through Security and Home Again?
Can You Take Aerosols on a Plane?
Can You Bring a Power Bank on a Plane?
Can You Take Batteries in Checked Luggage?
Can You Take Vapes or E-Cigarettes on a Plane?
Can You Take Matches and Lighters on a Plane?
Can You Take Sharp Objects in Hand Luggage?
Can You Take a Laptop on a Plane?
Can You Take Medication on a Plane?
Can You Bring Musical Instruments on a Plane?
What Items Are Completely Banned on Flights?
Do Airport Rules Change by Country or Airline?
There are several items you cannot take on a plane, either in your hand luggage or check-in baggage, due to safety regulations.
These are not allowed on a plane at all:
If it’s considered dangerous, it will be removed at security.
Must be carried in your hand luggage only:
These are restricted due to fire risk in the aircraft hold.
Allowed in check-in baggage, not in your cabin luggage:
Liquids usually must be:
Some UK airports now allow larger liquids, but rules aren’t consistent yet.
You can carry larger quantities of liquids if they are:
You may need to show proof at security.
Most issues at airport security come down to:
When in doubt, pack for the stricter rules or check the Civil Aviation Authority before you travel.
Case Insight
We see this all the time.
Travellers assume something small won’t matter, then lose it at security. A simple check before you pack saves time, money, and stress at the airport.
Yes, you can take liquids in your hand luggage, but the rules depend on the airport you're travelling through.
For many years, passengers have been limited to carrying liquids in containers of 100ml or less, stored inside a single clear plastic bag. However, thanks to new 3D security scanners, this rule is beginning to change at some UK airports.
As of June 2026, airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bristol, Belfast International and Belfast City have introduced the latest screening technology. At these airports, passengers may be able to carry liquids in containers of up to 2 litres and leave them inside their cabin bags during security screening.
However, the new rules do not apply everywhere. Many UK airports still follow the traditional 100ml rule, and airports overseas may have different security procedures. If you're flying from one airport and returning through another, the rules could be different for each leg of your journey.
If you're unsure, our advice is simple: pack to the 100ml rule. It's the easiest way to avoid delays or having toiletries confiscated at security.
| Situation | Current UK Rule |
|---|---|
| Most UK airports | Containers up to 100ml in one clear bag |
| Airports with new 3D scanners | Containers up to 2 litres may be allowed |
| Baby milk & baby food | Exempt from the standard limit |
| Essential medication | Larger quantities allowed when required |
| Duty Free | Allowed if sealed correctly |
Remember: These rules apply to airport security. Your airline may also have its own baggage policies, so it's worth checking both before you travel.
Airport security defines liquids much more broadly than most people expect.
Items treated as liquids include:
A simple rule to remember is: if it pours, spreads, sprays or squeezes, it's likely to be treated as a liquid.
The safest approach is simple. If you know your departure airport has upgraded 3D scanners, you may be able to travel with liquids in containers of up to 2 litres. If you're flying from another UK airport or travelling overseas, packing liquids in 100ml containers is still the safest option.
Looking for more detailed advice on liquids, food, toiletries, cosmetics, electronics, medication and baby milk? Read our complete guide to What Can I Take on a Plane? Liquids to Foods
Some liquids are exempt from the standard restrictions.
You can usually carry larger quantities if they're:
Airport security may ask you to present these items separately or provide supporting documentation where appropriate.
Liquids purchased after you've passed through airport security are generally allowed onboard, even if they're over 100ml.
To avoid problems, make sure they:
If you're catching a connecting flight or travelling home through another airport, remember you may have to pass through security again, where different rules could apply.
Case Insight
The biggest mistake we see isn't travellers packing the wrong toiletries. It's assuming the rules are the same everywhere.
While more UK airports are introducing 2-litre liquid allowances, many airports still follow the traditional 100ml rule. Packing to the stricter limit is often the easiest way to avoid delays and keep your journey stress-free.
Yes, you can take food on a plane. But the rules depend on whether it’s solid or liquid.
You can bring most solid foods in your hand luggage.
This includes:
These rarely cause issues at security.
This is where people get caught out.
Foods that count as liquids must follow the 100ml rule:
If it spreads or pours, it counts as a liquid.
You can take larger quantities if it’s:
You may be asked to explain or show proof at security.
Case Insight
This catches people out more than you’d expect.
A yoghurt or dip gets treated the same as a liquid and gets taken at security.
Food that counts as a liquid is treated the same as toiletries at security.
That means anything over 100ml will be taken, even if it’s food.
Rules can also change depending on the airport and your destination, especially for fresh items like meat, dairy, or fruit.
Solid food is usually fine
Liquid food must follow the 100ml rule
Check destination rules before you travel
Security rules and customs rules are different.
Some countries restrict:
Meat and dairy
Fresh fruit and vegetables
Even if you can take it on the plane, it may be taken when you land.
Yes, but only under certain conditions.
Liquids bought after security are allowed on your flight
This includes items over 100ml like perfume or alcohol
They must be sealed in a security bag with the receipt inside
Case Insight
This is one of the biggest surprises for travellers.
People buy perfume or alcohol abroad, then lose it at security on the way home because it’s no longer sealed properly
Opening the sealed bag before your final destination
Going through security again during a transfer
Trying to bring large liquids back with hand luggage only
This is where items often get taken.
Duty free liquids are allowed if sealed
Don’t open them before your final destination
Be careful on return journeys and connecting flights
If you have a connecting flight, you may need to go through security again.
If the duty free bag has been opened or isn’t sealed properly, it can be confiscated.
This is especially important when travelling with hand luggage only.
Yes, but the rules depend on where you pack them.
Must be 100ml or less per container
Must fit in your clear liquids bag (up to 1 litre)
Must have a secure cap
This includes items like deodorant, hairspray, and shaving foam.
Allowed up to 500ml per container
Total limit of 2 litres (or 2kg) per person
Must be toiletries or medicines only
Caps must be secure to prevent leaks
Larger everyday aerosols are usually fine in the hold.
Damaged or leaking cans
Unprotected spray nozzles
If it’s not a personal care or medical item, it may be restricted.
Case Insight
This one surprises people.
A full-size deodorant in your cabin bag will be taken, even though it’s allowed in your suitcase. It’s one of the easiest mistakes to avoid.
Under 100ml in hand luggage
Larger sizes go in check-in luggage
Stick to toiletries or medical items only
Aerosols count as liquids in your cabin bag
Some UK airports may allow larger liquids with new scanners
You cannot use aerosols during the flight
Yes, but only in your hand luggage.
Never pack a power bank in your check-in baggage.
Carry-on only (never in hold luggage)
Treated as lithium batteries, so stricter rules apply
Must be for personal use
Carry-on only (never in hold luggage)
Treated as lithium batteries, so stricter rules apply
Must be for personal use
Up to 100Wh
Allowed in hand luggage without approval
(Most standard power banks fall into this range)
101–160Wh
Allowed only with airline approval
Usually limited to two per person
Over 160Wh
Not allowed on passenger flights
Packing power banks in check-in luggage
Bringing damaged or swollen batteries
Carrying power banks without a visible capacity label
Leaving loose batteries unprotected
If security can’t verify the capacity, they may remove it.
Bring your laptop in your cabin bag, keep it charged, and be ready to take it out at security.
Case Insight
Most travellers only realise this at the airport.
A flat battery or buried laptop slows everything down. Keeping it charged and easy to access makes security much quicker.
Some batteries are allowed, but many are restricted.
It depends on the type of battery.
Standard household batteries (AA, AAA)
Batteries installed inside devices
These are usually fine in both hand luggage and check-in baggage.
Case Insight
This is an easy mistake to make.
People leave spare batteries in bags without thinking, and that’s when luggage gets flagged or delayed.
These must be carried in your hand luggage only.
Lithium batteries can pose a fire risk in the aircraft hold.
That’s why spare batteries and power banks are not allowed in checked baggage.
Terminals should be protected to prevent short circuits.
Yes, but only in your hand luggage.
You cannot pack vapes or e-cigarettes in check-in baggage.
Vapes and e-cigarettes must be carried in your cabin bag
Spare batteries must also stay in your hand luggage
Devices should be switched off and protected from accidental activation
Vapes contain lithium batteries, which are not allowed in the aircraft hold.
Airport security may remove devices if they are damaged, loose, or unsafe.
Airline rules can also vary slightly, so it’s worth checking before you travel.
Packing vapes in check-in luggage
Charging devices during the flight
Using vapes onboard
These are restricted due to fire risk.
Always pack vapes in your hand luggage
Never put them in your suitcase
Keep batteries protected and devices switched off
Case Insight
This is becoming more common.
Travellers pack vapes in their suitcase without thinking, then get called back at security or have items removed from their bag.
Yes but the rules are stricter than most people expect.
One lighter per person
One small box or book of matches (safety matches only)
Must be carried on your person (in your pocket)
Lighters in check-in luggage
Bring one lighter, keep it in your pocket, and don’t pack it in your suitcase.
That’s the safest way to avoid losing it at security.
Case Insight
This catches people out all the time.
Most travellers drop their lighter into a bag without thinking. That’s when it gets flagged, removed, or delays your luggage.
Even if a lighter is allowed, airport staff can still remove it if they think it’s unsafe.
Rules can also vary slightly between airports and airlines.
Some small sharp items are allowed, but many are restricted.
It depends on the size and type.
Small scissors with blades 6cm or less
Tweezers
Nail clippers
Disposable razors
These are generally fine in your hand luggage.
Case Insight
This is one of the most common reasons bags get stopped.
People forget small items like scissors or loose razor blades, and they get taken at security.
These must go in your check-in luggage or will be removed.
Small personal items are usually fine
Larger or sharper items are not allowed in cabin bags
When in doubt, pack it in your hold luggage
Airport security can remove any item they consider dangerous, even if it seems harmless.
Rules can also vary slightly between airports, so what passes in one may not in another.
Yes. Laptops and most electronics are allowed on a plane.
But there are a few things to know before you get to security.
Laptops are allowed in both hand luggage and check-in baggage
You should carry them in your cabin bag, not your suitcase
Tablets, phones, and other electronics follow the same rules
You may need to remove your laptop from your bag
It will be screened separately in a tray
Some newer scanners may allow it to stay in your bag
Be ready for either.
Your laptop must have enough charge to turn on
Security may ask you to power it up
Spare lithium batteries must be kept in your hand luggage
If it won’t turn on, it can be taken off you.
Bring your laptop in your cabin bag, keep it charged, and be ready to take it out at security.
Don’t pack your laptop in check-in luggage
Don’t travel with a flat battery
Don’t leave loose batteries in your suitcase
There’s a higher risk of damage, theft, and battery issues in the hold.
Case Insight
Most travellers only realise this at the airport.
A flat battery or buried laptop slows everything down. Keeping it charged and easy to access makes security much quicker.
Yes,but it depends on the size of the instrument and your airline.
Can be taken as hand luggage
Must fit within airline cabin size limits (often around 55–80cm)
Stored in the overhead locker
Examples include violins, flutes, and small wind instruments.
These usually replace your standard cabin bag, not sit alongside it.
May need to go in check-in luggage
Or require you to buy an extra seat
Examples include guitars, cellos, and larger instruments.
If travelling in the cabin, the instrument must be secured to its own seat.
Must be packed in a hard, rigid case
Soft cases are usually not accepted
Weight and size limits vary by airline
Larger instruments may also incur extra baggage fees.
Small instruments can travel in the cabin
Larger ones go in the hold or need their own seat
Always use a hard case and check with your airline
Case Insight
If it’s valuable, don’t risk checking it in.
We’ve spoken to customers who’ve had instruments damaged in the hold. A proper case or booking a seat can make all the difference.
Instruments are screened separately at security
You may need to contact your airline in advance
Cabin space is not guaranteed, even if allowed
Insurance is strongly recommended for valuable items
Yes,most medication is allowed on a plane.
But it’s important to pack it properly and bring the right documentation.
Tablets, capsules, and inhaler
Liquid medication (even over 100ml if essential)
Medical equipment (e.g. CPAP machines, syringes)
Medication is allowed in both hand luggage and check-in baggage.
Case Insight
Most travellers only think about this at the airport.
Missing paperwork or packing medication in your suitcase can quickly turn into a stressful situation.
Always carry medication in your hand luggage.
This keeps it:
Keep medication in original packaging
Bring a copy of your prescription if possible carry a doctor’s letter for: Liquid medication over 100ml, Needles or medical equipment
You may need to show this at security.
Most medication is allowed
Keep it in your cabin bag
Bring proof for liquids over 100ml
Check rules for controlled drugs
Liquid medication over 100ml must be declared at security
Airport staff may need to open containers for screening
Controlled drugs (e.g. codeine, morphine, diazepam) may require a licence depending on your destination
Always check rules before you travel.
Some items aren’t just restricted, they’re not allowed on a plane at all.
These cannot go in hand luggage or check-in baggage:
If it poses a risk to safety, it won’t be allowed onboard.
These are also banned or heavily restricted:
Some may be allowed in check-in luggage with airline approval, but never in the cabin.
Case Insight
This is where people take risks.
We’ve seen travellers try to bring items they “thought would be fine” — and lose them at security. If you’re unsure, it’s not worth it.
Dangerous goods are not allowed on planes
Some items may be restricted, not banned
When in doubt, don’t pack it
If you’re unsure, always check before you pack.
For official guidance, see Civil Aviation Authority.
Different countries may have stricter security rules
Airports may use different screening technology
Airlines can apply their own policies on top
What’s allowed at one airport might not be allowed at another.
Return journeys from abroad
Connecting flights through other countries
New scanner rules (like liquids over 100ml)
Items like lighters, batteries, or duty free
Even small differences can affect what you’re allowed to carry.
Case Insight
We see this all the time with return trips.
Travellers follow UK rules on the way out, then get caught off guard at a different airport on the way back.
Airport security has the final decision.
Even if something is normally allowed, staff can remove it if they believe it’s unsafe.
That’s why it’s important to check both your departure and return airport rules before you travel.
For official guidance, check the Civil Aviation Authority.
Before travelling, check:
For official UK guidance, visit the UK Government's Hand Luggage Restrictions page.
Most airport issues come down to a few simple mistakes.
Liquids that are too large. Batteries in the wrong bag. Everyday items that seem harmless but aren’t.
Once you know what to look for, it’s easy to avoid.
Pack with the rules in mind, keep essentials in your cabin bag, and you’ll move through security without the stress.
What items are completely banned from planes?
Items such as fireworks, fuel, lighter fluid, hazardous chemicals, pepper spray, explosives, and large lithium batteries are prohibited on passenger aircraft. These cannot be packed in either your hand luggage or check-in luggage.
Can I take liquids over 100ml on a plane?
Some UK airports now allow liquids in containers of up to 2 litres thanks to new security scanners. However, many airports still follow the 100ml rule, so always check the rules at both your departure and return airports.
Can I put a power bank in check-in luggage?
No. Power banks and spare lithium batteries should always travel in your hand luggage because of the fire risk associated with lithium batteries.
Are sharp objects allowed in hand luggage?
Small personal items such as tweezers and nail clippers are usually allowed. Knives, large scissors, loose razor blades, and other sharp objects should be packed in check-in luggage or may be prohibited altogether.
Do airport security rules change between countries?
Yes. Security rules, customs regulations, and liquid restrictions can vary between countries and airports. Always check the rules for both your departure and return journeys before you travel.
Where can I check the latest UK hand luggage restrictions?
The latest official guidance is available on the UK Government's hand luggage restrictions page. It's also worth checking your airline's baggage policy before you travel, as size and weight allowances vary between airlines.
Hi, I’m Simiran Gataora. I manage customer service, e-commerce admin, and social media at Case, helping customers find luggage that genuinely works for the way they travel.
What started with a blog about petite suitcases quickly turned into a real love for writing, practical travel advice, and the details that make luggage easier to live with. I enjoy sharing honest, helpful advice on everything from airline rules to suitcase features, always keeping it clear, useful, and never too salesy.
I travel too, so I know there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to luggage. Whether it’s a tote bag for a weekend away or a lightweight check-in case for a longer trip, I’m always looking for what genuinely works, especially as someone petite.
Chances are, I’m probably still checking airline baggage rules or noticing suitcases wherever I go.
At Case, we are proud to be an authorised UK retailer for leading brands including Samsonite, Tumi, Briggs & Riley, Bric’s, and Carl Friedrik. That means every product you buy from us is 100% authentic, supplied directly from the manufacturer, and fully covered by the official brand warranty.
With over 100 years of experience in premium travel goods, our reputation is built on trust, expertise, and customer-first service, helping travellers choose luggage they can rely on for every journey. You can shop online, or visit us in person at our London stores in Piccadilly, at Heathrow Airport terminals, and as the exclusive luggage concessionaire inside Harrods, one of London’s most prestigious and world-renowned department stores.
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Our recommendations are based on our expertise and research in the luggage sector. Brand partners do not approve our editorial content. Warranties and airline rules can change, so always check the latest details before you fly. Every article goes through multiple expert reviews to ensure the information we provide is clear, accurate, and genuinely helpful in finding the best luggage for your needs.
By Daniel Morris
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