Am I allowed to take electrical items on board?
You are allowed to take electrical items (such as laptops and hairdryers) in your hand baggage but they will need to be removed and screened separately.
What about medication that I may need while I am travelling?
You are allowed to bring medical equipment if it is essential for your journey. The equipment will be screened separately and must be accompanied by supporting documentation from a qualified medical professional, such as a letter from your doctor.
There are restrictions on quantities of liquids you can bring on board (see below) but there are some exceptions eg essential medecines. You are allowed to carry essential medicines including inhalers and liquid dietary foodstuffs of more than 100ml in your hand baggage, but you will need:
- prior approval from the airline and departure airport
- supporting documentation from a relevant qualified medical professional (eg a letter from your doctor or prescription)
Remember to take only what you need for your journey. Extra supplies and larger containers of medicine can go in your hold baggage.
Am I allowed to take any other items on board with me?
Pushchairs, walking aids and wheelchairs are usually permitted in the cabin, but they will need to be security screened first. Likewise If you plan on travelling with a large musical instrument, it is best to contact your airline before booking, as you may need to make special arrangements, such as buying an extra seat. Any musical instrument you bring with you will need to be screened separately.
What if my hand luggage is larger than the specified size?
Any item of luggage larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm will not be allowed in the aircraft cabin. It must be checked in as hold baggage, with the exception of musical instruments.
Can I take liquids in my hand baggage?
Wherever possible you should pack liquids in your hold baggage, as there are restrictions on the amount you can take in your hand baggage.
Liquids include:
- all drinks, including water, soup and syrups
- cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lipsticks
- sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray and spray deodorants
- pastes, including toothpaste
- gels, including hair and shower gel
- contact lens solution
- any other solutions and items of similar consistency
What are the restrictions on liquids in hand baggage?
If you need certain liquids during the flight, you can take them into the cabin in limited quantities as follows:
- containers must hold no more than 100ml
- containers must be carried in a single, transparent, re-sealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm
- contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed
- the bag must not be knotted or tied at the top
- each passenger can carry only one of these bags
- the bag must be presented for examination at the airport security point
- containers larger than 100ml (excluding essential medicines) will not be allowed through the security point even if they are only part full.
Am I allowed to bring a lighter on board?
One lighter per person may be carried on a flight. Lighters are considered to be liquids and should be put inside the plastic bag or screened separately. You must keep the lighter on your person throughout the flight.
It is very important that you do not:
- place it in your hold baggage
- return it to your hand baggage after screening
I am travelling with a baby - am I allowed to bring baby food and baby milk?
You are allowed to take baby food, baby milk and sterilised water in your hand baggage. This includes:
- soya milk for babies
- sterilised water for the baby (must be in a baby bottle)
- formula, breast milk or cow milk specifically for babies
- baby food of various consistencies
- You are allowed to take enough for the journey. In some cases this may be over 100ml. The adult carrying the baby food or milk may be asked to verify it by tasting.
What about liquids I buy at the airport - can I take these on board?
Yes - you can take any liquids you buy into the aircraft cabin after passing through security, as these items go through a separate screening process. This includes bottled water, wines and spirits and fragrances and cosmetics of any size.
Source of information: DirectGov, Crown Copyright
