Hand Luggage Restrictions The dos and don'ts

There are Hand luggage restrictions on what items you can take in both your hand luggage and hold luggage when boarding a plane in the UK.

Hand luggage allowances

Check with your airline how many and what size bags you can take on the plane with you.

Taking liquids through security

There are restrictions on the amount of liquids you can take in your hand luggage. If possible, pack liquids in your hold baggage (luggage that you check in).

Liquids include:

• all drinks, including water
• liquid or semi-liquid foods, for example soup, jam, honey and syrups
• cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss
• 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

If you do take liquids in your hand luggage:

• containers must hold no more than 100ml
• containers must be in a single, transparent, resealable 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
• you’re limited to 1 plastic bag per person
• you must show the bag at the airport security point

Exemptions

You can take liquid containers larger than 100ml through security if they:

• are for essential medical purposes
• are for special dietary requirements
• contain baby food or baby milk

You can also take liquids bought at an airport or on a plane (such as duty free) through security if:

• the items are sealed inside a security bag when you buy them
• the receipt for the items is sealed in the security bag and visible

You must not open the security bag until you reach your final destination. Airport staff may need to open the items to screen the liquid at the security point.

Liquid restrictions outside the EU

Countries outside the EU might have different rules on carrying liquids as a transit or transfer passenger. You should check these rules with the relevant airlines and airports before travelling.

Lighters

You can only carry 1 lighter on board. You should put it inside a resealable plastic bag (like the ones used for liquids), which you must keep on you throughout the flight. You cannot:

• put it in your hold luggage
• put it in your hand luggage after screening

Food and powders

Food items and powders in your hand luggage can obstruct images on x-ray machines. Your bags may need to be checked again manually by security. You can put these items in your hold luggage to minimise delays.

Baby food or baby milk 

When travelling with a baby you’re allowed to take enough baby food, baby milk and sterilised water for the journey. There is no legal limit to how much you can take however check with your airport before you travel.

You can carry breast milk in hand luggage even if you’re not travelling with a baby. You cannot carry frozen breast milk in hand luggage.

Individual containers of breast milk must hold no more than 2,000ml. Each container will need to be screened at the security point. Airport staff might need to open the containers to screen the liquids.

	Allowed in hand luggage	Allowed in hold luggage
Breast milk	Yes, in containers up to 2,000ml	Yes
Frozen breast milk	No	Yes
Formula milk, cow’s milk	Yes (baby must be present)	Yes
Sterilised water for the baby	Yes (baby must be present)	Yes
Soya milk for babies	Yes (baby must be present)	Yes
Baby food	Yes (baby must be present)	Yes
Cooling gel packs	Yes	Yes

Personal items

Medicines, medical equipment and dietary requirements

 Electronic devices and electrical items

Work tools

Chemicals and toxic substances

Ammunition