Hand Luggage Rules

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Before you fly, it’s important to know what you can take on the airplane with you, especially when it comes to what you can take in your hand luggage. Below are some hand luggage rules to help you have the safest, easiest journey possible.

Please note that, even if you follow the guidelines below, airport staff are still legally allowed to remove and/or discard anything that they deem dangerous, even if it’s normally allowed in hand luggage. The guidelines here are based on the best of our knowledge at the date of this blog post, but the rules on what can be taken on an airplane may change from time to time, so always check with your airline and/or airport before you travel, as this blog post may not be up-to-date.

Always check with your airline regarding the size and weight limitations for your luggage before flying. A hand luggage size and weight guide can be found by clicking on the link.

_What liquids can you take on a plane_?

All liquids (including all food products and toiletries) must be in containers of 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less. All containers must fit inside a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag that holds no more than one litre. You are only allowed one clear bag per person.

According to airline regulations, liquids on planes include:

-all drinks (including water)

-cosmetics (including mascara, lip gloss, foundation, and any other liquid or semi-liquid make up)

-toiletries (including shaving foam, creams, lotions, oils, toothpaste, hair gel, shampoo, contact lens solution, hairspray, and any other liquid or semi-liquid toiletry)

-liquid or semi-liquid food (including soup, honey, yogurt, jam, oil, etc.)

-any other gel, paste, spray, or item of similar consistency

There are some exemptions, including liquids of vital medical importance, liquids that aid special dietary needs, and baby food or baby milk. Always check with your airline in these circumstances, and check out our article on flying with a baby for further clarification on baby milk on flights. You can also check out our article on medical tips for flying for questions about medication and other medical conditions.

_Can you take food through airport security_?

Yes, if it’s a solid food. Liquid or semi-liquid food including jam, jelly, honey, syrup, soup, oil, or anything of a similar consistency must be in a container of 100 ml or less; if it’s larger than 100 ml, it must go in your checked luggage.

Please note that many countries have restrictions on which foods can be brought across borders (such as fresh fruit, meat, seeds, etc.) so always check online before you fly.

_Can you take food on a plane_?

Yes, if it complies with the rules listed above, or if it’s bought after security, you can take food in your hand luggage on the plane.

Please note that many countries have restrictions on which foods can be brought across borders (such as fresh fruit, meat, seeds, etc.) so always check online before you fly.

Can you take sweets on a plane?

Yes, you can take sweets in your hand luggage, provided they are not liquid or semi-liquid in consistency. If they are, they must be in a container that’s 100ml or less or placed in your checked luggage.

_Can you take electric devices in your hand luggage_?

Yes, most electrical items are allowed in your hand luggage, including mobile phones, laptops, tablets, hairdryers, hair straighteners/curlers, cameras, travel irons, and electric shavers. Make sure your electrical items are charged (i.e. phones and laptops) – if they don’t turn on, they may not be allowed on the flight.

_Can you take hair straighteners in your hand luggage_?

Yes, hair straighteners are allowed in your hand luggage on a plane. Gas hair tongs are also allowed, but spare gas cartridges are not allowed in either your hand luggage or your hold luggage.

_Can you take make-up in your hand luggage_?

Yes, you can take all make up in your hand luggage on a plane (including mascara, foundation, lipstick, lip gloss, eyeliner, concealer, blush, etc.) as long as it is in a container of 100ml or less. All cosmetics must be able to fit in one clear, re-sealable bag per person.

_Can you take aerosol cans of hairspray or deodorant on a plane_?

Yes, you can take aerosol cans in your hand luggage as long as they are 100ml or less. All larger sizes must go in your hold luggage.

_Can you take deodorant on a plane_?

Yes, all deodorant – whether aerosol, gel, stick, or roll-on – is allowed in your hand luggage, provided it is 100ml or less.

_Can you take perfume on a plane_?

Yes, you can take perfume in your hand luggage through security as long as it is in a container of 100 ml or less. If you decide to buy perfume at duty-free, the airport staff there will advise you on the procedure for taking your perfume on the plane.

_Can you take an umbrella on a plane_?

Yes, umbrellas (both travel size and regular size) are allowed on airplanes in both your hand luggage and hold luggage.

_Can you take knitting needles or sewing needles on a plane_?

Yes, you are allowed to take knitting needles and/or sewing needles in your hand luggage.

_Can you take scissors on a plane_?

Scissors with blades that measure less than 6cm (such as nail clippers) are generally allowed in your hand luggage. Round-edge scissors, such as child’s scissors, are also allowed in your hand luggage. All scissors with blades of 6cm or more must be packed in your hold luggage.

_Can you take tweezers on a plane_?

Yes, you are allowed to take tweezers in your hand luggage.

_Can you take a razor on a plane_?

Yes, you can take disposable razors in your hand luggage. If you are travelling with a razor with removable blades, it must it must be packed in your hold luggage.

_Can you take a lighter on a plane_?

Yes, you can take a lighter on a plane, but only one per person. You must place the lighter inside a clear, re-sealable bag through security, and you must keep the lighter on your person at all times (not in your hold luggage or hand luggage).

Can you take an e-cigarette on a plane?

You should check with your airline, however in general e-cigarettes are allowed in your hand luggage (and are prohibited in your hold luggage). All e-cigarettes must go in a clear, re-sealable bag through security alongside any other liquids. However a number of countries have banned e-cigarettes, so you should always check that e-cigarettes are allowed in the country to which you are travelling to avoid problems.

Please note that smoking e-cigarettes is not allowed on airplanes.

Can you take work tools on a plane?

In general, work tools are not allowed in your hand luggage, and must be placed in your checked hold luggage. These include saws, screwdrivers, hammers, wrenches, crowbars, bolt or nail guns, pliers, drills and drill bits, or any tool with a blade longer than 6cm.

Can you take a wedding dress on a plane?

Yes, you may take your wedding dress on the plane with you as long as it complies with your airline’s hand luggage allowance. However you should check whether your travel insurance policy will cover your wedding dress.

Can you take musical instruments on a plane?

You may bring a musical instrument on a plane if it fits in your hand luggage. If it does not, it will either have to be placed in the hold or you will have to purchase a seat for it. It’s best to check with your airline about their policy on musical instruments. You should also check whether your travel insurance policy will cover your musical instrument.

Further information on hand-luggage restriction on personal items can be found here.

Please note, the information contained in this blog post is based on the best of our knowledge as at the date this post was created and is provided for your information only. It is not to be relied upon as reflecting the policies of all airlines and you should therefore refer to the policies of your airline before booking your flights and travelling.”