What you can and can’t take onto a plane!

One of the last things you need to do before you travel is finalise your packing. Once you know all about cabin bag sizes, the next thing you need to check are the items you’re allowed to take on board. From sharp objects and electronics to fresh food and everyday items, you can find all the answers you need in this complete guide to what you can take on a plane in your hand luggage – and what’s not allowed.

Can I take scissors, umbrellas and other everyday items in hand luggage?

If you’re planning on doing some arts and crafts on board, you’d do well to note that scissors with rounded edges, or with blades less than 6cm are fine for the cabin. Anything else simply won’t fly.

Other everyday objects such as umbrellas, canes and even knitting needles are allowed, too. Knives, nail clippers and open razor blades on the other hand are big no-nos.

Item     Permitted on board?

Corkscrew, No

Spoon, Yes

Knife (with sharp or fixed blade more than 6 cm), No

Folding blade knife, No

Knife and open razor blades, No

Scissors whose blades do not exceed 6 cm, Yes

Scissors with blades greater than 6 cm, No

Scissors with round points (of any length), Yes

Fixed (disposable) razor blades, Yes

Nail file, Yes

Nail clipper, Yes

Tweezers, Yes

Knitting needles, Yes

Sewing needles, Yes

Lighter, No*

Safety matches, Yes

Umbrella, Yes

Cane, Yes

Wheelchair, Yes

Children’s pushchair, Yes

Liquid for contact lenses, Yes (up to 100ml)

*One lighter and a box of safety matches may be taken on board but they need to be on your person and not in your hand luggage. This can differ from airline to airline so please check beforehand.

Can I take laptops, hairdryers and other electrical items on board?

In terms of electrical items, your laptop, hair straighteners and travel razor are, generally speaking, allowed on board in the cabin.

Most airlines simply request that your electrical item has enough battery for the duration of the flight. In some cases, you’ll be required to show that they can turn on before being allowed to take them on.

Item     Permitted on board?

Laptop, Yes

Tablet, Yes

MP3 Player, Yes

Hairdryer or straightener, Yes

Camera and camera equipment, Yes

Travel iron, Yes

Electronic razor, Yes

Can I take medicine on a plane in a cabin bag?

Generally, medicines and pills are among the items you can take on a plane in your hand luggage, including syrups and medicines in liquid form as long as they do not make more than 100ml. If you need more, you must notify your airline in advance.

For oxygen or air for medical use, this will depend on your airline. easyJet permits it so long as the weight of the bottle does not exceed 5kg. Ryanair also allows different types of respiratory equipment (masks, respirators ventilators continuous positive airway pressure or CPAP) so long as they comply with cabin baggage dimensions.

Item     Permitted on board?

Cooling gel pack, Yes

Medical equipment, Yes

Tablets and capsules, Yes

Syrups and other medicines in liquid form, Yes

Hypodermic syringes, Yes

Inhalers, Yes

Bottles of oxygen, Contact the airline directly

Scalpels, No