If you plan to take bags or small suitcases on board a plane with you, dangerous and other restricted objects are not permitted. Here, review aviation regulations, along with what is allowed and what is prohibited in checked luggage when you fly on an aircraft. Avoid unnecessary inconvenience and enjoy your flight by checking the essential air travel information here.
When you take hand baggage or small cases on board a plane with you, whether for business, leisure or holiday travel, certain items are prohibited for safety and security reasons. These regulations carry statutory force and exist at national and international levels. Below, review what is not allowed in checked baggage when you fly so that you avoid inconvenient delays and the inconvenience of having dangerous or prohibited items confiscated.
Hold Baggage versus Hand Baggage
Notably, the term checked-in luggage refers to suitcases, bags, sports equipment and prams or pushchairs (typically up to 20 kilogrammes in weight) handed in at the check-in desk. In contrast, security staff also check passengers and scan small bags (sometimes with searches), typically up to 10 kilogrammes in weight, when passing through security control. Passengers then keep these personal bags on their person as they go to the departure lounge and gate, where they subsequently take them onto the aircraft. Long scissors, knives and similar objects that constitute an improvised weapon are not permitted in hand or cabin baggage.
Generally, liquids in checked-in baggage have to be in containers of 100 millilitres or less. However, nursing mothers who are flying with their infants may carry unfrozen breast milk in containers of up to 2,000 millilitres (two litres). When the baby is present, similar concessions apply to formula milk, sterilised water for babies, baby food and cooling gel packs. Nonetheless, placing them in hold luggage reduces the necessary checks and consequent delays. Additionally, if transported in the aircraft hold, breast milk may be frozen.
Checked-In Baggage (Aircraft Hold)
The Civil Aviation Authority publishes a list of out-of-the-ordinary items that are allowed in checked-in luggage. In some cases, destination countries might apply additional restrictions that could affect your return flight. Notably, within the European Union, EU legislation and regulations complement or supersede these rules.
Along with inflammable liquids and explosive substances, items that are not allowed in checked-in luggage include:
- Cigarette lighters, due to decompression and gas expansion or explosion risk in the aircraft hold.
- Firearms, including replica firearms – unless with specific permission from the airline, before you travel.
- Safety matches and non-safety matches.
- Marine flares, as used in yachting and boating safety kits.
- Oxidisers and organic peroxides, such as bleach and car body repair kits.
- Alkalis and acids, including batteries with liquids in cells, due to the risk of spills.
- Vehicle fuel systems.
- Self defence and disabling sprays, especially pepper or mace.
- Radioactive and infectious samples and materials.
- Fire extinguishers.
More Information about What is Prohibited in Checked Baggage: Finally, you can find more information on passenger rights and what is not allowed in checked luggage on the GIVT website. Similarly, if you would like to more about complaints, passenger carrier liability and how you can claim compensation from low-cost airlines, please see here.