When you’re flying from any UK airport, there are of course restrictions on what you can and can’t bring on board your flight. And while certain carry-on restrictions are obvious, others might surprise you. Here we look at 17 surprising things that you can’t pack in your carry-on luggage.

Understanding restricted carry-on items

What you can and can’t bring on a plane as carry-on luggage

From seemingly innocent objects to peculiar contrabands, we’ve uncovered the unexpected things you should leave out of your carry-on. Get ready to rethink what you pack and ensure a smooth journey through airport security.

Carry-on restrictions: Liquids

Understanding more about liquid restrictions in your carry-on

Of course, we all know the rules around liquids in your carry-on bag, but what about soup, medicine, chemicals and duty free samples? Let’s take a look.

1. Soup

This counts as liquid, not food

While you might argue that a one-person portion of chicken and mushroom bears less threat to the safety of your fellow passengers than a lighter, liquid is liquid. Well - 101ml or more of liquid.

2. Medicine

All liquid forms of medicine

You can’t take more than 100ml of medicine unless you notify the airport in advance. With pills, try a 7-day pill box to keep everything organised and easily visible to airport security officials.

3. Samples of perfume from duty free

Sample sachets will count as liquid

Containers must be carried in a single, transparent, re-sealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20×20cm. All containers must be under 100ml, too. Read the full guide to carrying liquids in your hand luggage here.

4. Peroxide

And other chemicals

From tear gas to fire extinguishers, ‘Chemicals and Toxic Substances’ are a complete NO. This includes peroxide. So, if you’re off to Malia with the lads and you’re all planning to amusingly bleach your hair, do it before you leave.

Carry-on restrictions: Food

Knowing what food you can and can’t take on board

A meal deal is essential for a cheap snack on board your flight, but what about your all-important protein powder or nut butter? And that gigantic wheel of cheese you can’t live without?

1. Protein powder

Consider the weight of powers

Whilst you may be into bulking on your hols, you don’t need to go big on your protein on the flight though. While not outright banned, containers over 350ml might raise eyebrows. Pack smaller portions or pack it in your hold luggage.

2. Nut butter

That’s right, this can be counted as liquid

Whilst we’re talking about health nuts, it’s worth noting your nut butter usually counts as a liquid. This means you’ll need to make sure any nut butter you’re packing is under 100ml.

3. Brie

Another liquid contender

Unfortunately, soft cheese counts as a liquid, so try not to pack the whole cheese wheel into your carry-on. A small portion in your liquids bag should be fine (think Babybel size). Pop that gorgonzola into a tightly sealed bag.

Carry-on restrictions: Non-liquids and non-foods

Other items you can’t bring in your hand luggage

Whether you’re off to a festival, travelling with your sports equipment or think faux explosives in your hand luggage is a good idea, it’s good to know the rules.

1. Tent pegs

Calling all festival campers

Don’t carry your tent pegs in your hand luggage as they’ll get confiscated. Which will leave you a bit stuck: you’ll either have to sleep under the stars or stay awake for three days, which you may do anyway, so no biggie.

2. (Multiple) cigarette lighters

But one is ok… surprisingly

Oddly, considering the official line, ‘you can’t take any objects in your hand baggage that could cause injury to yourself and other passengers’, you can take a lighter on the plane. But no more than one. Confusingly.

3. Badminton racquets

Racquets fall under sporting equipment

The authorities take a dim view of sporting equipment. Cricket bats: fair enough – the trusty willow is the weapon of choice for many a well-spoken, white-haired, real ale-enjoying assailant, but the ban extends to badminton racquets too.

4. Fishing rods

Along with all fishing hooks

Why you’d want to take a harpoon away with you is your business - but it’ll have to go in the hold. The same goes for fishing rods, presumably so you’re not tempted to get your own back on that annoying child in seat 11A by hooking them with a Woolly Worm.

5. Banned from hand luggage: Drills

Perhaps, not so surprising

If you are a jet-setting joiner or plumber, check-in bag fees will eat into your income, for you are not permitted to carry on essential tool bag items such as screwdrivers, spanners, pliers, saws, drills or drill bits on the plane.

6. Flares

Again, not so surprising

No, not the kind your dad probably rocked in the ’70s, though if it were up to us, those would be banned too! No, signal flares ‘in any form’ are banned from hand luggage, just in case you were unsure.

7. Faux explosives

Keep those toy replicas in the hold

Airport security is obliged to treat toy guns, explosives or ammunition as a threat – which means bringing in the Bomb Squad, even if your littlun has just carried on the wrong toy.

8. Viking helmets

And all blades/pointed objects

Does that attractive Viking costume of yours have a spike over 6cm? Unfortunately, it’s got to go in the hold. Make sure to check the gov.uk rules on hand luggage before you take anything a little suspicious looking.

9. Drones

Permitted to fly, but after some vital checks

Firstly, check your drone’s batteries – most use lithium batteries, which you have to store in carry-on luggage. Next, propellors over 6cm may count as blades. And lastly, check the local drone laws where you are travelling – permits may apply.

10. Batteries

That’s right, lithium batteries are not permitted in the hold

Batteries are a fire risk. If your battery malfunctions and it’s in your carry-on luggage, the airline can intervene and prevent it causing further issues. This applies to the batteries inside your laptop, phones or electronic devices – check out the full CAA guidelines.

Information was correct as of November 2024. In case something remains unclear, see the official hand luggage restrictions at UK airports. And don’t get caught short on your next weekend away!