Airports can be stressful enough without the added worry of making sure everything you want to keep in your hand luggage is allowed to be there and won’t end up as an awkward encounter with airport security. If you’re planning a Christmas break abroad or to visit family, it’s important to know what’s permitted and what isn’t. Some things might surprise you, so here’s a handy guide to what to pack in your hand luggage.

Sports equipment

This depends on what kind of equipment you’re planning to take. If your holiday includes a few rounds of tennis or a game of snooker, you’ll be fine to take the necessary racquets and cues in your hand luggage. If it’s golf, cricket or darts, these must be checked into the hold.

Drones

If you’re looking to capture some sweeping drone shots on your trip, you’ll need to check if you can take it with you in the first place. Drones fall under the same rules that apply to other electronic equipment capable of holding a charge, such as laptops, cameras, tablets, etc. Whether they’re allowed in your hand luggage or not depends on the battery size.

For lithium-ion batteries, anything between 100 Wh and 160 Wh is allowed. In fact, it’s preferable if devices with these kinds of batteries are stored in hand luggage rather than in the hold to avoid any accidental damage. If they are in your checked luggage, you’ll need to make sure they’re switched off fully and not near any aerosols or perfumes.

The specific rules can vary from airline to airline, so it’s always best to check if you’re unsure.

Another important rule for leaving and entering the UK is that electrical items capable of holding a charge must be charged up before you go through security. Let’s face it: if you’ve managed to get to the airport with everything at 100%, then you’re very prepared. Luckily, this rule only means that you must be able to switch on the device if required.

Soft cheese

Most of us know the rules around liquids in your carry-on, but some surprising items are counted as liquid and are subject to the same 100ml limit.

If you’re travelling back to the UK from within the EU, this includes soft cheese. If you were planning on bringing back your salmon and cream cheese bagel, you’d have to ensure you’ve polished it off before going through security. The same goes for jams, chutneys, sauces and anything sold in liquid like antipasti or olives. Some countries have even stricter rules when it comes to travelling with food, so always check before you pack.

While the restrictions are still in place today, they might soon become a thing of the past. New technology is being trialled across some UK airports, which could mean that the long-standing 100ml limit is lifted and passengers can carry up to 2 litres of liquid.

Lip balm or lipstick

Despite their semi-liquid, waxy consistency, lip balms and lipsticks are classed as solids and aren’t restricted to the same rules as liquids. So you’ll be able to arrive at your destination looking your best.

Umbrellas

The last thing you want is to get caught in a downpour when trying to enjoy your hols without a sturdy designer umbrella to protect you. Thankfully, you’re allowed to pack umbrellas in both your hand and hold luggage as long as they’re foldable. Larger ‘golf-style’ umbrellas should be packed into your hold luggage, mostly because of space constraints and the potential for accidents.

Walking/hiking poles

For many people, getting away for a nice, peaceful holiday includes spending quality time in the great outdoors, whether that’s climbing the highest peaks or strolling over rolling hills. 

Just remember to pack your walking or hiking poles in your hold luggage, as you won’t be allowed to take them in your carry-on.

Scissors

If you don’t have any hold baggage or are planning on doing a little arts and crafts on the plane, you’re allowed to take a small pair of scissors in your hand luggage. In the UK, the general rule is that you’re allowed scissors as long as the blades are under 6cm. For anything bigger, you should check them into your hold luggage instead. Some airlines can have different rules around items with blades, so it’s best to check if you need to take scissors with you.

Tent pegs

Going on a camping trip and need to take a tent with you? Just remember that you’ll need to check tent pegs in your hold luggage as they fall under the same rules that cover any sharp objects that could cause injury to yourself or other passengers.

Protein powder

Like starting the day with a protein shake and want to take your favourite with you? Well, technically, you can, but you may wish to consider the extra hassle.

Powders can obstruct images on X-ray machines, so they may need to be checked manually by airport security. If you’re in a hurry, it’s best to pack your protein powder in your checked luggage or leave it at home.

Whatever trip you’re taking, if you’re unsure about anything you’re planning to pack in your hand luggage, we always recommend checking with your specific airline. They may be stricter or lenient, and some will ask that you notify them first. Countries will have their own rules as well on what you can and cannot carry with you, so a good all-around rule to follow is to check before you get to the airport, especially for the more unusual things that you may not have even thought needed checking!