Luggage Restrictions Travellers Must Be Aware Of
In recent years airport security has significantly tightened. So, whether you’re planning a world trip or a dream holiday abroad it’s imperative you do your research and understand what you can take with you, as well as what you can bring back.
Travelling from the UK
When it comes to travelling from the UK, there are some restrictions you may already be aware of, including liquid restrictions in hand luggage. When we talk about liquids, this refers to anything from water through to syrups, cosmetics, including creams, perfumes, toothpaste and contact lens solution. If you do wish to take any form of liquid on to a flight leaving the UK, containers must hold no more than 100ml. The liquids must also fit into a single, clear, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm.
The only exception to this rule is if the liquid you’re carrying is for essential medical purposes or if you have special dietary requirements. Further to this, items purchased from the airport are also allowed on the flight as long as they can be resealed, and you can present the receipt if asked to do so.
Other restricted items include explosive or corrosive materials, any sharp materials, including knives, scissors, tweezers and even umbrellas, to name a few.
Electronics should also be fully charged to limit the risk of a device becoming flat as this may result in the item being confiscated. If in doubt, it’s worth purchasing a power bank to charge your devices before going through security.
Generally, when flying out of the UK it’s a case of using your common sense and following the rules of the airport, which most of us are familiar with. However, flying into the UK from other areas can prove trickier.
Travelling to the UK
There are more restrictions to be aware of when you’re flying into the UK from other countries. If you’re travelling from Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Tunisia you’ll need to place electronic devices larger than 16cm x 9.3cm by 1.5cm in hold luggage. This includes DVD players, large phones, laptops, tablets and e-readers such as Kindles.
What’s important to be aware of is that some travel insurance companies do not cover your electronics if they’re held within your hold luggage. Research by Which? magazine found that five major travel insurance companies – Aviva, Axa, Churchill, Direct Line and LV – did not cover valuables placed in the hold for loss, theft or damage. So, be sure to read the small print of your travel insurance before you travel to ensure you’re covered.
Other items affected by restrictions include electronic cigarettes, which must be carried in your hand luggage, and under no circumstances carry any refills that bear the toxic warning label in cabin or hold baggage, as this is forbidden.
Further to this, if you are travelling from any of the six restricted countries mentioned above, spare batteries and portable power sources cannot be held within your hand or hold luggage.
Global travel
Restrictions vary from country to country. In some countries electronic cigarette liquid refills are banned and therefore prohibited. What’s more, some airports won’t allow you to take flammable liquids on board – such as lighters. The rules surrounding electronics and portable power sources also varies. If flying from Ataturk and Izmir airports with Turkish Airlines or Pegasus you can carry electronic devices in the cabin, for example.
It’s recommended that you plan out your journey and do you research to find out what you are and are not allowed to take in and out of each country you visit. The last thing you want to do have your personal items confiscated.