**Unexpected Items You Can’t Pack in Hand Luggage: What Travellers Should Know**
For British holidaymakers heading abroad this summer, trying to fit everything you need into a carry-on can be a stressful business. However, packing efficiently involves more than just rolling your shirts the right way. There are several common, non-liquid items that, if included in your hand luggage, may lead to delays at security or even see you forced to leave them behind.
Most people are aware of the strict liquid limitations at airport security. In UK airports, only liquids, gels, and aerosols under 100ml are allowed in hand luggage, including water bottles, skincare products, moisturiser, and even hand sanitiser. Yet, what often catches travellers out is that several seemingly harmless solid or non-liquid items can also present problems at the security checkpoint.
A recent round-up of baggage rules, compiled by travel and lifestyle experts, highlights the wide range of every day items that might trigger extra scrutiny or outright bans at security. For instance, certain food items might seem an innocent choice for a snack on the plane, but soft cheeses, for example, are counted as ‘liquids’ under UK and EU airport regulations. This rule doesn’t just apply to cheese — jams, spreads, chutneys, sauces, and foods packed in oil or brine (think antipasti or olives) are also restricted if they exceed 100ml or 100g, even if they’re not technically liquids.
Travellers should also pay careful attention to the destination country’s individual rules, as some places take a much firmer stance on food brought in through their borders. Australia and the United States, for example, are known for stringent regulations and heavy fines for undeclared food items.
Another surprise item on the hand luggage watch list is protein powder. While it might not seem especially suspicious, large quantities of unmixed powders can make it difficult for x-ray machines to give security staff a clear picture of your bag’s contents. Consequently, such items are often separated out and checked by hand, potentially leading to long waiting times at security. Regular flyers suggest, unless absolutely necessary, packing protein powders, baby formula, or anything similar in your hold luggage.
Despite these prohibitions, UK airport rules are not all about restriction. There are a number of everyday household objects that are permissible on board — and this sometimes makes for confusion. For instance, if you fancy keeping yourself occupied with some arts and crafts while flying, you are allowed to bring scissors in your cabin bag, so long as the blades are under 6cm in length. This exception to the ‘sharp objects’ rule is not always widely known, and many would-be crafters discard their scissors unnecessarily.
However, it’s important to note that individual airlines or foreign airports may apply their own restrictions, regardless of UK guidelines. If you’re planning to bring anything that might be considered unusual, it’s wise to check both the departure and destination airports’ official websites — or even contact your airline in advance.
Human error at airport security, as well as minor rule changes from year to year, means it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Travellers attempting to take restricted items through security may find themselves held up, or worse, having their belongings confiscated at the final hurdle. With summer getaways in full swing, a small amount of forward planning can save a lot of holiday hassle.
With the ever-changing landscape of travel regulations, it seems the best advice remains constant: double-check the latest rules before you pack, and if in doubt, leave it out — or pop it in the hold. Safe travels are made smoother by a little preparation and awareness.
**For further information, always consult the latest guidance from your airline and airport, and consider keeping up with official updates via their dedicated channels.**