We’ve all been there — tapping our feet impatiently as the airport staff ruffles through our carry-on like he has all the time in the world. Meanwhile, your air travel plans hang by a thread: if you miss this flight, you can kiss your vacation goodbye. The officer at the security check remains unperturbed by this fact; after all, it sounds like a “you” problem.
If this sounds familiar and overtly exasperating, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up a list of major items that are not allowed in your hand luggage after security check. Read through and make notes so you can avoid last-minute delays (and headaches) at the airport.
Planning air travel? Here’s everything that’s not allowed in your carry-on luggage past security check. Know details to avoid any last-minute delays
1. Liquids
Before you start balking at this point, note that you can carry liquids up to 100 ml in your carry-on luggage. However, they must be placed in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag. If you think you can pull a fast one on the authorities by divvying up the liquid into multiple small containers — it won’t work. If it overshoots the 100 ml mark, get ready to leave some stuff behind. This includes items like toothpaste, sunscreen, moisturisers, sanitisers, beverages, lip tints and more. Aerosol cans like pepper sprays and hair sprays also fall within this category.
2. Lighters & E-cigarettes
This one’s for the smokers. Before you pack in your hand luggage, run a thorough check to ensure that there aren’t any forgotten lighters or matchboxes lying around in the corners. The same goes for e-cigarettes. Considering the flammable nature of these items, they are strictly prohibited from being allowed on flights.
3. Scissors, razors & other sharp objects
A hair-removal razor and a pair of tiny scissors are a must-have in every toiletries bag, but they must be tucked into your checked-in luggage. Airlines do not make exceptions for any sort of sharp objects, including tent stakes or poles (for campers) to be cleared past security-check.
4. Bleach and other chemical oxides
It’s highly unlikely that you’ll carry bleaching powder in your handbag, but stranger things have happened. In any case, items like bleach, chlorine and spray paint that carry peroxides, which are considered toxic and corrosive, are banned from both your carry-on and check-in luggage.
6. Electronics that cannot be turned off
It may be an old, malfunctioning Kindle or a speaker or power-bank that has a mind of its own — an electronic device that doesn’t power off needs to be left behind.
7. Drone camera
Most airlines do not allow drones in carry-on luggage. This largely depends on certain technical factors, such as the type of batteries used in the device and the size of the propellers (they shouldn’t be over 6 cm). If you’re a professional photographer who needs to carry your drone for a shoot or otherwise, you should check the local drone laws of the city or country you’re travelling to.
8. Golf clubs & other sporting gear
Sports equipment that has sharp and pointy edges, like certain types of bats, golf clubs, hockey and lacrosse sticks, are typically not allowed as carry-on luggage on flights. However, they may make an exception if you enquire with the airlines ahead.
