If you’re travelling by plane and taking hand luggage, you’ll need to ensure the items you pack in your hand luggage are allowed on the plane. If you take anything that’s prohibited, you may need to dispose of it before being allowed to board. Here are some common things you can take on a plane and things you need to leave at home. 

Matches and lighters 

Many people question if they can take matches and lighters on the plane. Standard lighters and standard matches are fine in your hand luggage. You can’t take strike-anywhere matches with you on a flight, so check which variety you have before you pack your matches. 

Small tools

You can carry small tools in your hand luggage. However, they need to be a maximum of 7 inches. Some sharp tools are permitted in your hand luggage. These are; nail clippers, pill cutters and small scissors. You’ll need to measure any scissors, as they must be 4 inches or less from the pivot point. 

Pets (on some airlines)

Airline policies on pets vary depending on where you’re flying and what airline you’re using. Some airlines allow small pets on aircraft. Always check with your airline before taking your pet with you to the airport. If you can’t travel with them, you’ll need to find someone to look after them and rearrange your flight. Alternatively, you could switch to an airline that allows pets. 

Food 

Taking food with you on your journey can be a good way to reduce costs. You can avoid paying for expensive airport food and cater for your own dietary needs. This is especially important if you or one of your family members suffer from allergies. The rules around taking food on a plane are related to liquids; liquid foods must be in containers that are 100ml or smaller. Items like peanut butter, jam, ketchup, mustard and other sauces are considered liquids when travelling. You can take these things if they’re already made into a meal, such as a sandwich with mayonnaise and mustard. Whenever you’re taking food, avoid anything with a large amount of liquid and avoid taking anything that contains peanuts. If a passenger on the flight has a peanut allergy, you’ll be asked not to consume any products containing peanuts. 

Aerosol cans

You can take small aerosol cans in your hand luggage, as long as they’re under 100ml and your total amount of liquids fit in a zip-lock bag that contains under 3.4 ounces. If you’re parking at Manchester airport or another airport, you should avoid leaving aerosol cans in your vehicle. They can be a fire hazard in extreme weather conditions, so you should leave them at home. 

Razors

You may want to take a razor on your trip to shave when you get to your destination. Although razors can be dangerous, they are permitted on flights in your hand luggage. There are some restrictions around razors; you can’t take straight razors or razor blades; only disposable razors are allowed in your hand luggage on a flight. Electric razors are also allowed in your hand luggage and in any luggage, you choose to place in the luggage hold.

Baby food and equipment

The exception to the liquid rule is baby formula and breast milk. These items can be taken through security and onto the plane as long as the baby is travelling with you on the journey. To prevent any issues, you need to declare them to the security staff first before putting your luggage through the scanners. The airport may also do additional checks on the formula or breast milk; allow extra time for this when travelling to the airport. You can contact the airline you’re travelling with to find out the exact quantities you’re allowed to carry. 

If you’re ever in doubt about what you can take in your hand luggage, contact the airline directly. They will be able to advise on whether the item you’re enquiring about will be permitted or not. If they say it’s okay to take it on board and you still feel unsure, keep an electronic copy of the conversation just in case you get into any issues whilst you’re at the airport. 

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