52 items you should never put in your hand luggage

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There really is no worse feeling than going through the security line at an airport only to realise you’ve left your favourite full-size beauty product in your hand luggage - especially when you’re being told you have to throw it out when you’ve only just opened it (RIP).

While buying travel-size versions of your favourite product is the easy answer or, even better yet, buying several refillable bottles (I have these cute ones from Amazon) that you can simply top up with your favourite shampoo, conditioner and moisturiser will help you avoid the dreaded security bin, if you really must bring a full size product in your hand luggage, one TikTok user shared a hack that allows you to take them on board.

TikTok user @cassioptok posted a video stating that if the airport you’re flying from has a Boots after security, you can place a click and collect order before you travel and pick it up in the airport and take it to your next destination - ideal for sun safe girlies who don’t want to pay extortionate amounts for their sunscreen.

“As someone who works in Boots in the airport, this is literally the only way to guarantee that we have exactly what you want,” one person commented.

While this hack works for liquids over 100mL, there are also several other items that you should never pack in your hand luggage (and no, you won’t be able to order these from Boots beforehand!).

What can't you put in hand luggage?

The most important thing to remember is not to bring liquids over 100mL in your hand luggage. The government says these liquids can include:

  • All drinks including water
  • Food like soup, jam, honey and syrups
  • Beauty products like moisturisers, face wash, oils, perfumes, mascara and lip gloss (if over 100mL)
  • Sprays like dry shampoo, hair spray, bug spray, deodorant and shaving foam
  • Pastes including toothpaste
  • Hair and shower gel
  • Contact lens solution

There are some exemptions, however, as you can take liquid over 100mL is it’s for essential medical purposes, for dietary requirements or it contains baby food and baby milk.

Other items that you cannot take in your hand luggage include:

  • Lighters
  • Food items and powders
  • Corkscrew
  • Knife
  • Large scissors
  • Fireworks
  • Baseball, softball and cricket bats
  • Golf clubs
  • Darts
  • Walking/hiking poles
  • Firearms (guns)
  • Harpoon or speargun
  • Crossbow
  • Knuckledusters, clubs, coshes, rice flails and nunchuks
  • Drill
  • Stanley Knife
  • Saw
  • Screwdriver
  • Hammer
  • Pliers
  • Wrench
  • Bolt gun
  • Crow bar
  • Blow torch

You know, because what our next holiday really needs is a blow torch, right?

Why was the 100mL liquid limitation introduced?

In 2006, the 100mL limit for hand luggage was introduced to all airports across the UK following failed terrorist plans to smuggle in liquid explosives disguised as soft drinks on a plane flying from the UK to the US and Canada.

What changes are set to be made for hand luggage in the UK?

In December 2022, the government announced that passengers were set to benefit from the “biggest shake-up of airport security rules in decades”.

Essentially, the new rules would bring an end to the 100mL liquid limit and instead allow passengers to bring liquids up to 2L on the plane with them.

The government set a deadline of June 2024 for airports to upgrade their screening equipment as this new technology will give airport staff a more detailed image of what is in each passenger’s hand luggage.

The announcement follows several trials that have taken place since 2018 that looked at the new screening equipment which uses CT X-ray technology to essentially give a 3D image of what’s in each passenger’s bag. It will also allow for a “highly advanced threat detection algorithm”.

But, until June 2024 or when the government says so, the 100mL rule stays as it is. Best to place your Boots order now.

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