With the summer holiday season behind us, air passengers are once again grappling with the stringent 100ml limit for liquids and gases in their carry-on bags, despite earlier hopes that enhanced security scanners would render this 2006 rule obsolete. Amidst the confusion over what is and isn’t allowed in hand luggage, specialists at Fulton Umbrellas have shed light on some of the more obscure regulations and items that might catch flyers off guard.
Umbrellas
The question of whether to pack an umbrella in hand or checked luggage often sparks debate among flyers. Some argue that an umbrella could be considered a weapon and should therefore be stowed in checked luggage, while others can’t bear to be parted from this essential item in case of rain. The experts at Fulton Umbrellas have provided some clarity: both approaches are acceptable.
Umbrellas are indeed permitted in either your cabin bag or hold luggage, depending on their size. Compact, foldable umbrellas may be carried in hand luggage, whereas larger “golf-style” umbrellas must be checked in due to their size and the risk of them accidentally opening.
Tent pegs
For those intrepid travellers seeking nature breaks, it’s worth noting that tent pegs are not permitted in your cabin bags and may be seized by security. This is due to the pegs being categorised as sharp objects, posing a potential risk of injury to yourself and fellow passengers, hence they should be stowed in your hold luggage.
Protein powder
There are numerous regulations regarding transporting food and related items abroad, but the security issues surrounding protein powder stem more from its form than its nutritional content. The experts clarified that while you can technically carry this in your hand luggage, it might be worth considering the additional inconvenience.
Powdered substances can disrupt the X-ray machines at security checkpoints, necessitating manual inspection. This could lead to delays and stress, so the experts recommended either packing your protein boost in your checked luggage or leaving it behind altogether.
Cheese
Unexpectedly, certain soft cheeses are classified as liquids and will be subject to the same 100ml rule as your toiletries if you’re returning from the EU. This also applies to jams, chutneys, sauces and items sold in liquid form like olives.
Lip balm or lipstick
While some cheeses are deemed liquid, lip balms and lipsticks are considered solids, meaning they won’t be subject to the same restrictions and limits despite their semi-solid, waxy texture.
Sports equipment
When it comes to sporting gear, the regulations can be quite inconsistent. The more common equipment, such as tennis racquets, is often allowed onboard in hand luggage, while bulkier items like golf clubs or cricket gear typically need to be checked in. Items like snooker cues represent a grey area, with certain airlines permitting them as carry-on, while others insist on check-in so it’s best to check with your airline.
Drones and electronics
Concerning drones, which fall under electronic equipment, it’s usually preferred by airlines for these gadgets to be carried in cabin luggage rather than in checked baggage. Nonetheless, travellers must be mindful of various airline-specific restrictions on batteries irrespective of whether you’re taking them in the cabin or hold.
In addition, industry specialists have highlighted one not-so-obvious regulation about travelling with electronics into and out of the UK: “For leaving and entering the UK, electrical items capable of holding a charge must be charged up before you go through security. This rule only means that you must be able to switch on the device if required.” These requirements vary significantly among different airlines and international regulations, hence why doing ones homework is crucial prior to travel.
Scissors
Contrary to popular belief, passengers are permitted to carry sharp scissors in their hand luggage, provided they meet specific criteria. In the UK, the rule of thumb is that the blades must not exceed 6cm in length; anything larger should be stowed in checked baggage. However, as airline regulations may vary, it’s recommended to verify this before packing your arts and crafts kit for the flight.