Full list of all the items that are banned from hold luggage at UK airports
With summer now upon us, many will be flying out to holiday destinations in the next couple of months, and it may be useful to know what items are banned for checked luggage.
This is luggage which is carried in the hold of the plane when it flies out to your destination, rather than you having it in the cabin.
There are certain items which you can store in hold luggage that you can't in hand luggage, but at the same time, there are also items that are banned from both.
Whilst it is very unlikely travellers will be putting these items into their suitcases when they are heading out on holiday, it may still be wise to be aware of them.
What items are banned for hold luggage?
According to the Heathrow Airport website, the following items cannot be taken on to an aircraft in either hold or hand luggage:
Flammable liquids and solids
Oxidisers such as bleaching powders
Organic peroxides
Tear gas devices or any gas cylinders
Infectious substances such as live virus materials
Wet-cell car batteries
Magnetrons. Instruments containing mercury
Instruments containing magnets
Fireworks and pyrotechnics
Non-safety matches
Fire lighter, lighter fuel, paints, thinners
Poisons, arsenic, cyanide, weedkiller
Radioactive materials, acids, corrosives, alkalis, caustic soda
Creosote, quicklime, oiled paper
Vehicle fuel system components which have contained fuel
Explosives, ammunition, detonators and related equipment
Smoke canisters and smoke cartridges
This list is standard across major airports in the UK, with toy/replica guns (metal or plastic) also not permitted.
Can you put liquids in hold luggage?
There are several items that you are allowed to carry in hold luggage that you are not allowed to carry on-board with you in your hand luggage, which includes liquids.
On Gatwick Airport's website, they list these items as:
Liquids, creams, gels and pastes in containers over 100ml
Sharp items including scissors
Razor blades (razors that have the blade set into a plastic moulding are allowed in hand baggage, but other types are not)
Knives with blades of any length
Hypodermic needles (unless required for medical reasons, for which proof will be required)
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Tools (including multi-tools and penknives)
Catapults
Walking/hiking poles
Sporting bats
Darts
Billiard, snooker or pool cues
They add: "You should also bear in mind the weight of your bags and check weight allowances on your ticket or with your airline."