There are some packing rules that are not exactly hard to fathom when you’re preparing for a flight. Don’t take hand grenades or radioactive substances with you. No catapults or crossbows in your hand luggage – although if for sporting purposes, these actually can be packed in the hold. Then there are the hand luggage rules that trip us up time and time again at security. As our handbag beeps for the third time due to a forgotten bottle of perfume, we gaze enviously at those experts gliding smoothly through security. But with a bit of research, we too can be that good at travelling. With this in mind, the Flexicover team have compiled our list of up-to-date cabin bag rules for 2020.
No more than 100ml liquid per container
If you’re a frequent flyer, you’re no doubt familiar with the rules surrounding liquids in cabin bags – it’s the one that creates those huge security queues. Yet it’s so easy to accidentally miss an old bottle of water at the bottom of your bag, and end up prolonging your wait as the security staff put your bag through the system again. So here’s the deal: each container of liquid you bring must contain less than 100ml, and all your liquids (or semi-liquid food like jam and soup are included too) must be in one resealable 20cm x 20cm plastic bag. Heathrow Airport is investing in technologically advanced scanners that means liquids can stay within hand baggage, but until they come into play in 2022, liquids bags have to be scanned separately.
One lighter per person Smokers and candle-enthusiasts: listen up! One lighter per person will be allowed through security, with some caveats. You must keep this lighter within the same sort of transparent, resealable bag as you use for your liquids. What’s more, you must keep this lighter on your person at all times. You shouldn’t put this back in either your cabin bag following screening. Meanwhile, e-cigarettes are only allowed in cabin bags. Packing them in your hold luggage will only lead to an awkward scene at the check-in desk, as you hold up the line to scrabble around amongst your personal items for your e-cig.
Enough baby food, milk, and water for the journey
Travelling with a baby in tow? Good news, you’re allowed to bring enough baby food, milk, and water for the journey! However, you do need to be careful how you package it all up. Individual containers of breast milk must hold no more than 2000ml, and you’re not allowed to carry frozen breast milk. Each container will need to be screened at security – and bear in mind staff may need to open the containers as part of their check. While you’re allowed to carry breast milk even if you’re not travelling with the infant, a baby must be present if you’re bringing formula milk, cow’s milk, sterilised water, soya milk, and baby food. There’s no legal limit to how much you can bring, but if you’re packing a lot, it’s worth checking with the airport beforehand.
No large scissors, knives, or corkscrews
These ones might sound a little obvious, but if you’re bringing a corkscrew for your holiday vino, stick it in your hold luggage. When it comes to knives and scissors with blades longer than 6cm, check with your airline to ensure you’re allowed to put them in your hold luggage - they definitely won’t be permitted in your cabin bag. Other personal items that could be classed as sharp but are allowed in hand luggage include small scissors (with blades no longer than 6cm), blunt scissors, tweezers, umbrellas, knitting needles, sewing needles, and nail clippers. Bear in mind that safety matches are only allowed in cabin bags - not hold luggage - and you won’t be let on the plane if any of your luggage contains non-safety matches.
Doctor’s note for medicines and medical equipment People who need medicine and medical equipment for their journey are allowed to bring more than 100ml, including liquid dietary foodstuffs and inhalers. But to get this past security, you’ll need a supporting document from a relevant medical professional, such as a doctor’s note. Bear in mind that medical equipment like hypodermic syringes are screened separately. If this applies to you, add a bit of time onto your journey so you can comfortably get to your gate in time for your flight. If you need to bring oxygen cylinders on your flight, make sure to contact your airline ahead of time.
Wherever you plan on heading to over the coming months it’s good to know that Flexicover is committed to providing you with the highest level of protection to ensure you are safe and secure 24 hours a day when away.