Most frequent flyers know the aircraft regulations inside out. These includes rules about liquids, sharp objects and a long list of things that can’t happen that can’t happen under airport control.
On the other hand, there are many people who have never flown before or are about to experience flying for the first time. This can lead to some very common mix-ups; for example, carrying a bottle of wine in your hand luggage, nail clippers or other things that could cause problems at screening.
To avoid any unpleasant surprises, in this article we’re going to tell you about all the items that are prohibited on board aircraft, so that you can familiarise yourself with them before going through the checkpoint. We’ll start by explaining the most obvious ones, and end with those that many people don’t know about or that are frequently mistaken.
Let’s get started!
Items strictly prohibited on board the aircraft
When it comes to items banned from planes and airports, there are certain levels of prohibition. In other words, there are items that can lead to more serious offences and others that are considered more benign.
In this section, we’ll start with the items that are strictly forbidden on the plane, the ones you should never carry. They are, of course, the most obvious, as in almost no situation are they necessary for the flight:
Firearms and knives: Firearms are strictly forbidden in hand luggage and checked luggage, and failure to comply with these regulations could get us into serious trouble at the airport. But there is one exception.
If you have regulated weapons that are authorised to be acquired, possessed or used, you can check them in on your flight. They will have to be unloaded and in properly packaged containers for their safety during transport. If you are carrying ammunition, you must transport it in a rigid case separate from the weapon and weighing no more than 5 kg.
Explosives and flammable materials: All types of explosives, including fireworks and detonators, are strictly prohibited in aircraft and terminals. Similarly, flammable liquids such as petrol and highly volatile products are not permitted.
Toxic substances: Toxic chemicals, poisons, industrial chemicals or pesticides are prohibited on all commercial flights. These substances can pose a serious health risk to passengers and crew in the event of a spill or leak.
Illegal or controlled substances: It is strictly forbidden to transport illegal drugs or controlled substances in any form whatsoever. This includes both recreational drugs and prescription medicines that are not properly authorised by a doctor and are not accompanied by the appropriate documentation.
As we can see, most people don’t use these items in their daily lives, let alone in an airport. Nevertheless, it is important to know which items are prohibited on planes so that you can warn others if necessary.
In the next section, we’ll find out which items are prohibited but are commonly taken to airports (due to ignorance or confusion). We will also look at liquids, which require special conditions to be carried.
Items prohibited on board aircraft
Nail clippers and scissors: Although they may seem harmless, these objects can be used as potential weapons in the wrong hands. For this reason, they are generally prohibited in hand baggage.
Lighter refills: The parts contain flammable gases, so they are banned on planes due to their potential ability to cause a fire. However, you can carry a lighter alone in your pocket/hand luggage without any problem.
Sharp objects: Blunt and sharp objects, such as knives, pocket knives, large scissors, golf clubs, baseball bats, etc., can be used as makeshift weapons by ill-intentioned people. They are therefore prohibited on board the aircraft.
Fresh or strong-smelling foods: Depending on the destination we are visiting, certain foods may be banned in our destination country. Some of these are generally meat and dairy products, which contain bacteria that are dangerous for the ecosystem we are visiting. On the other hand, strong smells can disturb other passengers, so we can’t take them with us either.
Liquids regulations
Finally, there are the regulations on liquids, a very important section if you are travelling in the near future. This regulation, which applies to all airports in the European Union, states that liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) must be in individual containers of no more than 100 ml.
All these containers must be inside a transparent plastic bag with a hermetic seal and a maximum capacity of 1 litre. The plastic bag must be presented separately at the security checkpoint. There are a few exceptions to this rule:
Medicines: You can carry liquid medicines in your hand luggage, even if they exceed 100 ml. It is advisable to bring a medical certificate with you.
Baby food: You may bring sufficient quantities of breast milk, infant formula and baby food for the journey.
Liquids bought at the airport: You can bring liquids bought in airport shops or on the plane after going through security.
If you’ve made it this far, you’re already aware of all the bans that apply in airports and on planes throughout Europe. Enjoy your trip!