We use necessary cookies to make our website work. We'd also like to use optional cookies to understand how you use it, and to help us improve it.

For more information, please read our cookie policy.



There are restrictions on what items you can take onto aircraft for reasons of safety and security. Some items are not allowed in your hand baggage and some are not allowed anywhere on the aircraft. Some items need to have the approval of the airline before you can take them on board.

Individual airports have discretion to confiscate anything they consider dangerous, regardless of whether or not it appears on the list of prohibited articles and passengers who have queries over whether something will be permitted should check with the airport and airline in question before travelling.

Current UK aviation security regulations forbid the carriage of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in hand baggage through the passenger security point in containers larger than 100ml. Larger containers may be placed in hold baggage or purchased after the security point, provided they comply with the dangerous goods limits in the links below. Empty water bottles can be taken through security in hand luggage.

The following information is based on the current edition of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air. The permitted dangerous goods may only be carried when for personal use.

Restrictions implemented by other countries in the interests of aviation security may further limit or forbid the carriage of some of the items listed in these pages. Additionally, airlines and security screening agencies have the right to refuse the carriage of certain items.

Passengers must contact their airline in advance for clarification of the regulations, or when planning to travel with dangerous goods that require the airline’s approval when indicated in the tables below.

Aerosols

Items Carry-on Baggage Checked (hold) Baggage On One's Person Airline approval required

Aerosols containing non-flammable, non-toxic gas with no subsidiary risk (such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide), for sporting or home use

The total net quantity of each single article must not exceed 0.5 kg or 0.5 L.

The total net quantity of medicines, toiletry articles and aerosols for sporting or home use must not exceed 2 kg or 2 L (e.g. four aerosol cans of 500 mL each) each.

Release valves on aerosols must be protected by a cap or other suitable means to prevent inadvertent release of the contents.

No Yes No No
Close Aerosols

Alcohol

Items Carry-on Baggage Checked (hold) Baggage On One's Person Airline approval required

Alcoholic beverages, containing more than 24% but not more than 70% alcohol by volume , must be in its retail packaging.

No more than 5 L per individual receptacle; and

No more than a total net quantity of 5 L per person.

Note: Alcoholic beverages containing less than 24% alcohol by volume are not restricted.

Yes Yes Yes No
Close Alcohol

Ammunition and firearms

Items Carry-on Baggage Checked (hold) Baggage On One's Person Airline approval required

Ammunition (cartridges for weapons) securely packed in quantities not exceeding 5 kg gross mass per person for that person's own use.

Allowances for more than one person must not be combined into one or more packages.

Only ammunition classified as UN0012 or UN0014 within Division 1.4S may be carried in checked baggage. If the classification is unknown, the passenger should obtain this information from the ammunition manufacturer or supplier.

Must not include ammunition with explosive or incendiary projectiles.

No Yes No Yes

Firearms

Passengers can carry guns designed solely for sporting purposes provided that:

  • they are packed in checked luggage;
  • they are unloaded;
  • details of them have been provided to the operator; and
  • the airline agrees to their carriage.

Guns designed for use in warfare are termed 'munitions of war' and are subject to additional requirements. The passenger must seek advice of the airline prior to travel.

No Yes No Yes
Close Ammunition and firearms

Batteries

What is a lithium battery?

The term "lithium battery" refers to a family of batteries with different chemistries, comprising of many types of cathodes and electrolytes. They are separated into:

  • Lithium metal batteries
    generally non-rechargeable batteries that have lithium metal or lithium compounds as an anode.
    Lithium metal batteries are generally used to power devices such as watches, calculators and cameras.
  • Lithium-ion batteries (sometimes abbreviated Li-ion batteries)
    a type of rechargeable battery commonly used in consumer electronics. Also included within lithium-ion batteries are lithium polymer batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are generally found in mobile telephones, laptop computers, etc.

The watt-hour (Wh) rating is a measure by which lithium ion batteries are regulated. Since 2009 and 2011 respectively, manufacturers have been required to mark lithium ion batteries with the watt-hour rating.

You can arrive at the number of watt-hours your battery provides if you know the battery's nominal voltage (V) and capacity in ampere-hours (Ah) using this calculation - Ah x V = Wh.

This information is often marked on the battery.

If only the milliampere hours (mAh) are marked on the battery, then divide that number by 1000 to get ampere-hours (Ah). For example, 4400 mAh / 1000 = 4.4 Ah.

What is a non-spillable battery?

Non-spillable batteries are also known as wet filled with acid or alkali or gel-type batteries.

Batteries (carried as spares)

Items

Carry-on Baggage Checked (hold) Baggage On One's Person Airline approval required

Spare batteries for portable electronic devices containing lithium ion batteries exceeding a Watt-hour rating of 100 Wh but not exceeding 160 Wh when carried for personal use.

No more than two individually protected spare batteries per person may be carried.

Each lithium ion cell or battery must be individually protected so as to prevent short circuits (by placement in original retail packaging or by otherwise insulating terminals, e.g. by taping over exposed terminals or placing each battery in a separate plastic bag or protective pouch).

Batteries and cells must be of a type which meets the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, subsection 38.3. It may be necessary to contact the manufacturer to confirm that they have complied with this.

Yes No Yes Yes

Spare fuel cell cartridges

No more than two spare fuel cell cartridges may be carried by passenger.

Fuel cells containing fuel are permitted in carry-on baggage only.

Fuel cells must be of a type that will not charge batteries when the portable electronic device is not in use and must be durably marked by the manufacturer, 'APPROVED FOR CARRIAGE IN AIRCRAFT CABIN ONLY.'

Refuelling of fuel cells on board an aircraft is not permitted, although the installation of a spare cartridge is allowed.

The airline's approval is not required to carry spare fuel cell cartridges. However, the passenger must contact their airline prior to travel to obtain further information contained within the ICAO Technical Instructions.

Yes Yes Yes No

Spare batteries for portable electronic devices (including metal devices) containing lithium metal or lithium ion cells or batteries carried for personal use.

Must be individually protected so as to prevent short circuits (by placement in original retail packaging or by otherwise insulating terminals, e.g. by taping over exposed terminals or placing each battery in a separate plastic bag or protective pouch).

Each spare battery must not exceed the following:

  • lithium metal or lithium alloy batteries, a lithium content of not more than 2 grams;
    or
  • lithium ion batteries, a watt-hour rating of not more than 100 Wh.

Batteries and cells must be of a type which meets the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, subsection 38.3. It may be necessary to contact the manufacturer to confirm that they have complied with the requirements.

Yes No Yes No

Spare non-spillable batteries must meet Special Provision A67 of the ICAO Technical Instructions. Your airline should be able to advise you prior to travel.

No more than two individually protected batteries may be carried per person.

Batteries must not have a voltage greater than 12 volts and a watt-hour rating of not greater than 100 Wh.

Batteries must be protected from short circuit by the effective insulation of exposed terminals.

Yes Yes No No

Spare batteries for portable medical electronic devices containing lithium metal cells or batteries not exceeding 2 grams, or lithium ion cells or batteries not exceeding 100 Wh

Yes No Yes No

Spare batteries for medical electronic devices containing lithium metal batteries exceeding 2 grams but not exceeding 8 grams, or lithium ion batteries exceeding 100 Wh but not exceeding 160 Wh. No more than two individually protected spare batteries per person may be carried.

Yes No Yes Yes

Spare batteries for electronic smoking devices, (e.g. e-cigarettes, e-cigs, e-cigars, e-pipes, personal vaporizers, electronic nicotine delivery systems.

Spare batteries must be individually protected so as to prevent short circuits (by placing it its original retail packaging or by otherwise insulating terminals, e.g. by taping over exposed terminals or placing each battery in a separate plasic bag or protective pouch)

Yes No Yes No
Close Batteries

Items containing batteries

Items Carry-on Baggage Checked (hold) Baggage On One's Person Airline approval required

Lithium battery-powered equipment capable of generating extreme heat, which could cause a fire if activated.

The heat-producing component and the battery are isolated from each other by the removal of the heat-producing component, the battery or another component (e.g. fuse).

Any battery that has been removed must be protected against short circuit (by placing in its original retail packaging or by otherwise insulating terminals, e.g. by taping over exposed terminals or placing each battery in a separate bag or protective pouch).

Yes Yes No Yes

Battery powered suitcases powered by nickel-metal hydride batteries.

Any electrical battery or battery powered device which has the potential of a dangerous evolution of heat must be prepared for transport so as to prevent:

  • short-circuit by disconnection of the battery and effective insulation of exposed terminals; and
  • accidental activation.

The airline's approval is not required to carry a battery-powered suitcase. However, the passenger must contact their airline prior to travel to obtain information contained within the ICAO Technical Instructions.

Yes Yes N/A No

Portable electronic devices containing lithium ion batteries exceeding a Watt-hour rating of 100 Wh but not exceeding 160 Wh when carried for personal use.

Batteries and cells must be of a type which meets the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, subsection 38.3.

It may be necessary to contact the battery manufacturer prior to travel to confirm they have complied with the requirements.

Should be carried as carry-on baggage.

If devices are carried in checked baggage measures must be taken to prevent unintentional activation and to protect from damage and the device must be completely switched off (not in sleep or hibernation mode).

Large portable electronic devices such as laptops and tablets should not be packed near aerosols or perfumes.

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Portable electronic devices powered by fuel cells such as cameras, mobile phones, laptop computers and camcorders.

Fuel cells containing fuel are permitted in carry-on baggage only.

Fuel cell cartridges may only contain flammable liquids, corrosive substances, liquefied flammable gas, water reactive substances or hydrogen in metal hydride.

Yes No Yes No

Portable electronic devices such as watches, calculating machines, cameras, cellular phones, laptop computers, camcorders when carried for personal use.

Each installed or spare battery must not exceed the following:

  • lithium metal batteries, a lithium content of not more than 2 grams;
    or
  • lithium ion batteries, a watt-hour rating of not more than 100 Wh.

Batteries and cells must be of a type which meets the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, subsection 38.3. It may be necessary to contact the battery manufacturer prior to travel to confirm they have complied with the requirements.

Should be carried in carry-on baggage. If a device is carried in checked baggage, measures must be taken to prevent unintentional activation and to protect from damage. The device must be completely switched off (not in sleep or hibernation mode) if the batteries exceed for:

  • lithium metal batteries, a lithium content of 0.3 grams
  • lithium ion batteries, a Watt-hour rating of 2.7 Wh.

Portable electronic devices (including medical devices) containing lithium metal or lithium ion cells or batteries (articles containing lithium metal or lithium cells or batteries, the primary purpose of which is to provide power to another device must be carried as spare batteries).

Yes Yes Yes No

Portable electronic equipment containing a non-spillable battery meeting Special Provision A67 of the ICAO Technical Instructions. Your airline should be able to assist you prior to travel.

The battery must not have a voltage greater than 12 volts and a Watt-hour rating of not greater than 100 Wh.

The equipment either must be protected from inadvertent activation, or the battery must be disconnected and exposed terminals must be insulated.

Yes Yes No No

Battery-powered electronic smoking devices (e.g.e-cigarettes, e-cigs, e-cigars, e-pipes, personal vaporizers, electronic nicotine delivery systems.

Carried by passengers or crew for personal use.

Content of Lithium metal batteries must not exceed 2 grams. Lithium ion batteries must not exceed a Watt hour rating of 100 Wh

Recharging of the devices and / or batteries on board the aircraft is forbidden

Yes No Yes No

Baggage equipped with a lithium battery(ies)

When equipped with a lithium battery(ies) exceeding:
- for lithium metal batteries, a lithium content of 0.3 grams;
or
- for lithium ion batteries, a Watt-hour rating of 2.7 Wh
must be carried as carry-on baggage unless the battery(ies)
is removed from the baggage, protected from short circuit and carried in the cabin.


Yes No No No
Close Items containing batteries

Christmas crackers and party poppers

Items Carry-on Baggage Checked (hold) Baggage On One's Person Airline approval required

Christmas crackers must be in their original retail packaging.

Note: Check with your airline as some forbid passengers to carry Christmas crackers.

Party poppers are forbidden to be carried by passengers .

Yes Yes Yes See Note
Close Christmas crackers and party poppers

Dangerous goods

International standards allow passengers to carry dangerous goods either in carry-on baggage, checked baggage or on their person. However, passengers should be aware that airlines and security screening agencies have the right to refuse the carriage of certain dangerous goods and additional restrictions implemented by countries may limit or forbid the carriage of some items in the interests of aviation safety.

Certain sharp knives, ammunition, guns and certain scissors are banned from being taken into the cabin of the plane, whether in hand luggage or on your person. For full details, see the Government's guidance on hand luggage restrictions at UK airports.

The CAA has published guidance on the types of dangerous goods which passengers are permitted to carry in their carry-on baggage, in their checked baggage, on their person and those which are forbidden on an aircraft. Some dangerous goods will require the airline's approval before travel.

Close Dangerous goods

Engines and engine powered equipment (e.g. generators, scooters)

Items Carry-on Baggage Checked (hold) Baggage On One's Person Airline approval required

Engines (internal combustion or fuel cell only) being shipped either separately or incorporated into a vehicle, machine or other apparatus, without batteries or other dangerous goods must comply with Special Provision A70 of the ICAO Technical Instructions.

Note: The passenger must contact the airline for further information before travel.

No Yes No See note

Petrol-engine powered equipment , e.g. scooter, electric generator. Provided the engine has been completely purged of fuel and the fuel tank has either:

  • never had any fuel in it;
  • been removed and will not be carried; or
  • been completely purged of fuel, and action taken to nullify the danger, then the equipment may be carried.

If the engine has been used whilst away, the passenger must comply with the above when returning with the engine.

Yes Yes No N/A
Close Engines and engine powered equipment (e.g. generators, scooters)

Fireworks

Fireworks are banned from being carried on aircraft

Close Fireworks

Gases (including items that contain gases such as insulated packaging)

Items Carry-on Baggage Checked (hold) Baggage On One's Person Airline approval required

Avalanche rescue backpack containing a cylinder of compressed non-flammable non-toxic gas.

No more than one per person and may contain a pyrotechnic trigger mechanism containing not more than 200 mg net of Division 1.4S.

The backpack must be packed in such a manner that it cannot be accidentally activated and the airbags within the backpack must be fitted with pressure relief valves.

Yes Yes No Yes

Dry Ice

No more than 2.5 kg per person.

Used to pack perishables that are not dangerous goods.

The package must permit the release of carbon dioxide gas.

When carried in checked baggage, each package must be marked as 'DRY ICE' or 'CARBON DIOXIDE, SOLID' and with the net weight of dry ice or an indication that the net weight is 2.5 kg or less.

Yes Yes No Yes

Dry Shippers (insulated packagings) containing refrigerated liquid nitrogen fully absorbed in a porous material and intended for transport, at low temperature, of non-dangerous products are not subject to these Instructions provided the design of the insulated packaging would not allow the build-up of pressure within the container and would not permit the release of any refrigerated liquid nitrogen irrespective of the orientation of the insulated packaging.

Yes Yes N/A No

Insulated packages containing refrigerated liquid nitrogen must comply with Special Provision A152 of the ICAO Technical Instructions.

Note: The passenger must contact the airline for further information prior to travel.

Yes Yes No See Note

Premixing burner lighter such as a 'wind-proof', 'jet' or 'blue flame' lighter in which fuel and air are mixed before being supplied for combustion.

No more than one per person, intended for use by an individual and does not contain unabsorbed liquid fuel (other than liquefied gas).

Note: Carriage is prohibited by all IATA member airlines and many others. Check with your airline.

Premixing burner lighter without a means of protection against unintentional activation is forbidden.

See note See note See note See note

Small cartridges fitted into a self-inflating life-jacket must be for inflation purposes.

No more than two small cylinders of carbon dioxide or another suitable non-flammable non-toxic gas fitted in the life-jacket per person and a maximum of two spare cartridges.

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Small cartridges for other devices.

No more than four small cylinders of carbon dioxide or other suitable non-flammable non-toxic gas per person and the water capacity of each cylinder must not exceed 50 mL.

Note: For carbon dioxide, a gas cylinder with a water capacity of 50 mL is equivalent to a 28 g cartridge.

Yes Yes Yes Yes
Close Gases (including items that contain gases such as insulated packaging)

Liquids

There are strict restrictions on liquids in hand baggage for security reasons. If you need to take liquids away with you, aim to pack as much as possible in your hold baggage. Liquids in this sense include lipsticks, mascara, toothpaste, hairspray, shaving foam and other cosmetic and toiletry items of a similar consistency.

Information on the latest rules on what liquids allowed in your hand luggage is published by Gov.uk.

Close Liquids

Matches and cigarette lighters

Items Carry-on Baggage Checked (hold) Baggage On One's Person Airline approval required

Lighter fuel and lighter refills

These items are forbidden.

No No No N/A

Small cigarette lighter

No more than one per person, intended for use by an individual and does not contain unabsorbed liquid fuel (other than liquefied gas).

Note: a 'Zippo' lighter that is fully absorbed in wadding i.e. an absorbed liquid lighter can be carried by passengers.

No No Yes No

Premixing burner lighter such as a 'wind-proof', 'jet' or 'blue flame' lighter in which fuel and air are mixed before being supplied for combustion.

No more than one per person, intended for use by an individual and does not contain unabsorbed liquid fuel (other than liquefied gas).

Note: Carriage is prohibited by all IATA member airlines and many others. Check with your airline

No No See note No
Premixing burner lighter without a means of protection against unintentional activation is forbidden. No No No N/A

Small packet of safety matches

No more than one per person and intended for use by an individual.

No No Yes No

"Strike anywhere" matches

These items are forbidden.

No No No N/A
Close Matches and cigarette lighters

Medical equipment and medication

Essential medicines are allowed in your hand luggage. If the medicine is a liquid, and the amount of liquid is more than 100ml, please carry either a prescription with your name on it or a letter from a medical professional confirming your need for the medical or dietary liquids. If you need to carry a large amount of dietary liquids or medication in your hand baggage, it is advisable to contact the airport in advance to inform them of when you are travelling.

You will need permission from the airline to take certain medical equipment on board (e.g. oxygen or insulin pumps). Some airlines will not allow you to take your own oxygen bottles on board but will provide this on request - there may be some charge for this.

If you are likely to exceed your hand luggage allowance by carrying medication or medical equipment, you should let your airline know in advance. You may need to provide a doctor's letter to support this.

If you have questions on whether your health condition may be affected by flying see our health information for passengers.

Close Medical equipment and medication

Medical and mobility aids containing batteries

If you have a battery-powered wheelchair or mobility aid which you wish to take on the aircraft, you need to contact your airline to let them know. This is because battery-powered devices can be a fire risk on board aircraft, and the airline will need to disable the battery before the flight takes off.

Items Carry-on Baggage Checked (hold) Baggage On One's Person Airline approval required

Portable medical electronic devices containing lithium metal cells or batteries not exceeding 2 grams or lithium-ion cells or batteries not exceeding 100 Wh , such as Automated External Defibrillators (AED), Nebulizer, Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), etc. carried by passengers for medical use.

Spare batteries must be individually protected so as to prevent short circuits (by placement in original retail packaging or by otherwise insulating terminals, e.g. by taping over exposed terminals or placing each battery in a separate plastic bag or protective pouch).

Passengers must carry no more than two spare batteries exceeding 2 grams of lithium content for lithium metal, or a watt-hour rating exceeding 100 Wh for lithium ion.

Each installed or spare battery must be of a type which complies with the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, subsection 38.3. It may be necessary to contact the manufacturer to confirm this has been complied with.

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Portable Medical Electronic Devices Containing Lithium metal cells exceeding 2 grams but not exceeding 8 grams, or lithium ion batteries exceeding 100 Wh but not exceeding 160 Wh.

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Wheelchairs and Mobility Aids Powered by Non-Spillable Batteries Wet.

Non-spillable batteries must comply with the ICAO Technical Instructions.

For use by passengers whose mobility is restricted by a disability, their health or age, or a temporary mobility problem (e.g. broken leg).

Prior to travel, passengers must advise the airline of the type of batteries fitted to the mobility aid and how the device can be protected against inadvertent operation (e.g. certain actions being taken with the joystick, removing a key or turning a deactivation switch). Application of the brake is not sufficient; unless the motor is rendered inoperative, the motor can still be activated and overheat.

At the airport, the airline must verify that the:

  • battery is securely attached to the mobility aid;
  • battery terminals are protected from short circuits (e.g. by being enclosed within a battery container); and
  • electrical circuits have been isolated.

Where the mobility aid is specifically designed to allow the battery to be removed (e.g. collapsible), the battery must be removed; the mobility aid may then be carried as checked baggage without restriction.

The removed battery must be carried in strong, rigid packagings which must be stowed in the cargo compartment and must be protected from short circuit.

It is recommended that passengers make arrangements with the airline at least 48 hours in advance of the date of travel.

No Yes N/A Yes

Wheelchairs and Mobility Aids Powered by Spillable Batteries

For use by passengers whose mobility is restricted by either a disability, their health or age, or a temporary mobility problem (e.g. broken leg), where possible, the mobility aid must be loaded, stowed, secured and unloaded always in an upright position.

Prior to travel, passengers must advise the airline of the type of batteries fitted to the mobility aid and how the device can be protected against inadvertent operation (e.g. certain actions being taken with the joystick, removing a key or turning a deactivation switch). Application of the brake is not sufficient; unless the motor is rendered inoperative, the motor can still be activated and overheat.

At the airport, the airline must verify that the:

  • battery is securely attached to the mobility aid;
  • battery terminals are protected from short circuits (e.g. by being enclosed within a battery container); and
  • electrical circuits have been isolated.

If the wheelchair or mobility aid cannot be loaded, stowed, secured and unloaded always in an upright position (which will depend upon the type of aircraft and the type of the mobility aid), the battery must be removed and the mobility aid may then be carried as checked baggage without restriction.

A removed spillable battery must only be carried by air if packed, marked and labelled as specified within the ICAO Technical Instructions.

It is recommended that passengers make arrangements with each airline at least 48 hours in advance of the date of travel. Also, unless batteries are non-spillable they should be fitted, where feasible, with spill-resistant vent caps.

No Yes N/A Yes

Wheelchairs and Mobility Aids Powered by Lithium-Ion Batteries

For use by passengers whose mobility is restricted by either a disability, their health or age, or a temporary mobility problem (e.g. broken leg).

Before travel, passengers must advise the operator of the type of batteries fitted to the mobility aid and how the device can be protected against inadvertent operation (e.g. certain actions being taken with the joystick, removing a key or turning a deactivation switch). Application of the brake is not sufficient; unless the motor is rendered inoperative, the motor can still be activated and overheat.

At the airport, the airline must verify that the:

  • battery is securely attached to the mobility aid;
  • battery terminals are protected from short circuits (e.g. by being enclosed within a battery container); and
  • electrical circuits have been isolated.

Note : Where the mobility aid is specifically designed to allow the battery to be removed (e.g. collapsible):

  • the battery(-ies) must be removed and carried in the passenger cabin;
  • the battery terminals must be protected from short circuit (by insulating the terminals, e.g. by taping over exposed terminals);
  • the battery must be protected from damage (e.g. by placing each battery in a protective pouch);
  • removal of the battery from the mobility aid must be performed by following the instructions of the manufacturer or device owner.
  • the battery must not exceed 300 Wh; and
  • a maximum of one spare battery not exceeding 300 Wh or two spares not exceeding 160 Wh each may be carried.

It is recommended that passengers make arrangements with each airline at least 48 hours in advance of the date of travel.

See note No N/A Yes
Close Medical and mobility aids containing batteries

Medical aids not containing batteries

Items Carry-on Baggage Checked (hold) Baggage On One's Person Airline approval required

Small gaseous oxygen or air cylinders required for medical use .

Each cylinder must not exceed 5 kg gross mass. Cylinders, valves and regulators, where fitted, must be protected from damage which could cause inadvertent release of the contents.

Devices containing liquid oxygen are forbidden.

Air cylinders for other purposes, such as scuba diving, can only be carried if 'empty'.

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Cylinders of a non-flammable, non-toxic gas, worn for the operation of mechanical limbs

Spare cylinders of a similar size are also allowed, if required, to ensure an adequate supply for the duration of the journey.

Yes Yes Yes N/A

Small medical or clinical thermometer which contains mercury

No more than one per person, must be for personal use only and must be in its protective case.

No Yes No No

Non-radioactive medicines (including aerosols)

The total net quantity per single article must not exceed 0.5 kg or 0.5 L.

Release valves on aerosols must be protected by a cap or other suitable means to prevent inadvertent release of the contents.

The total net quantity of medicines, toiletry articles and aerosols for sporting or home use must not exceed 2 kg or 2 L (e.g. four aerosol cans of 500 mL each).

Yes Yes Yes N/A

Radioisotope cardiac pacemakers or other medical devices, including those powered by lithium batteries

Must be implanted into a person or fitted externally as the result of medical treatment. Radio-pharmaceuticals contained within the body of a person must be as the result of medical treatment.

N/A N/A Yes No
Close Medical aids not containing batteries

Mercury filled items

Items Carry-on Baggage Checked (hold) Baggage On One's Person Airline approval required

Energy efficient lamps containing mercury must be for personal or home use and must remain in their retail packaging.

No Yes No No

Mercurial barometer or mercurial thermometer carried by a representative of a government weather bureau or similar official agency.

The barometer or thermometer must be packed in a strong outer packaging, having a sealed inner liner or a bag of strong leak-proof and puncture-resistant material impervious to mercury, which will prevent the escape of mercury from the package irrespective of its position.

No Yes No No
Close Mercury filled items

Paints, chemicals and radioactive material

Items Carry-on Baggage Checked (hold) Baggage On One's Person Airline approval required

Artist Paints

Artist watercolours and tubes of oil paints may be carried.

Thinners or turpentine substitute must not be carried.

Yes Yes Yes N/A

Flammable Paints

Gloss paints are often flammable and must not be carried. Aerosol paints are also forbidden.

Most paint manufacturers place information on the tins to indicate whether the product is flammable, toxic or corrosive.

If in doubt, contact the manufacturer.

No No No N/A

Water-based Paints

Generally water-based paint is permitted.

If in doubt, contact the manufacturer.

Yes Yes Yes N/A

Instruments containing radioactive material not exceeding the activity limits specified in Table 2-12 of the ICAO Technical Instructions (i.e. chemical agent monitor (CAM) and/or rapid alarm and identification device monitor (RAID-M)), securely packed and without lithium batteries, when carried by staff members of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) on official travel.

Yes No No Yes

Non-infectious specimens such as specimens of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish, insects and other invertebrates containing small quantities of Ethanol, Formaldehyde solution, flammable, alcohols or isopropanol must comply with Special Provision A180 of the Technical Instructions.

Note: The passenger must contact the airline for further information prior to travel.

Yes Yes No See note
Close Paints, chemicals and radioactive material

Permeation devices (for calibrating air quality monitoring equipment)

Items Carry-on Baggage Checked (hold) Baggage On One's Person Airline approval required

Permeation devices for calibrating air quality monitoring equipment .

Note : The passenger must contact the airline for further information prior to travel.

No Yes No See note
Close Permeation devices (for calibrating air quality monitoring equipment)

Security related items (e.g. attaché cases)

Items Carry-on Baggage Checked (hold) Baggage On One's Person Airline approval required

Security type equipment such as attaché cases , incorporating dangerous goods as part of this equipment, for example lithium batteries or pyrotechnic material.

The equipment must be equipped with an effective means of preventing accidental activation.

If the equipment contains an explosive or pyrotechnic substance or an explosive article, this article or substance must be excluded from Class 1 by the appropriate national authority of the State of Manufacture in compliance with Part 2;1.5.2.1 of the ICAO Technical Instructions.

If the equipment contains lithium cells or batteries, these cells or batteries must comply with the following restrictions:

  • for a lithium metal cell, the lithium content is not more than 1 g;
  • for a lithium metal or lithium alloy battery, the aggregate lithium content is not more than 2 g;
  • for lithium ion cells, the Watt-hour rating is not more than 20 Wh;
  • for lithium ion cells, the Watt-hour rating is not more than 100 Wh; and
  • each cell or battery is of the type proven to meet the requirements of each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, subsection 38.3.

If the equipment contains gases to expel dye or ink, only gas cartridges and receptacles, small, containing gas with a capacity not exceeding 50 ml containing no constituents subject to the Instructions other than a non-flammable, non-toxic gas are allowed.

The release of gas must not cause extreme annoyance or discomfort to crew members so as to prevent the correct performance of assigned duties.

In case of accidental activation, all hazardous effects must be confined within the equipment and must not produce extreme noise.

Defective or damaged security type equipment is forbidden for air transport.

No Yes No Yes

Smoke hood - without oxygen supply

Passengers are only permitted to carry smoke hoods which do NOT have an internal gaseous or chemical oxygen supply.

Yes Yes Yes N/A
Close Security related items (e.g. attaché cases)

Smoke hood with oxygen supply

Either gaseous or chemical. Passengers are not permitted to carry smoke hoods which have an internal gaseous or chemical oxygen supply.

Close Smoke hood with oxygen supply

Sport and camping related items

Items Carry-on Baggage Checked (hold) Baggage On One's Person Airline approval required

Camping stoves - gas or flammable liquid fuelled , that have been used or are new and have their fuel attached, are normally not permitted; however, there are some circumstances when stoves that have been completely purged fully clean of fuel can be carried.

Contact your airline for more details prior to travel.

No No No N/A

Camping stoves - new and with no fuel attached

Bear in mind that if the stove is used during your travels, you may not carry it on any subsequent flights - see above.

Yes Yes Yes N/A

CYPRES (Cybernetic Parachute Release System)

This specific system is not considered to be an item of dangerous goods when carried by passengers. It is advisable to carry as checked (hold) baggage.

Yes Yes No No

Diving Cylinders

Provided that the cylinders are below 200 kPa (2 bar or 29 psi), these can be carried. It may, however, be difficult for check-in staff to verify this and you may be asked to empty the cylinder. Once emptied, the cylinder valve should be closed to prevent moisture entering the cylinder.

Diving Cylinders that are above 200 kPa (2 bar or 29 psi) cannot be carried.

Yes Yes No No
Close Sport and camping related items

Toiletry items including hair curlers

Items Carry-on Baggage Checked (hold) Baggage On One's Person Airline approval required

Hair curlers containing a hydrocarbon gas, such as Propane or Butane gas

No more than one per person.

The safety cover must be securely fitted over the heating element.

Gas refills for such curlers must not be carried.

Yes Yes Yes No

Toiletry articles (including aerosols) such as hair sprays, perfumes and colognes

Each single article must not exceed a total net quantity of 0.5 kg or 0.5 L.

Each person must not carry more than 2 kg or 2 L (e.g. four aerosol cans of 500 mL each).

Release valves on aerosols must be protected by a cap or other suitable means to prevent inadvertent release of the contents.

Yes Yes Yes No
Close Toiletry items including hair curlers

Wheelchairs and Mobility Aids Powered by Lithium Batteries

For use by passengers whose mobility is restricted by either a disability, their health or age, or a temporary mobility problem (e.g. broken leg).

Prior to travel, passengers must advise the airline of the type of batteries fitted to the mobility aid and how the device can be protected against inadvertent operation. The following methods are preferable:

  • If a key is fitted, switch off the device and remove the key
  • Remove the joystick module
  • Separate power cable plugs or connectors

If the design of the electric mobility aid means that none of the above actions are possible, it is acceptable to:

  • 'Lock out' the mobility by making a combination of movements with the joystick
  • Disconnect cables from battery terminals and protect cables and terminals from short circuit.

Application of the brake is not sufficient; unless the motor is rendered inoperative, the motor can still be activated and overheat.

When the mobility aid does not provide adequate protection to the battery:

- the battery must be removed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and be carried in the cabin;

- the battery must not exceed 300 Wh;

- the battery terminals must be protected from short circuit (by insulating the terminals, e.g. by taping over exposed terminals); and

- the battery must be protected from damage (e.g. by placing each battery in a protective pouch); and

- the battery must be carried in the cabin.

A maximum of one spare battery not exceeding 300 Wh or two spare batteries not exceeding 160 Wh each may also be carried. Spare batteries must be carried in the cabin.

It is recommended that passengers make arrangements with each airline at least 48 hours in advance of the date of travel.

 

Close Wheelchairs and Mobility Aids Powered by Lithium Batteries

Wheelchairs and Mobility Aids Powered by Non-spillable Acid or Alkali batteries

Non-spillable batteries must comply with the ICAO Technical Instructions.

For use by passengers whose mobility is restricted by a disability, their health or age, or a temporary mobility problem (e.g. broken leg).

Prior to travel, passengers must advise the airline of the type of batteries fitted to the mobility aid and how the device can be protected against inadvertent operation. The following methods are preferable:

  • If a key is fitted, switch off the device and remove the key
  • Collapsible devices may have a removal battery pack. The removed battery must be carried in strong, rigid packagings which must be stowed in the cargo compartment and must be protected from short circuit.
  • Remove the joystick module
  • Separate power cable plugs or connectors

If the design of the electric mobility aid means that none of the above actions are possible, it is acceptable to:

  • 'Lock out' the mobility by making a combination of movements with the joystick
  • Disconnect cables from battery terminals and protect cables and terminals from short circuit.

Application of the brake is not sufficient; unless the motor is rendered inoperative, the motor can still be activated and overheat.

It is recommended that passengers make arrangements with the airline at least 48 hours in advance of the date of travel.

 

Close Wheelchairs and Mobility Aids Powered by Non-spillable Acid or Alkali batteries

Wheelchairs and Mobility Aids Powered by Spillable Acid or Alkali batteries

For use by passengers whose mobility is restricted by either a disability, their health or age, or a temporary mobility problem (e.g. broken leg).

Where feasible the batteries should be fitted with spill-resistant vent caps.

Prior to travel, passengers must advise the airline of the type of batteries fitted to the mobility aid and how the device can be protected against inadvertent operation. The following methods are preferable:

  • If a key is fitted, switch off the device and remove the key
  • Collapsible devices may have a removal battery pack. The removed battery must be carried in strong, rigid packagings which must be stowed in the cargo compartment and must be protected from short circuit.
  • Remove the joystick module
  • Separate power cable plugs or connectors

If the design of the electric mobility aid means that none of the above actions are possible, it is acceptable to:

  • 'Lock out' the mobility by making a combination of movements with the joystick
  • Disconnect cables from battery terminals and protect cables and terminals from short circuit.

Application of the brake is not sufficient; unless the motor is rendered inoperative, the motor can still be activated and overheat.

If the wheelchair or mobility aid cannot be loaded, stowed, secured and unloaded always in an upright position (which will depend upon the type of aircraft and the type of the mobility aid), the battery must be removed, and the mobility aid may then be carried as checked baggage without restriction.

A removed spillable battery must only be carried by air if packed, marked and labelled as specified within the ICAO Technical Instructions.

It is recommended that passengers make arrangements with each airline at least 48 hours in advance of the date of travel.

Close Wheelchairs and Mobility Aids Powered by Spillable Acid or Alkali batteries

News from UK Civil Aviation Authority

  1. UK Civil Aviation Authority gives Santa permission to enter airspace
  2. Snow your rights before jetting off this Christmas
  3. UK regulator unveils new AI strategy