Banned items in hold luggage at airports across the UK

This is luggage which is carried in the hold of the plane, rather than in the cabin as hand luggage.

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.

In the vast majority of cases, passengers will not have these items in their suitcases when flying out somewhere, but it could still be useful to know what they are.

What items are banned for hold luggage?

According to the Heathrow Airport website, the following items cannot be taken onto 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)

Recommended reading:

• Flying abroad soon? These are the dangers of driving after drinking on a plane 

• How to claim compensation for flight delays and cancellations

• This is how old you have to be if you want to fly alone - did you know? 

• 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."