Flying from a UK airport this summer? Don’t get caught out at airport security. Most people know they can’t carry items like knives in hand luggage, but there are quite a few innocent items you need to leave out of your carry-on. Here are 12 unexpected items restricted in your hand luggage.

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Different Types Of Liquids Banned at Airport Security

We all know the rules around liquids in your carry-on bag. Containers must be under 100ml, be no more than 1 litre in total and fit into a 20cm x 20cm clear plastic bag.[1] But, what about things like soup, medicine or chemicals? Do they count as part of your liquid allowance? Let’s take a look at which of these items are restricted in your hand luggage.

Soup

This counts as liquid, not food. Anything over 100ml is restricted.

Medicine

Normal restrictions apply to liquid  over the counter medications such as Calpol or cough medicine. You can usually purchase items like this in pharmacies, such as Boots, once you are through security, if you need more than 100ml.

If you need to take more than 100ml of prescription liquid medicine you’ll need to consider the following:

• Supporting Documentation: Carry a doctor’s letter or prescription to prove that you need the liquid medication to show to security. 
• Medication Storage: Store your medication in a secure, appropriately labelled container.
• Amounts: Only carry the amount of medication you realistically need for the duration of your trip. E.g. a weeks’ worth of daily use.
• Be Ready to Be Questioned: Place your liquid medication in a security tray and be prepared to show proof that you need it. Allow extra time at security to avoid missing your flight

Peroxide and Other Chemicals

Chemicals and toxic substances are a complete no go. This includes peroxide. So, if you’re planning to bleach your hair, do it before you leave.

Frozen Liquid

Frozen liquids are not permitted in your hand luggage

What liquids are allowed over 100ml at UK Airports

You can bring liquids over 100ml through security if they are:

• For essential medical use
• For special dietary needs
• Baby food or milk

Duty-free liquids are allowed if they’re:

• Sealed in a security bag with the receipt visible, and
• The bag is unopened until your final destination
  • Please note: Airport Staff might screen or open any liquid items at security to check they conform to the rules.

Food

Knowing what food you can and can’t take on board is super helpful. While a sandwich is great for a cheap snack, what about your protein powder or nut butter?

Baby Food and Milk

You can carry baby food and milk on flights from the UK, but there are some restrictions for hand luggage. You can carry breast milk in liquid form in containers up to 2000ml. The following items can be carried as long as the baby is present with you:

• Formula Milk
• Cow’s Milk
• Baby Soya Milk
• Sterilised water for baby
• Baby food

Note: Each container will need to be screened at the security point. Airport staff might need to open the containers to screen the liquids. While there is no legal limit on how much baby food/milk can be carried, you should always check with your airport before travelling.

Protein Powder

Containers over 350ml might raise a few eyebrows. Separate yours into smaller portions or put it in your hold luggage.

Nut Butter

Nut butter is typically considered a liquid, so ensure any you bring is under 100ml. If requested to avoid eating nuts onboard due to another passenger’s severe allergy, keep your nut butter sealed.

Soft Cheese

Soft cheese counts as a liquid. You can pack a small portion in your liquids bag.

Non-Liquids and Non-Foods

Other items you can’t bring in your hand luggage might shock you:

Tent Pegs

If you’re flying somewhere for a festival, tent pegs may be on your packing list. Airlines ban these items from your hand luggage, so remember to pack them in your hold bag.

Multiple Cigarette Lighters

You can carry cigarette lighters on flights, but they should always remain in your hand luggage. Passengers are allowed to carry only one lighter on board

Vapes and E-Cigarettes

UK airports consider all vapes containing e-liquids as liquids. You must store e-liquids in containers of 100ml or less and place them in your clear, resealable plastic bag. Keep vape devices in your carry-on due to their lithium batteries; they don’t need to be in the liquid bag

Check the laws of your destination as vapes are illegal or banned in many countries. The following countries have a full or partial ban on the use, sale or importing of vapes and e-cigarettes.

• Asia & Middle East: India, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam (from 2025), Qatar, Iran, and others
• Africa: Ethiopia, Gambia, Uganda, Mauritius
• Americas: Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Panama, Venezuela
• Europe: Norway, Turkey
• Oceania: Australia (disposable vapes banned from 2024)
• UK: Disposable vapes banned from June 1, 2025

Penalties vary by country – some include fines or prison. Always check local rules before you travel.

Fake Weapons

To prevent panic and ensure a smooth security screening experience, airlines ban fake or toy guns and explosives in hand luggage. People could mistake these items for real weapons, causing delays and potential security issues. Just leave them at home.

What are the 100ml Liquid Rule Changes?

As of April 2025, the 100ml limit for liquids in hand luggage remains in place at all UK airports. However, many airports have installed advanced CT scanners, which allow passengers to keep liquids and laptops in their bags during security checks. This technology is available at major airports like London Gatwick, Birmingham, Bristol, and Edinburgh.

Note: Please check online by searching for if your airport has liquid scanners before you leave.

Navigating airport security can be tricky, especially with unexpected restrictions on seemingly innocent items. For a hassle-free journey, always double-check what you pack in your hand luggage and stay informed about the latest regulations.

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[1] https://www.gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions/liquids