Security at airports around the world has become more stringent in recent years. Some of the extra security measures that have been added on in have led to slightly longer wait times, but all measures are in place to protect passengers. By taking a look at the list of prohibited items and packing accordingly, you’ll be able to speed straight through the security checkpoint.
As far as which items can be taken on to the airplane, the list of prohibited items that can be carried into the passenger cabin is longer and more complex. Regulations are more lax for what may be checked into the hold, where the major prohibitions are against explosives, fuses and ammunition. If you are not sure where a particular item belongs, it is probably better off left in a checked bag.
For most passengers, the restrictions that cause the most confusion relate to EU regulations regarding liquids, gels and pastes. Items that fall under this prohibition include everything from beverages and lotions to aerosols and lip balm. The most practical way to approach liquids and gels is to pack all of them in your checked luggage.
If you must carry any liquids onto the plane, they have to be kept in 100 millilitre bottles. All of the bottles carried onto the plane must fit into a clear and re-sealable plastic bag no larger than one litre capacity. Present this to the security official when you reach the security check point. Bottles that are too large will be collected and disposed of by security officials.
Exceptions are made for essential medicines and baby food. However, these must be packed into their own re-sealable plastic bag. Bottles and plastic bags can be purchased through landside retailers, but they are not available at the security checkpoint.
The following items may not be carried into the passenger cabin:
- Any sharp objects, such as scissors (over a certain length), razor blades and knives
- Blunt objects, such as clubs or bats
- Workman’s tools, including nail files
- Anything that fires a projectile, including firearms, toy guns, catapults and slingshots
- Replicas of weapons, such as realistic looking model guns
- Puncture objects, such as needles, picks, corkscrews and darts