Restricted & Dangerous Goods

The UK Government has strict measures in place to prevent items that can cause injury to you or other passengers on board an aircraft. Some items are classed as ‘restricted’ and must be packed in your hold luggage.

Contact your airline for information regarding what you are allowed to take with you. ‘Restricted items’ include firearms, weapons, explosives, pointed edged, sharp and blunt objects.

Other items are classed as ‘dangerous goods’ and may only be carried if certain conditions are met. You should contact your airline for information regarding what you are allowed to take with you.

‘Dangerous goods’ include flammable liquids and solids, gases, explosives, items that include peroxides and oxidizers, radioactive materials, corrosives and toxic substances.

Some everyday household items including toiletries and medicines fall into these categories. Labels on items you have at home such as those shown below may indicate the presence of dangerous goods:  Contact your airline, the airport or the Civil Aviation Authority for more information.

dangerous substances icon set

For further information regarding these restrictions please contact your airline or see the dangerous and restricted items on direct.gov.uk.

Examples of restricted items include (but are not limited to):

  • Hypodermic syringes (unless required for medical reasons)
  • Replica and imitation firearms or toy guns of all types
  • Knives / Corkscrews / Scissors with blades more than 6cm
  • Ink and Toner Cartridges over 500 grams (1lbs)
  • Household or workmen’s tools
  • Some sporting equipment (including rackets, bats, skateboards, bowling balls etc)
  • Hoverboards / Balance Boards, Airwheels, Solo Wheels, Segway Human Transporters (HT), Electric Bikes etc are not accepted as Checked Baggage or Carry-On Baggage on  due to battery limitations and the fire risk posed by the devices lithium – ion batteries.

For further information regarding these restrictions please contact your airline or the airport.

Examples of dangerous items include (but not limited to):

  • All firearms (pistols revolvers, rifles, shotguns)
  • Explosives and explosive devices
  • Non-safety matches
  • Material capable of spontaneous ignition or combustion
  • Household cleaning materials
  • Weed killer / fertilizer

For further information regarding these restrictions please contact your airline or see the dangerous and restricted items on the Civil Aviation Authority site.