The following items are generally prohibited in hand luggage on most airlines, though specific regulations may vary by airline and destination:
Prohibited Items in Hand Luggage
Here is a detailed list of items typically not allowed in your carry-on bag:
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Firearms: Includes all types of guns, ammunition, and realistic replicas.
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Stunning Devices: This includes items like tasers, stun guns, and cattle prods.
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Pointed or Edged Objects: Items like knives (regardless of blade length in many cases), box cutters, axes, ice picks, scissors with blades longer than 4 inches (10 cm), and any other sharp objects that could be used as a weapon.
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Workmen's Tools: Tools that could be used as a weapon are generally not permitted. Examples include crowbars, drills, hammers, saws, and wrenches.
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Blunt Instruments: Any blunt instrument capable of causing injury, such as baseball bats, clubs, batons, and martial arts equipment.
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Explosives and Flammable Substances: This includes fireworks, dynamite, gasoline, lighter fluid, aerosols exceeding size restrictions, and any other explosive or highly flammable materials.
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Chemical and Toxic Substances: Items such as tear gas, pepper spray, acids, poisons, and radioactive materials are prohibited.
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Self-Balancing Devices: Such as hoverboards and electric scooters, are often banned due to battery fire risks. Always check with the airline beforehand.
Important Considerations:
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Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs): Most airports have restrictions on the quantity of liquids, aerosols, and gels you can carry in your hand luggage. Generally, these items must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less, and all containers must fit into a single, clear, quart-sized plastic bag.
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Airline and Destination Specific Rules: Regulations can vary based on the airline you're flying with and the country you're traveling to or from. Always check with your airline and the relevant airport authorities for the most up-to-date information.
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Medications and Special Needs: There are often exceptions for essential medications and items needed for medical reasons, but you may need to provide documentation or a prescription.
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Lithium Batteries: Regulations regarding lithium batteries in portable electronic devices (PEDs) can be complex. It is important to review airline regulations.
It is always best to err on the side of caution and check with your airline or airport security if you are unsure whether an item is permitted in your hand luggage. Failing to do so could result in confiscation of the item or delays at security.