What Can You Take on a Plane? The Complete 2026 Guide to Hand Luggage Rules

Last updated: April 2026

Planning a trip and not sure what you can bring on a plane? You're not alone. Airport security rules can be confusing — especially with different regulations for different airports, airlines, and destinations. This complete guide covers everything you need to know about what you can take on a plane in 2026, from liquids and electronics to food, medicines, and those awkward "what about this?" items.

Bookmark this page before your next trip. It could save you a stressful moment at the security scanner.

Quick Summary: What Can You Bring on a Plane?

Item Hand Luggage Hold Luggage
Liquids (≤100ml / ≤2L at upgraded airports) ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Laptop / tablet ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Medicines ✅ Yes (with proof if >100ml) ✅ Yes
Food (solid) ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Knives / sharp objects ❌ No ✅ Yes
Lighter (1 only, on person) ✅ Yes ❌ No
E-cigarettes / vapes ✅ Yes (hand luggage only) ❌ No
Power banks ✅ Yes ❌ No
Firearms / weapons ❌ No ⚠️ Special permission only
Fireworks / flammables ❌ No ❌ No

Liquids on a Plane: What Are the Rules in 2026?

This is the question everyone asks, and the rules have changed at several UK airports recently — so it's worth getting up to speed.

The Traditional 100ml Rule

At most UK airports, the long-standing rule still applies: each liquid container must hold no more than 100ml, and all containers must fit inside a single, resealable, transparent plastic bag (approximately 20cm x 20cm). There's no limit on the number of containers, as long as each one is 100ml or under and everything fits in the bag.

"Liquids" covers more than you might think. Officially, airport security classifies the following as liquids:

If it pours, smears, sprays, or spreads — it's a liquid.

Which UK Airports Have Dropped the 100ml Rule?

Several major UK airports have now upgraded to CT scanning technology, which means passengers can carry liquids in containers of up to 2 litres in their hand luggage — and don't need to remove them at security. These airports currently include:

At these airports, there's no limit on the number of liquid containers, as long as each one holds no more than 2 litres. However, there's an important exception: metal or double-walled containers (like thermos flasks or insulated water bottles) must still be emptied before going through security, even at upgraded airports.

If you're flying from any other UK airport, assume the 100ml rule still applies and pack accordingly.

Can You Buy Liquids Airside and Bring Them On?

Yes. Any liquids purchased after the security checkpoint — including duty-free alcohol, bottled water, and perfume — can be brought onto the plane regardless of volume.

Electronics: What Gadgets Can You Bring on a Plane?

Good news: most electronics are fine to bring in your hand luggage.

Allowed in Hand Luggage

At airports with new CT scanners (Heathrow, Gatwick, Edinburgh, Birmingham), you can leave your laptop and other large electronics inside your bag during screening. At other airports, you may still be asked to remove them and place them in a separate tray.

Batteries and Power Banks

This is an area with specific rules you need to know:

Always carry power banks on you — never put them in your checked bag.

E-Cigarettes and Vapes

E-cigarettes, vapes, and personal vaporisers must be carried in hand luggage — they are banned from hold baggage. You can use them before boarding (in designated areas), but smoking and vaping are completely prohibited on board. If your device has liquid components, those need to follow the relevant liquid rules.

Medicines and Medical Equipment: What Can You Bring on a Plane?

If you need to travel with medication, the rules are generally accommodating — but you need to be prepared.

Solid Medicines (Pills, Tablets, Capsules)

Solid medicines can be packed in hand luggage without any special requirements. It's always a good idea to keep them in their original packaging in case security staff ask about them.

Liquid Medicines

Liquid medicines are subject to the standard liquids rules (100ml per container), but there is an important exemption: if you need to carry more than 100ml of liquid medication, you can do so as long as you carry supporting documentation — such as a prescription with your name on it, or a letter from a medical professional confirming your need for the medication. If possible, contact the airport in advance to let them know.

Liquid medication that is not required during the flight should ideally be packed in hold luggage.

Medical Equipment

For items like insulin pumps, oxygen concentrators, or CPAP machines, you'll need to get approval from your airline before travel. Some airlines won't allow passengers to bring their own oxygen bottles but will provide these on request (sometimes at a charge). If your medical equipment might push you over the hand luggage size or weight limit, notify your airline in advance.

Food on a Plane: What Can You Bring?

Bringing your own food onboard is perfectly allowed — and a great idea for long-haul flights. Here's what to know:

Sharp Objects and Tools: What's Allowed?

Allowed in Hand Luggage

Not Allowed in Hand Luggage (But Fine in Hold)

Not Allowed Anywhere on the Aircraft

Sports Equipment: What Can You Bring on a Plane?

Most sports equipment must go in the hold, but a few items can travel in the cabin:

Allowed in hand luggage:

Must go in hold luggage:

Other Items People Often Wonder About

Lighters: You can carry one lighter on board, but it must be kept on your person throughout the flight — not in your bag. Additional lighters will be confiscated at security. Matches must also be kept on your person.

Candles: Counted as liquids if they contain wax, so subject to the 100ml rule. Leave them in your hold luggage to avoid issues.

Umbrellas and walking sticks: Allowed in hand luggage.

Walking poles: Not allowed in hand luggage — must go in the hold.

Drones: Can be carried in hand luggage if within your airline's size and weight limits. However, lithium batteries follow the same rules as power banks.

Gas hair tongs: Allowed, but spare gas refills are not permitted in either hand or hold luggage.

Glass items: Generally fine, but pack carefully.

How Many Bags Can You Take on a Plane?

This depends on your airline. Most airlines allow one cabin bag plus one smaller personal item (a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack). Budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet have stricter rules and may charge you to bring a cabin bag into the overhead locker at all.

At Heathrow specifically, only two items of hand baggage are permitted through security, with maximum dimensions of 56cm x 45cm x 25cm. Handbags and laptop bags count toward this allowance.

Always check your airline's specific baggage policy before you travel — size and weight limits vary significantly, and exceeding them can lead to fees of £45–£85 or more.

Tips for Getting Through Airport Security Faster

  1. Pack liquids in your hold luggage if you can. Less to deal with at security.
  2. Put food and powders in your hold bag to avoid manual checks.
  3. Know which airport you're departing from. Heathrow and Gatwick have relaxed liquid rules; smaller airports may not.
  4. Wear easy-to-remove shoes — you may be asked to take them off.
  5. Have your boarding pass and ID ready before you reach the front of the queue.
  6. Keep medicines in their original packaging with prescriptions to hand.
  7. Charge your devices. Security may ask you to prove electronics turn on.
  8. Remove coats, jackets, and belts before reaching the scanner.

Final Word

The rules around what you can bring on a plane are more nuanced than they used to be — especially as UK airports gradually upgrade their security technology. The safest approach is always to check the specific guidance for your departure airport and airline before you travel, as rules can vary.

For the most up-to-date official guidance, visit:

Happy travels — and may your bags always sail through security first time.

Last updated April 2026. Always verify current rules with your airline and departure airport before travelling.

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