For many people, this Easter holiday will mark the first time they have been on a plane since before the pandemic began.
Having not been to an airport in more than two years, it can be easy to forget the rules regarding security and what you are allowed to carry in your luggage.
When it comes to packing hand luggage, the devil is in the details, and even just a small slip-up can result in you having to undergo a full search by security officers.
READ MORE — Edinburgh Airport reveals security tips to help passengers avoid delays
This can slow down your journey dramatically, and may even make you late for your flight if you didn't arrive a the airport early enough.
Fortunately, Edinburgh Airport have compiled a guide to help travellers pack before arriving at the airport in order to avoid a lengthy delay at security.
Here's a roundup of common items passengers are unsure can be packed into hand luggage, and whether they are in fact allowed or not.
Electronics
Travellers will be relieved to hear that the majority of electronic items are fine to take in your hand luggage.
This means you should have no issues packing things like mobile phones, laptops, tablets, electric shavers and e-cigarettes, as well as hairdryers, straighteners and travel irons.
You will also be fine carrying spare batteries through security.
However, Edinburgh Airport advises taking any large electronics out of your bag and placing them in the tray.
‘Personal items’, work tools and walking sticks
Small tools like corkscrews, knives and scissors with a blade longer than 6cm are not permitted in hand luggage, nor are credit card-sized wallet tools and work tools such as pliers, hammers, screwdrivers and crowbars.
On the other hand, personal items such as spoons, disposable razors, nail clippers and files, tweezers, knitting needles, and small scissors are fine.
Glass items are okay too, but the airport recommends protecting them well to avoid damage.
Walking poles are not permitted as hand luggage, but but umbrellas, walking sticks, crutches, wheelchairs and pushchairs are fine.
Liquids, foods and wet wipes
Airport security considers soup, jam, toiletries and cosmetics, sprays, pastes, gels and contact lens solution all to be liquids.
Containers must be under 100ml, and all liquids must be placed in a transparent resealable bag that is no bigger than 20cmx20cm in size.
This bag must be sealed and shown to security, and there is a limit of one per passenger.
It is important to note that there are exceptions to the 100ml rule, however, such as liquids essential for medical purposes or special dietary requirements.
You are permitted to carry one lighter but it might be placed in a clear and resealable bag, and it cannot go in hold luggage.
Baby food and baby milk are permitted, but the latter must not be in a container any larger than 2,000ml — and it cannot be frozen.
The majority of solid foods are permitted, but the airport warns that any food in a sauce will be counted as a liquid.
Wet wipes are not allowed, and do not count as liquids.
Medicines and other substances
Medicines such as tablets and capsules, essential liquid medicines, inhalers, cooling gel packs and food and liquid are permitted.
Hypodermic syringes are allowed, but must be accompanied by evidence such as a doctor's letter or a prescription — as must liquid medication.
Edinburgh Airport states: "But you’re not allowed substances such as bleach or car body repair kits, self-defence or disabling sprays like mace, and rat poison. Paint, paint thinner and turpentine are also a big no.
"If you are unsure about anything we’d advise you to contact the airline you are flying with. Further details can also be found on gov.uk."
Sports equipment
Whether sports equipment is allowed in hand luggage depends on exactly what it is.
While baseball and cricket bats, golf clubs, darts, and martial arts equipment are not allowed, tennis rackets, snooker and pool cues, and fishing rods are all good to go.
