Holiday preparation can be an incredibly stressful time, especially when it comes to packing. Not only can it be mind-numbing trying to figure out how to pack two weeks' worth of clothes into a small suitcase - while confirming to strict baggage weights - but some people can get completely lost on what they physically can and cannot take with them altogether.
While most Britons are aware of stringent hand luggage rules, with the likes of 'no more than 100ml of liquids', it can sometimes be hard to know what is suitable for transit in terms of the hold section of a plane. And while there are far fewer restrictions with regards to suitcases, there are still a number of items banned for transportation-by-air altogether.
Those who are worried about lengthy check in times at the airport itself, may also opt to check in their luggage the night before. And while security often seems far tighter when it comes to carry-on bags, hold luggage is screened strictly behind closed doors too.
Read more: All the items banned from hand luggage on UK flights including Jet2, EasyJet, Ryanair and TUI
Thankfully, The Express has listed a number of items which are barred from the hold, to clarify what you can and cannot pack to prevent a nasty inconvenience at the airport.
Items banned from hold luggage (Heathrow Airport)
- Flammable liquids and solids
- Oxidisers such as bleaching powders
- Organic peroxides
- Tear gas devices or any gas cylinders
- Infectious substances such as live virus materials
- Wet-cell car batteries
- Magnetrons. Instruments containing mercury
- Instruments containing magnets
- Fireworks and pyrotechnics
- Non-safety matches
- Fire lighter, lighter fuel, paints, thinners
- Poisons, arsenic, cyanide, weedkiller
- Radioactive materials, acids, corrosives, alkalis, caustic soda
- Creosote, quickline, oiled paper
- Vehicle fuel system components which have contained fuel
- Explosives, ammunition, detonators and related equipment
- Smoke canisters and smoke cartridges
Tourists are also urged to ensure that no loose traps are dangling from luggage, as well as to secure all flaps and handles on their baggage. It might be a wise idea to remove any old tags from your bags, to prevent confusion at the carousel.
Some travellers go as far as attaching coloured tags on their checked bags, so it's easier to spot them at baggage reclaim. Meanwhile, another idea would be to take a distinctive and easily-identifiable case.
With regards to bulky sports equipment or musical instruments, tourists should always contact their airline prior for guidelines and further information.
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