By Robin Cottle Rom Preston-Ellis
A baggage handler has revealed why using ribbons on suitcases might not be the best idea for holidaymakers . Many passengers attach ribbons to their luggage in a bid to easily identify them at the carousel, but an airport employee has pointed out how this common trick could backfire – and could even lead to it missing flights. The staff member cautioned: “Ribbons people tie onto their suitcases to help identify them can cause issues with the bag being scanned in the baggage hall. If the bag can’t be scanned automatically it can end up in manual processing, which could mean your bag doesn’t make it to the flight. Take old stickers off the bag, it can cause confusion with the scanning process.” In addition to this, the worker suggested travellers should avoid packing marzipan, as its density is similar to explosives and could see both the matched luggage and its owner taken off their flight. This advice comes whilst the Department for Transport hasn’t scrapped the 100ml liquid rule, despite the deployment of advanced CT scanners at several UK airports. Alongside the stringent rules on liquids – encompassing gels and aerosols too – there are various restrictions on different materials and electronic devices that can be brought into airplane cabins. The UK government’s official portal provides a comprehensive list of items banned from carry-on and checked baggage. Below is a detailed guide on what might be flagged for removal during airport security checks in the UK, reports the Mirror . The rules for carrying liquids in your hand luggage are dictated by the airport you’re flying from, although the UK government’s website unequivocally states that “airport security staff will not let anything through that they consider dangerous – even if it’s normally allowed in hand luggage.” Typically, you can’t carry liquids in amounts larger than 100ml through security – and yes, this rule holds even if the vessel isn’t full to the brim. The category of liquids covers the following: Frozen liquids are a no-go in your hand baggage – not even frozen breast milk gets the green light. The only exceptions permitted are formula milk/cow’s milk, sterilised water for babies, soya milk for babies, and baby food but only if the tot is travelling too. If your travel necessities include a hefty musical instrument, best give your airline a ring beforehand. To prevent any hitches, you may have to arrange an additional seat purchase. Mobility aids are allowed but will need to undergo security screening first. Other personal items such as corkscrews, knives (with a sharp or pointed blade and/or blade longer than 6cm), large scissors (with blades longer than 6cm), non-safety matches, fireworks, flares and other pyrotechnics, including party poppers and toy caps and cigarette lighters are not permitted in hand luggage. Passengers are permitted to carry essential medicines of more than 100ml, including liquid dietary foodstuffs and inhalers in their hand luggage. As well as medical equipment, if it’s crucial for your journey. However, you may need to provide proof that the medication is prescribed to you (for example a letter from your doctor or a copy of your prescription) if it’s in liquid form and in a container larger than 100ml. If you are taking medicine out of the UK, consult your doctor or pharmacist whether your medicine contains a controlled drug. If it does, verify the rules for the country you’re travelling to with the embassy before you travel. Again, you will need to prove it’s yours with either a prescription or letter from your doctor. Airport staff might also need to open the containers to screen the liquids at the security point. Certain electronic devices and electrical items are the only ones permitted on flights to the UK. Different airlines may have varying restrictions, so it’s advisable to check with your airline before travelling to understand what you can carry in your hand luggage. Ensure your electronic devices are fully charged before you travel. If your device fails to switch on when requested, you won’t be allowed to bring it onto the aircraft. Heavy bats and sticks (including baseball, softball and cricket bats), golf clubs, darts, walking/hiking poles, catapults, firearms (including replica firearms), harpoons or spear guns, crossbows, and martial arts equipment (including knuckledusters, clubs, coshes, rice flails and nunchuks) are not allowed in hand luggage. The following tools are not allowed in hand luggage: These items are not permitted as hand luggage or in the hold: Guns or firearms (including air rifles and starting pistols) are not allowed as hand luggage. You might be able to take them as hold luggage – check with your airline before you travel. These items are not allowed as hand luggage or in the hold