Pre-book airport parking

Substances Banned on Aircraft

Just as security is taken very seriously, so is the safety of all passengers and airline staff. All airlines will refuse boarding to unruly or intoxicated passengers, whatever their status, and instances of disruptive behaviour in the air will ensure police attendance on landing.

It is possible, however, for perfectly law abiding people to inadvertently endanger themselves and others by carrying in their luggage items that are potentially hazardous. Amongst items that are prohibited on aircraft are:

  • Explosives. No explosives of any kind including fireworks, flares, toy gun caps and Christmas crackers.
  • Compressed gases. Filled or partly-filled aqualung cylinders.
  • Gas cylinders. This includes camping gas.
  • Aerosols. Up to 2 containers of maximum size 500ml each may be carried in your hand luggage.
  • Butane gas hair curlers. Curlers may be carried, but not their gas canisters or refills.
  • Flammable liquids and solids. Lighter fuel, non-safety matches, paints, thinners, and any form of fire lighters. Only lighters and matches sufficient for the needs of the journey may be carried.
  • Oxidisers. Some bleaching powders.
  • Corrosives. Acids, alkalis, wet cell batteries and caustic soda.
  • Weapons. Any form of weapon must be declared at check-in. Failure to do so will result in prosecution. All declared weapons must be carried in the hold.

Most matters relating to security and safety are down to common sense. It is possible, however, to overlook a potentially hazardous item or substance, and particular care should be taken when selecting souvenirs from abroad that they will be safe to bring home on the aircraft. Bundles of cheap cigarette lighters come to mind, as do the little books of non-safety matches put into the suitcase at the last minute as a reminder of the hotel where you stayed.

You should never be afraid to ask advice at the airport as to whether an item may be carried in the cabin, the hold, or not at all. The place to ask is at the check-in desk rather than at Security, and a Customer Service agent will usually be called to give specific assistance.



Advance Parking working in association with Airport Parking and Hotels Ltd (APH Ltd) Registered in England (1539777)
Registered office is 12 Lonsdale Gardens, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1PA. VAT Number: GB 350 9836 37. Trading Address is

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