British Airways has urged plane passengers to avoid putting a common item in their hand luggage. It could cause you a problem when travelling through airport security
As most people are aware, travelling can prove stressful, and one of the most challenging tasks can frequently be packing luggage. If you’re planning to flee the winter cold for some essential sunshine, you might want to refresh your travel expertise as British Airways has advised passengers to cease placing a specific item in their hand luggage.
If you’re questioning what you can pack, there are indeed several regulations you must adhere to, though certain things should never be placed in your hand luggage. The subject recently emerged on Reddit when a social media user confessed he made a crucial error, which resulted in him nearly missing his flight whilst travelling by plane.
It appears there are items that are prohibited, and some may be more apparent than others. Indeed, there are several things you should never pack in your hand luggage.
Nevertheless, British Airways has outlined one item that can create a specific problem, as people frequently unknowingly place it in their bag. The matter arose on social media, when someone stated: “You can’t fly with razor blades.
“Just started using a DE razor and nearly missed my flight because I had my toiletry bag in my carry-on. How do you all fly with yours?”
The enquiry sparked considerable discussion, as one person responded: “I don’t because it seemed obvious to me that you couldn’t take a razor blade on a flight. If I’m travelling with just a carry-on, I get a decent cartridge razor (it’s not like it’s that long a trip anyway).”
Another person added: “I would just bring my electric. Less to pack instead of razor, soap, brush and aftershave.” A third replied: “If I’m travelling longer than four to five days then I check my luggage in anyway.
“It’s not a problem if it’s in checked luggage. Just can’t be in your carry-on.” Meanwhile, a fourth also commented: “Yeah. I just put it in my luggage. No knives, weapons or blades with you in the cabin.”
What does British Airways say?
On the website, British Airways states: “Any item with a sharp point or cutting edge that could cause serious injury must be packed safely in your checked baggage in the hold. These items are not permitted in the cabin either on your person or in your hand/cabin baggage.”
Examples include:
- Items designed for chopping, such as axes, hatchets and cleavers
- Ice axes and ice picks
- Loose razor blades
- Box cutters
- Knives with blades of more than 6cm
- Traditional ceremonial knives such as the Scottish Skean Dhu (Sgian Dubh), the Sikh Kirpan or the Gurkha Kukris
- Scissors with blades of more than 6cm as measured from the fulcrum
- Martial arts equipment with a sharp point or sharp edge
- Swords and sabres
Why you should avoid them
What you might not know is that you can typically take most razors in your hand luggage, though these must be disposable, cartridge or electric razors. Items such as loose blades, straight razors or safety razor blades must be packed in checked baggage.
The fundamental rule to bear in mind is that sharp or exposed blades are forbidden in carry-ons. To pass through the airport without any issues, you need to ensure disposable razors have covers and cartridges are fixed to their handles.
Alternatively, you could simply place them in your hold luggage. Regulations can differ slightly between airlines, so it’s always advisable to verify the guidelines that apply to you when travelling.
If you wish to prevent any possible complications at security, then it’s advisable to remove the blade and place it in your hold luggage. Opting for a disposable razor might also prove more straightforward.
Further information can be accessed via the website. Numerous regulations exist regarding luggage safety.
