As the winter chill grips the UK, many Brits are seeking an early escape to sunnier destinations. For those flying from the Midlands, Birmingham Airport has issued a timely and essential reminder about the items strictly forbidden in cabin baggage.
What You Absolutely Cannot Carry Onboard
The airport has clarified that its list supplements the standard dangerous goods regulations enforced by individual airlines. This means even items that might seem harmless could be confiscated if they resemble prohibited objects.
The comprehensive list of items banned from hand luggage includes:
- Toy or replica guns, and imitation firearms
- Wooden or toy swords
- Catapults
- Household cutlery and knives with blades longer than 6cm
- Paper knives and razor blades
- Tradesman’s tools
- Darts
- Scissors with pointed tips and blades longer than 6cm
- Sporting bats
- Billiard, snooker, or pool cues
- Flammable liquids and gas canisters, including butane energy cells
- Fireworks, Party Poppers, and Toy caps
Replicas and the Liquid Rule Update
Airport officials provided a crucial extra warning, stating: "Items that replicate the prohibited list are also not permitted in hand luggage." This includes novelty items like perfume or aftershave bottles designed to look like grenades or firearms.
In welcome news for passengers, the airport confirmed the relaxation of the long-standing 100ml liquid rule at its terminals. Travellers can now carry liquids, pastes, and gels in containers holding up to two litres in their hand luggage, simplifying the packing process significantly.
Planning Your Winter Getaway
This guidance, published on 19 January 2026, is designed to help the thousands of passengers hoping to beat the January blues with a holiday. By checking this list before packing, travellers can avoid last-minute stress at security and ensure a smoother start to their journey.
Packing correctly remains a key step for any trip. With these clear rules from Birmingham Airport, passengers can focus on the relaxation ahead, rather than worrying about security hold-ups.
