Packing prohibited items in your hand luggage can result in delays and additional security checks at the airport. It’s essential to know what you can and can’t take on board a flight to avoid any frustration ahead of your holiday.

Experts at Fulton Umbrellas are urging travellers to avoid packing four particular items in their hand luggage this winter. Although it’s convenient to take certain things in your carry-on bag, the company advises being cautious when choosing what to bring.

The first item is electronic devices containing lithium-ion batteries. Although airlines operate with different guidelines, passengers are typically advised to only pack electronics with batteries between 100Wh and 160Wh in their carry-on bag.

It’s also important to make sure all your devices are fully charged before packing. You should also turn all power off to avoid any issues while going through security.

Passengers should also be careful of the types of food they take in their hand luggage. Certain foods, including jams and chutneys, are subject to the 100ml liquid limit, while some countries have their own specific restrictions on certain items, so it’s important to do some research before heading to the airport.

The third item to be careful with is umbrellas. While they are typically fine to carry in hand luggage, larger styles can be problematic as they pose a safety hazard and are better suited for holding luggage.

Large umbrellas can also take up valuable space in your carry-on bag, restricting how many other items you can take. The experts advise avoiding them for more efficient packing.

The fourth and final item is protein powders. Although they’re not strictly prohibited, they have a tendency to obstruct X-ray machines which can lead to delays going through security.

The experts say passengers who pack protein powders in their hand luggage find themselves subject to lengthier checks. This is because security personnel are forced to manually inspect their bags.