Brits planning a holiday abroad are reminded of certain restrictions they could face when travelling. Some unspecified items may not be allowed in your hand luggage.

However, you may not realise that an item may “normally” be listed as accepted but could still be rejected at security.

“There are different rules if you’re taking goods to sell or temporarily abroad for business reasons, for example, sales samples, professional equipment or musical instruments for a performance.” GOV.UK provides a list of all items banned on flights.

But it’s key to note that sometimes an item might be considered fine to bring but could still not be let through. GOV.UK says: “Airport security staff will not let anything through that they consider dangerous – even if it’s normally allowed in hand luggage.”

As a general rule though, these personal items are not allowed in hand luggage:

• Corkscrew – but allowed in the hold
• Knife (with a sharp or pointed blade and/or blade longer than 6cm) – check with your airline if it’s allowed in the hold
• Large scissors (with blades longer than 6cm) – check with your airline if it’s allowed in the hold
• Non-safety matches – and not allowed in the hold
• Fireworks, flares and other pyrotechnics, including party poppers and toy caps – and not allowed in the hold

Other items that have specific rules in place are lighters, food and powders, and frozen items.

Lighters

GOV.UK says you can only carry one lighter on board. You should put it inside a resealable plastic bag (like the ones used for liquids), which you must keep on you throughout the flight. You cannot:

Food and powders

Food items and powders in your hand luggage can obstruct images on x-ray machines. Your bags may need to be checked again manually by security. You can put these items in your hold luggage to minimise delays.

Frozen items

GOV.UK says: “You cannot usually carry frozen items in your hand luggage, for example liquid, food or ice packs.” There are some exceptions including:

• Medicines, medical equipment and dietary requirements
• Baby food and baby milk

Liquids

There are restrictions on the amount of liquids you can take in your hand luggage. If possible, pack liquids in your hold baggage (luggage that you check in).

At most airports, you cannot take liquids in containers larger than 100ml through security. This still applies if the container is only part full.

But some airports now allow you to take liquid in containers that hold up to two litres of liquid. At the time of reporting, these airports include:

• London Heathrow
• London Gatwick
• Birmingham
• Edinburgh
• Bristol
• Belfast International
• Belfast City
• Bournemouth

You should check the specific liquid rules at your airport before travelling.