Banned and restricted items

Hand baggage requirements

• Each liquid must be in its own container of no more than 100ml (3.4oz).
• You need to put all items in a single, transparent, re-sealable plastic bag of up to 20 x 20cm (8 x 8in) with a total capacity of up to one litre (approx. one quart).
• You must be able to completely close the bag and fit it in your hand baggage.
• You must take the bag of liquids out of your hand baggage to be screened separately.
• In the UK and EU, the tasting or testing of liquids, aerosols or gels on the skin is no longer a recognised method of screening. These items are screened using special equipment and you may be asked to open them. If you're travelling outside the UK and EU, please check applicable safety requirements.
• If you are flying to the US, there is a limit on the amount of powders (eg. flour, sugar, coffee, spices, powdered milk or cosmetics) you may take in your hand luggage. Customers who wish to take more than 350g of powders to the US must pack them into their hold luggage.
• If you are flying from Australia, there is a limit on the amount of certain powders you may take in your hand luggage. Find out more details about the regulations.

Toiletries, medicines and aerosols

• You can take non-radioactive medicines or toiletries (incl. aerosols), such as hair sprays, perfumes, colognes and medicines containing alcohol in your hand or checked baggage.
• You can take non-flammable, non-toxic, non-corrosive aerosols for sporting or home use in your checked baggage only.

The total net quantity of all the above mentioned items must not exceed 1kg or 1l, and the net quantity of each single item must not exceed 0.1kg or 0.1l. Please protect release valves on aerosols by a cap or other suitable means to prevent accidental release of the contents.

More about travelling with medicines or medical equipment.

Alcoholic drinks

You can take up to 5 litres of alcoholic beverages between 24% - 70% alcohol volume in either hand baggage (if purchased in the airport duty free shop) or checked baggage.

• Alcoholic drinks with less than 24% alcohol volume are not quantity limited. 
• Alcoholic drinks with more than 70% alcohol volume are not permitted. 

Each bottle or container can contain a maximum of 5 litres.

Please see the hand baggage requirements section above for information about taking liquids in your hand baggage through the security check areas. Once you enter the departures area (airside), alcohol can be purchased.

Duty-free and airport purchases when connecting

You can buy duty-free liquids, gels or cream products of more than 100ml from airport shops or on board, provided that they have been sealed at the point of purchase in a Security Tamper Evident Bag with the receipt inside. If you buy items on board, please ask cabin crew to do this for you.

If you want to leave the airport and return later for your connecting flight, you can take these items with you as long as you don't open the sealed bag. You will then need to go through security again who might need to open and reseal your items in a new bag. We cannot accept liability for any products opened or confiscated during transit or disembarkation.

Please check the arrangements for all the airports on your journey to be certain what you can take in your hand baggage.

Any items you buy at the airport or on board count towards your hand baggage allowance for your next flight. If you exceed this, you may need to check the items in and be charged a fee.

Food

You can take solid foods like sandwiches, biscuits, fruit, nuts, etc. on board but the same restrictions for liquids apply to liquid foods, e.g. drinks, soups, sauces, jam or jelly (see guidance above).

Baby food and milk

If you are travelling with a baby or an infant, you are allowed to carry as much baby milk/food, powdered formula and sterilised water (must be in a baby bottle) as required for your trip, even if this exceeds the usual limit on liquids. These do not need to fit in the transparent bag but you should have them ready for inspection by airport security.

Bringing food into other countries

The country of your destination may restrict the types of food allowed into the country, e.g. meat, fresh fruit and vegetables are forbidden by many countries.

For information on what food you can bring into the UK, visit the Directgov website.

Insulated packaging with liquid nitrogen

In accordance with the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations 2.3.5 part 11 this item does not require operator approval. You can take insulated packaging containing refrigerated liquid nitrogen (dry shipper) in your hand or checked baggage. It needs to be fully absorbed in a porous material and only contain non-dangerous goods. Please print a copy of this page from ba.com and carry it with the dry shipper.

Lithium ion/metal batteries

Product Safety Recall Information

If a product that contains a lithium battery is subject to a safety recall related to the battery, it must not be carried aboard an aircraft unless the recalled product/component has been replaced or repaired in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.

For Apple 15-inch MacBook Pro devices which are currently subject to a safety recall, one device per customer may be carried in cabin baggage. The device must be switched off and not recharged on-board the aircraft.

General Information

You can take with you for your own personal use, up to 15 battery operated Personal Electronic Devices that contain lithium batteries such as laptops, tablets, smart phones, cameras, music players etc.

Please always ensure that you:

• Pack all battery-powered devices to prevent accidental activation.
• Protect spare batteries from short circuit and damage by keeping them in their original packaging (if possible), in a protective case or a strong plastic bag, or by placing electrical tape over the terminals.
• Don't take any damaged batteries or equipment with you.

Note: If the watt hour (Wh) rating is not shown on the battery or its Wh rating cannot be determined, then the battery cannot be accepted. You can use the following formula to calculate the Wh rating; Milliamp hour rating/1000 multiplied by the voltage equals Wh.

Fuel cells

You can take fuel cells and spare fuel cartridges for powering portable electronic devices (e.g. cameras, mobile/cell phones, laptops and camcorders) in your hand baggage only.

Non-spillable batteries

You can take portable electronic devices containing non-spillable batteries in your hand or checked baggage. Batteries must meet IATA Special Provision A67 (information is available from the battery manufacturer or supplier) and must be 12 volts or less and 100Wh or less. You can also take a maximum of two spare batteries.

Battery operated wheelchairs, scooters and mobility aids

If your wheelchair, scooter or mobility aid is battery-operated, you should let us know in advance and register your mobility aid by logging in to your booking in Manage My Booking then choosing ‘Disability and Assistance’ from the ‘Service Requests’ section in Quick Links at the bottom of the page.

More about battery operated wheelchairs, scooters and mobility aids

Security checks for electronic devices

You can generally take electric and electronic items in your hand or checked baggage, but need to follow specific safety instructions:

• Airport security staff may ask you to turn on electronic or battery-powered devices, such as phones, tablets, e-books and laptops, to demonstrate they function. If you're not able to do this, you will not be able to take your device with you (see options below).
• Please ensure that any items in your hand baggage are fully charged and switched on before you arrive at the airport. If your device is not charged, please place it in your checked baggage.
• If you are connecting, make sure that you do not deplete power in your devices during the first part of your journey as charging points at airports might be very limited and you may need an adapter.
• You can still use your device on board.

If you're not allowed to take your device with you

If you're travelling from London Heathrow, you can choose one of the following:

• If you want to take your device in your hand baggage, you can rebook to a later flight but will then need to ensure that it is charged ahead of your new flight. A fee might apply for changing your booking, subject to your ticket type.
• You can leave your device with a member of our customer service team and collect it on your return, or have it sent to an address of your choice using the MailandFly-Service. You will need to complete a MailandFly form, follow the instructions on the receipt and go to MailAndFly.com to submit your contact, delivery and payment details. You will be able to claim back the postal costs by contacting Customer Relations.

If you're travelling from London Gatwick or a non-UK airport, please contact our customer services team at the airport who can advise on available options.

Smart Baggage

Smart Baggage is a bag (rucksack, suitcase or similar) that contains a lithium battery/power bank. This device is used to recharge personal electronic devices (PEDs) i.e. iPhones, iPads, laptops etc. or provide electro-motive power that provides propulsion to the suitcase.
Please note: this does not include small lithium button cell batteries.

If the lithium battery/power bank cannot be readily removed from Smart Baggage by the customer, the Smart Bag will not be accepted on the flight.

If you can easily remove the lithium battery/power bank, the Smart Bag is permitted for carriage, subject to the following conditions:

• Lithium battery/Power banks up to and including 100Wh are acceptable for carriage.
• Lithium battery/Power banks of more than 100Wh up to 160Wh, please see the information in the lithium batteries section for approval.

If the Wh rating of the Lithium battery / Power Bank is more than 160 Wh, or the Wh rating cannot be determined (e.g. not marked on the battery/Power Bank case) the lithium battery/power bank will not be accepted on the flight.

If you are bringing Smart Baggage with you, please ensure that you are aware of our security requirements.

If your flight is operated by one of our partner airlines, please contact that airline to ensure you are aware of their Smart Baggage restrictions.

Sports equipment

You can't take the following items in either your hand baggage or your checked baggage:

• Javelins and pole vaults
• Hang gliders
• Canoes or kayaks and paddles over 190 cm in length
• Windsurfing boards and sails

These items may be sent as cargo with our partner IAG Cargo.

Find out more about allowed sports equipment in your baggage

Hoverboards and other battery-powered leisure items

Due to the potential fire risk, all battery-powered leisure devices such as hover boards, air wheels, solo wheels, segways, skateboards, scooters, e-bikes and hover karts are prohibited. (The restriction does not apply to battery operated wheelchairs, scooters and mobility aids meant for use by a person with reduced mobility.)

Avalanche rescue backpacks

British Airways give ‘operator approval’ for each passenger to carry ONE avalanche rescue pack containing a cartridge of compressed gas* (IATA Division 2.2 non-flammable, non-toxic gas) subject to the following conditions;

• You can only take ONE rescue pack per person containing ONE cartridge which must remain in the device. 
• Spare cartridges are NOT permitted.
• The airbags within the rescue pack must be fitted with pressure relief valves.
• The device may be equipped with pyrotechnic trigger mechanism containing no more than 200mg net explosive of per IATA Division 1.4S (no significant hazard).
• You must pack it in a way that ensures it cannot be accidentally activated.
• You can take this item in your cabin** or checked baggage, however we recommend that this item travels in your checked baggage.
• For your convenience, you must pack a copy of this page with the device to identify that you have our ‘operator approval’ to carry the rescue pack.
• You do NOT need to contact the airline or inform staff at the airport that you are carrying this item.

* For battery operated avalanche rescue backpacks, please see the section for lithium batteries.

** A few airports security departments may not allow these devices in cabin baggage, you will need to check with the airport.

Please note: Additional restrictions apply if you're travelling to/from the US. The current FAA advice states; These devices typically contain a cylinder of compressed nonflammable gas. Some models also contain a small explosive charge (squib) to release the cylinder contents. Although these are allowed in checked baggage by international (ICAO/IATA) regulations, these devices are not allowed in baggage in the U.S. unless the gas cylinder is empty and there is no explosive charge.

Gas cartridges in various sporting items

Self-inflating Safety Devices

British Airways give ‘operator approval’ for each passenger to carry ONE self-inflating safety device such as a life jacket or vest, or a motorcycle jacket, or an equestrian jacket subject to the following conditions;

• Limited to compressed gas (IATA Division 2.2 non-flammable, non-toxic gas) for inflation purposes.
• You can only take ONE self-inflating device per person containing up to TWO small cartridges.
• You are permitted up to TWO small spare cartridges packed with the device.
• You must pack it in a way that ensures it cannot be accidentally activated.
• You can take this item in your cabin* or checked baggage, however we recommend that this item travels in your checked baggage.
• For your convenience you must pack a copy of this page with the device to identify that you have our ‘operator approval’ to carry the self-inflating safety device.
• You do NOT need to contact the airline or inform staff at the airport that you are carrying this item.

* A few airports security departments may not allow these devices in cabin baggage, you will need to check with the airport.

Please note: Additional restrictions apply if you're travelling from the US. Even if an item is permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns. The final decision rests with TSA on whether to allow any items on the plane.

Other Devices Containing Gas Cartridges

British Airways give ‘operator approval’ for each passenger to carry small gas cartridges (for bicycle pumps, wine dispenser etc.) subject to the following conditions;

• You can take FOUR ‘small’ cartridges per person.
• The water capacity of each cartridge must not exceed 50ml (A carbon dioxide cartridge with 50ml capacity of water is equivalent to a 28g cartridge).
• Limited to compressed gas (IATA Division 2.2 non-flammable, non-toxic gas) for inflation purposes.
• You must pack the cartridges so that they cannot be accidentally activated.
• You can take these items in your cabin* or checked baggage, however we recommend that these items travel in your checked baggage.
• For your convenience, you must pack a copy of this page with the cartridges to identify that you have our ‘operator approval’ to carry the device/cartridges. 
• You do NOT need to contact the airline or inform staff at the airport that you are carrying this item.

E-cigarettes

This applies to electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), including e-cigars, e-pipes and other personal vaporisers:

• National laws for using and selling e-cigarettes change frequently and some countries have banned their use altogether. Please check local regulations for your destination before you travel.
• Place these items in your hand baggage (not in checked baggage) and protect each of them to prevent accidental activation. If there are any liquid components, you also need to follow the safety requirements for liquids.
• You cannot use e-cigarettes or similar items on board.

Important note: If your hand baggage is checked in or removed at the gate and placed in the hold, you must remove the e-cigarettes and carry them with you in the cabin.

Umbrellas and walking sticks

You can take umbrellas and walking sticks (excl. hiking poles) in either your hand or checked baggage.

Find out more about golf umbrellas

Gas cartridge-powered hair curlers

You can take hair curlers containing hydrocarbon gas in your hand or checked baggage, provided that the safety cover is securely fitted over the heating element. You can only take one device per person and must not use it on board at any time. You cannot take any gas refills for such curlers in your hand or checked baggage.

Medical or clinical thermometers

You can take only one medical or clinical thermometer containing mercury in your checked baggage when it's for personal use and in its protective case. This excludes mercurial thermometers and barometers carried by representatives of a government weather bureau or similar agency – see separate guidance.

Find out more about travelling with medicines or medical equipment

Lamps

You can take energy-efficient lamps intended for personal or home use in your hand or checked baggage as long as they're in their retail packaging.

Dry ice

British Airways give ‘operator approval’ for each passenger to carry up to 2.5kgs of dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) when used to pack non-hazardous perishables subject to the following conditions;

• You can take a maximum of 2.5kg dry ice per person in your cabin or checked baggage.
• If you pack the dry ice in your checked baggage, you must mark or add a label the bag with the words; 'dry ice' or 'carbon dioxide, solid', and add the net weight of dry ice or an indication that there is 2.5kg or less dry ice in the bag/package.
• The package must permit the release of carbon dioxide gas. (to allow venting)
• For your convenience, you must pack a copy of this page with the dry ice to identify that you have our ‘operator approval’ to carry the dry ice. 
• You do NOT need to contact the airline or inform staff at the airport that you are carrying this item.

Permeation devices

You can take permeation devices in your checked baggage only and they must meet IATA Special Provision A41 (this information will be available from the device manufacturer or supplier).

Internal combustion or fuel cell engines

You can take internal combustion or fuel cell engines in your checked baggage only and they must be completely purged of fuel and fuel vapour. Please contact us to get approval.

Firearms and ammunition

Firearms and other devices that discharge projectiles, i.e. devices capable (or appearing capable) of being used to cause serious injury by discharging a projectile, and ammunition are prohibited for carriage on either your person or in your hand baggage. These items may only be carried in your checked baggage and in most cases, will require notification and approval in advance.

The following items are not classified as firearms or ammunition and you can pack them in your checked baggage without having to notify us:

• laser pistols
• bows, cross bows and arrows
• harpoon guns and spear guns
• slingshots and catapults

Notify us before you fly

You must contact us at least 72 hours before your flight to request approval and to ensure compliance with government embargoes and restrictions for the below items - if you fail to notify us, you will not be able to travel with your equipment:

• firearms of all types, such as pistols, revolvers, rifles and shotguns
• replicas and imitation firearms capable of being mistaken for real weapons
• component parts of firearms, excluding telescopic sights
• compressed air and CO2 guns, such as pistols, pellet guns, rifles and ball-bearing guns
• signal flare pistols and starter pistols

You can only carry these items in your checked baggage and will need to provide the appropriate licences and documentation for your firearms and ammunition, e.g. export/import licences and authorisation from local and national authorities.

You’ll need to specify:

• the quantity of firearms you wish to transport
• the type (handgun, rifle, shotgun)
• the make/model and calibre
• the quantity (in weight) and calibre of ammunition

Travelling on other airlines

If you are planning to make a booking on ba.com that includes a flight operated by another airline, please contact us before booking to check if the other airline is able to carry your firearm. For example, you can't take any firearms, including sporting rifles, on flights operated by Comair.

Limits and charges

• There is a limit of 5kg (11lb) of ammunition (cartridges for weapons) per person (IATA Division 1.4S; UN numbers 0012 and 0014). This is for that person’s own use only and excludes ammunition with explosive or incendiary projectiles.
• Each bag or case containing firearms or ammunition is subject to a £125 charge each way, payable at check-in, plus applicable local service fees to cover the cost of our specialist firearms and ammunition handling partner.
• If you take more or heavier bags than your checked baggage allowance, you will need to pay an extra charge.

How to pack your firearms and ammunition

• Pack your firearms and ammunition in an appropriate carriage case, or if this is not possible, securely inside your checked bag with your personal belongings (except to/from South Africa and Italy, and from Romania – see next point).
• If you're travelling to/from South Africa or Italy, or from Romania, check in your firearms and ammunition in separate locked cases, aside from the checked bag with your personal belongings. In this instance, you will not be charged an extra baggage fee for the separate ammunition case, if you exceed your free baggage allowance.
• If you're travelling to/from the US, visit the TSA website for full details on transporting firearms and ammunition.
• You cannot combine ammunition allowances for more than one person into one or more bags.
• Ammunition needs to be in either its original packaging or a suitable container that prevents movement between shells or cartridges (loose ammunition is not permitted).
• Make sure that firearms are unloaded and each firearm is accompanied by the appropriate certificate.
• Do not use 'explosives' labels on bags with ammunition.

Arrive earlier for check-in

You must arrive at a check-in desk at least two hours before your flight to allow sufficient time to process the paperwork prior to clearing security. If you're travelling with 10 or more firearms or boxes of ammunition you must allow at least three hours.

You must declare that you are travelling with firearms and/or ammunition at the check-in desk.

Connecting between different airports

• If you are connecting between different terminals at a UK airport, please allow at least three hours between flights.
• If you're connecting between different airports, please allow more than the recommended minimum connection time.

Explosives and flammable substances and devices

Explosives and flammable substances and devices that can be used (or appear capable of being used) to cause serious injury or to pose a threat to the safety of an aircraft, are completely forbidden, including:

• ammunition (unless we've approved carriage - see guidance for guns, firearms and ammunition)
• blasting caps
• detonators and fuses
• replica or imitation explosive devices
• mines, grenades and other explosive military stores
• fireworks and other pyrotechnics, e.g. Chinese lanterns, party poppers/sparklers, etc. (see guidance for Christmas crackers below)
• smoke-generating canisters or cartridges
• dynamite, gunpowder and plastic explosives
• petrol, solid fuel fire lighters, fuel blocks for camping stoves, cylinders containing flammable gas
• lighter fuel, lighter refills, 'Strike anywhere' matches, 'Blue flame' or 'Cigar' lighters (see guidance for cigarette lighters and safety matches below)
• paints (excl. water-based artist paints or artists' oil paints), solvents, varnish, etc.
• liquid oxygen systems (see guidance for oxygen cylinders required for medical use)

Christmas crackers

You can only take Christmas crackers on flights departing the UK provided they meet the following criteria:

• The crackers must be commercially manufactured (homemade crackers are not permitted)
• For personal use only
• Max. two boxes per person in the manufacturer's original packaging and packed in your checked baggage (not in hand baggage)

You cannot take any Christmas crackers on flights departing the US. Rules may vary in other countries.

Cigarette lighters and safety matches

You can carry one small packet of safety matches or a small cigarette lighter that does not contain unabsorbed liquid fuel (other than liquefied gas) on your person but not in your hand or checked baggage. These items need to be for personal use.

Lighter fuel, lighter refills, 'Strike anywhere' matches, 'Blue flame' or 'Cigar' lighters are forbidden.

Camping stoves and fuel containers

British Airways give ‘operator approval’ for each passenger to carry a camping stove and fuel container that have contained a flammable liquid fuel (flammable gas cylinders are forbidden) subject to the following conditions;

• The fuel tank and/or fuel container must be completely drained of all liquid fuel and action has been taken to nullify the danger;
  • The empty fuel tank and/or fuel container must be allowed to drain for one hour. 
  • The fuel tank and/or fuel container must be left uncapped for 6 hours to allow any residual fuel to evaporate. 
  • Alternative methods such as adding cooking oil to the fuel tank and/or fuel container to elevate the flashpoint of any residual fuel and then emptying the tank are also acceptable.
  • (Test; If the tank smells of fuel, it cannot travel)
  • The empty fuel tank and/or fuel container must have the cap securely fastened and be wrapped in an absorbent material such as paper towel and placed in a polythene or equivalent bag. The top of the bag must be sealed or gathered and closed with an elastic band or twine.
• The empty fuel tank and/or fuel container MUST be packed in your checked baggage. 
• For your convenience, you must pack a copy of this page with the fuel tank and/or fuel container to identify that you have our ‘operator approval’ to carry the camping stove.
• You do NOT need to contact the airline or inform staff at the airport that you are carrying this item.

Specimens with small quantities of flammable liquid

You can take non-infectious specimens packed with small quantities of flammable liquid in your hand or checked baggage provided they meet IATA Special Provision A180. Please contact us for details.

Chemical items

Most corrosive and toxic substances are completely forbidden, including:

• acids, bleaches and peroxide
• phosphorous items
• fertilisers, weed killers and insecticides

Ink and toner cartridges

• On flights to or from the UK, ink and toner cartridges weighing more than 500g are only allowed in checked baggage.
• On flights to or from the US, ink and toner cartridges weighing more than 453g (16oz) are completely forbidden.

Mercurial thermometers and barometers

If you're a representative of a government weather bureau or similar agency and need to carry mercurial thermometers or barometers, please contact us to get approval. You can then take these items in your hand baggage only. This excludes medical and clinical thermometers where separate guidance applies.

Chemical agent monitoring equipment

If you're a staff member of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons on official travel and need to carry chemical agent monitoring equipment, please contact us to get approval. You can then take it in your hand or checked baggage.

Stunning devices

Devices designed specifically to stun or immobilise are completely forbidden, including:

• devices for shocking, such as stun guns and stun batons
• electro-shock weapons containing dangerous goods, such as explosives, compressed gases, lithium batteries, etc. (e.g. Tasers)
• animal stunners and animal killers
• disabling and incapacitating chemicals, gases and sprays, such as mace, pepper sprays, capsicum sprays, tear gas, acid sprays and animal repellent sprays

Sharp objects

You can only take objects with a sharp point/edge which can be used to cause serious injury in your checked baggage (not on your person or in your hand baggage). Examples include:

• items designed for chopping, such as axes, hatchets and cleavers
• ice axes and ice picks
• razor blades
• box cutters
• knives with blades of more than 6cm
• 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 

However, you can take the following items in your hand or checked baggage:

• knitting needles and crochet hooks
• tweezers
• disposable and cartridge razors (not loose blades)

Tools

You can only take workmen's tools that can be used to either cause serious injury or threaten the safety of an aircraft in your checked baggage (not on your person or in your hand baggage). Examples include:

• crowbars
• drills and drill bits, including cordless portable power drills
• tools with a blade or shaft of more than 6cm that can be used as a weapon, such as screwdrivers and chisels
• saws, including cordless portable power saws
• blowtorches
• bolt guns and nail guns

Heat-producing items

Please contact us to get approval for any heat-producing items, such as underwater torches (diving lamps) and soldering irons. You can then take these items in your hand or checked baggage.

Blunt instruments

You can only take objects, which can be used to cause serious injury when used to hit, in your checked baggage (not on your person or in your hand baggage). Examples include:

• baseball and softball bats
• clubs and batons, such as billy clubs, blackjacks and night sticks
• martial arts equipment

 Please remember to check that these items are allowed in the country of your destination.

Security-type cases

Security-type attaché cases, cash boxes, cash bags, etc. incorporating dangerous goods, such as lithium batteries and/or pyrotechnic material are normally forbidden.

Please contact us for details.

Other prohibited items

To ensure the safety and security of our customers and our crew, we won't allow you to carry any other article, which the aerodrome manager or aircraft operator have reason to believe might be used or adapted for causing injury or incapacitation of a person, or endanger an aircraft.