BRITS planning their next holiday away with the kids might be surprised to learn that some everyday items are actually banned on flights.
Strict luggage and security rules could mean that things like breast milk and certain toys can be confiscated.
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So before your next holiday, make sure you check if anything you’re packing is breaking any aviation laws.
Here are some items that might surprise you:
Breast milk
According to the government website, parents are allowed to take unlimited baby food and breast milk into the cabin, as long as each container is no bigger than 2l.
However, frozen breast milk is not allowed, and the family must be travelling with a child to be allowed to take them on board.
The government also advises to check with the airport as they could have different rules.
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Sleeping devices and restraints
Children often struggle to sleep on planes but there are travel accessories to help, such as hammocks and boxes that extend the seat.
However, accessories that convert the seats to beds are banned by some airlines such as Qantas and British Airways.
According to the Qantas website, the ban includes: “In-flight travel accessories and devices which attach to aircraft seats, are inserted between seats, or otherwise block access to seat rows or aisles.
“Examples of prohibited in-flight accessories include, but are not limited to, inflatable cubes, ‘bed boxes’, and ‘leg hammocks’.”
British Airways explained: “Devices not allowed include, but are not restricted to, seat extenders for children, hammocks for lap held infants, inflatable footrests and devices that attach to the seat to restrict movement or for leg support (bed boxes).”
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Medical equipment such as epi-pen and inhalers
Any medicine or medical equipment that’s prescribed by a doctor is generally allowed in the cabin if it is accompanied by a note.
However there are restrictions – while inhalers are allowed on board, additional canisters are not and must be packed into the hold, according to Gatwick Airport.
Epi-pens, while also allowed, should be accompanied by a doctor’s note.
Thomas Cook warns that this can be important for some foreign countries or you could end up being “questioned by local security or customs.”
Smyths Toys
Nerf guns, water guns, toy weapons
Any toys that imitate weapons are banned – even if it’s unlikely that they will cause any injury.
They can also get flagged at security checks, especially when going through x-ray machines.
Any toy that could resemble a weapon should be placed into the hold, as the government advises that “imitation explosive devices (including replica or model guns)” are banned.
Souvenirs such as snow globes
Snow globes are harmless souvenirs but you shouldn’t try to take them on a flight.
It’s all because it’s impossible for airport security to tell how much liquid is in them.
Snacks
Earlier this year, easyJet announced that they would be banning the sale of all nuts on their flights.
And to create a nut-free environment, they would also stop passengers bringing their own on board.
Most countries have strict rules about the food items you can bring into its borders, to preserve the local environment.
So if you take any fruit or nuts on board, they should be consumed during the flight or thrown away to avoid any problems when landing.
Choosing bulkhead seats and taking pyjamas on a plane are a great way to make travelling with kids easier.
A travel expert revealed how to pack more than 200 items for a family of four in one suitcase.
She explained how to stuff shoes and roll items to maximise the space before travelling.
