Even with the relaxed 2 litre liquid rule, the standard UK bans still apply: no knives or blades over 6cm, no non-safety matches, no fireworks or flares, and spare lithium batteries and power banks must go in your cabin bag, never the hold. Always check the airline and the official gov.uk hand luggage list for your specific items. Checked August 2026.
Liquids: the rule changed, the limits did not vanish
Since January 2026 all four Heathrow terminals use next-generation CT scanners, so you can carry liquids up to 2 litres loose in your cabin bag, and the old 100ml clear-bag ritual is gone. Laptops and tablets can usually stay in the bag too. That is a genuine relaxation, but it does not mean anything goes. Many other airports still enforce the old 100ml rule, so pack for your return trip as well. Our Heathrow liquid rules guide covers this in full.
Sharp objects
Sharp items are the most common thing confiscated at security. Banned from your cabin bag:
- Knives with a sharp or pointed blade, or any blade longer than 6cm.
- Large scissors with blades longer than 6cm.
- Razor blades that are loose (disposable razors and cartridge razors are fine).
- Corkscrews with a blade.
Small scissors with blades of 6cm or less, round-ended or blunt scissors, tweezers, nail clippers and sewing needles are generally allowed. If in doubt, pack it in your checked bag.
Tools and sporting goods
Work tools that could be used as a weapon, such as drills, saws, and anything with a blade or shaft over a set length, belong in the hold. Sporting equipment that is hard and heavy, like cricket bats, golf clubs, pool cues and martial-arts gear, is also a hold-bag item. Walking poles and tent pegs are commonly refused at the cabin-bag stage.
Power banks and batteries
This one catches a lot of people, and it works the opposite way to what you might expect:
- Power banks and spare lithium batteries must go in your hand luggage, not the hold. The rule exists because of fire risk, and a loose battery in a checked bag can get the bag pulled from the flight.
- Power banks up to 100Wh are usually fine without airline approval. From 100Wh up to 160Wh you need the airline's approval, and above 160Wh they are not allowed at all.
- Current guidance is to carry no more than two power banks, keep them protected and avoid using them during the flight.
Check the printed capacity on your power bank and confirm the airline's own limits before you fly.
Lighters, matches and flammables
- One cigarette lighter is allowed, kept on your person, not in your bag.
- Non-safety ("strike anywhere") matches are banned entirely.
- Fireworks, flares, party poppers, toy caps, lighter fuel, camping gas and other flammables are not allowed in either bag.
Other restricted items
- Self-defence sprays such as pepper spray or CS gas are illegal to carry and banned outright.
- Firearms, replica or toy guns and ammunition are hold items at best and often need special arrangements; never in the cabin.
- Electronic cigarettes and vapes must go in your hand luggage and cannot be used or charged on board.
- Food is generally fine, but the 2 litre liquid limit covers spreadable and liquid foods such as yoghurt, soup and jam.
Duty free and sealed bags
Liquids bought airside or in duty free, including bottles over the usual size, are fine to carry through once you are past security. If you are connecting through another airport that still uses the 100ml rule, keep the sealed bag and receipt, as it may be checked or refused at the next security point.
The golden rule
The definitive, current list is the one the government and your airline publish, and it can change. Before you pack anything you are unsure about, check the official gov.uk hand luggage restrictions pages and your airline's own rules, and when in doubt, put the item in your checked bag rather than risk losing it at the search table.
More
More: Overview, Facilities, Liquid rules, FAQs.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take scissors through Heathrow security? Small scissors with blades of 6cm or less are generally allowed, along with round-ended scissors, tweezers and nail clippers. Larger scissors and knives with blades over 6cm must go in your checked bag.
Can I take a power bank through Heathrow? Yes, but it must go in your hand luggage, never the hold. Power banks up to 100Wh are usually fine, 100Wh to 160Wh need airline approval, and anything above 160Wh is not allowed.
Do the new liquid rules mean no limits at Heathrow? No. Since January 2026 you can carry liquids up to 2 litres in your cabin bag, but standard bans on sharps, flammables and other items still apply, and other airports may still use the 100ml rule.
Can I bring a lighter or matches through Heathrow? One lighter is allowed, kept on your person. Non-safety "strike anywhere" matches and all fireworks and flares are banned.
Where is the official list of banned items? The definitive, up-to-date list is published on gov.uk's hand luggage restrictions pages and by your airline. Check both before you fly, and pack anything doubtful in your hold bag.
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Last verified August 2026 by the Heathrow Airport Guide editorial team. Prices and timetables change, so confirm the specifics on the official Heathrow Airport website before you travel.