Brits are being warned to ensure their gadgets are fully charged before heading to the airport for holidays, or risk being forced to leave their devices behind.
Gadgets have become part and parcel of travelling whether you're snapping photos from your phone, watching downloaded films on the iPad to pass the time, or even whipping out a laptop to get some work done.
However, if your devices aren't charged when you head to security, you could find yourself in the very stressful position of having to leave your device behind.
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That's because airport security personnel can request passengers turn their devices on while going through the security process - and if your gadgets don't turn on, they can confiscate them.
One travel expert told the Express : "If you cannot turn on your devices when requested by security personnel, they can take it from you, placing your holiday snaps in jeopardy."
The UK government issues a similar warning for Brits.
Advice on its website on hand luggage restrictions reads: "Make sure your electronic devices are charged before you travel. If your device does not switch on when requested, you will not be allowed to take it onto the aircraft."
It also caveats that the rules on which gadgets you can bring onboard an aircraft can depend on your destination and airline rules; for example, e-cigarettes are often banned.
There are plenty more items that are banned from hand luggage which Brits should take note of before heading to the airport.
One of the most common rules is that liquids must be under 100ml when going through security.
You can take liquids under 100ml but these must be in a re-sealable plastic bag that can be no larger than 20cm x 20cm and cannot exceed one litre. Often, airports will provide these bags before you get in the queue for the scanners.
(Speaking of queues, security experts have shared their tips for getting through the process quickly ).
What can't I take in my hand luggage?
The main items banned from hand luggage include:
- Acid
- Billiard, snooker or pool cues
- Builder's tools
- Catapults and sling-shots
- Darts
- Explosives
- Gas cartridges, or gas cartridge re-fills
- Hammers, nails or screw-drivers
- Hypodermic syringes (unless supported by medical evidence)
- Knives with blades more than 6cm
- Lighter fuel
- Lighter top-up fuel (passengers are allowed to carry one disposable lighter in a clear re-sealable plastic bag)
- Mercury
- Paint
- Razor blades
- Scissors - specifically, blades measuring greater than 6cm in length
- Sporting bats
- Toy or replica guns (plastic or metal)
- Umbrellas - unless foldable
The list above covers the key items that are banned from hand luggage, but it's worth noting that this can slightly vary depending on the airline you're travelling with, and your destination.
