Ryanair’s banned hand luggage items list includes Christmas crackers and paint

And as the cost of living continues to rise, many will be looking to save money where they can by flying with budget airlines and ditching a checked-in bag.

But thrifty travellers should take caution when it comes to hacking the system with their carry-on bags as there is a long list of items that are banned from suitcases.

Frequent flyers will know that there are certain items you’re not allowed to bring through airport security or onto planes leaving EU airports as they could be considered weapons.

These items include projectile-firing weapons, stunning devices such as tasers, sharp objects (including large scissors), trade tools, blunt instruments, and explosive substances and devices.

Be aware that you may need to remove your electronic devices from your hand luggage at the security screening too.

Citizens Information says: “Have your laptop and any other electrical devices ready to place in trays at the airport security point. It is also advisable to have all your devices fully charged before you travel.

“If you’re not sure what you can bring, check with your airline to see which electronic devices and electrical equipment are allowed on board.”

Additionally, there are restrictions limiting the volume of liquids in carry-on hand luggage across the EU, although these rules are becoming less strict.

According to Citizen’s Information, “you can only take small quantities of liquids in hand luggage. Those liquids must be in individual containers with a maximum capacity of 100ml each. The liquids must be packed in one transparent, re-sealable plastic bag that is not more than 1 litre in capacity.”

These restrictions only apply to hand luggage, so liquids over the 100ml limit can still be packed away in your checked in baggage.

And there’s no need to worry about medicines or dietary requirements (including baby foods and baby milk) in your hand luggage, although you may be asked for proof of authenticity at the airport.

When it comes to buying liquids like perfume or alcohol in duty free, Citizens Information states: “If these items are sold in a special sealed bag – don’t open the bag before you are screened, as the contents may be confiscated at the checkpoint.”

Meanwhile, Ryanair has its own list of items not permitted in hand luggage.

“You must not carry any of the following items in checked-in luggage or carry-on baggage, or go through security with them on you (for example in your pockets),” a Ryanair spokesperson said.

“Any item which could be a danger to the plane, people or property, including the following:

• Explosives and substances and devices capable of, or appearing to be capable of, causing serious injury or posing a threat to the safety of the plane, including, detonators and fuses, replica or imitation explosive devices, mines and grenades
• Blasting caps
• Other explosive military stores
• Dynamite, gunpowder and plastic explosives
• Gas and gas containers
• Flammable liquids
• Flammable solids and substances that cause a chemical reaction
• Fireworks, flares, smoke-generating canisters or cartridges, and other pyrotechnics
• Paint, turpentine, white spirit and paint thinner
• Alcohol with an ABV of more than 70pc (140pc proof)
• Chemicals, toxic substances or infectious substances (for example, acids and alkalis, ‘wet’ batteries, bleach, tear gas, animal-repellent sprays, poisons, infected blood, and bacteria and viruses)
• Radioactive material, including medicinal or commercial isotopes
• Corrosives, including mercury, vehicle batteries, and parts which have contained fuel
• More than one litre in total of edible oil (for example, olive oil)
• Lithium ion battery-powered vehicles (including segways and hoverboards) other than any wheelchair or mobility equipment that meets our regulations
• Lithium ion battery-powered devices that exceed 160 watt hours
• Smart bags which the lithium battery has not been removed from
• Guns, firearms, ammunition and weapons, whether real or imitations, including, starting pistols, toy guns or recreational guns (such as paint ball guns), nail guns, bows, slingshots, catapults, harpoon guns, stun guns, tasers, cattle prods and lasers
• Parts of firearms (except for sighting devices and sights)
• Fire extinguishers (except as authorised by fire procedures and as emergency equipment on the plane)
• Lighters and firelighters
• Christmas crackers
• Energy-saving light bulbs
• Items with internal combustion engines.