Can you take electrical devices in hand luggage?

You can take the majority of general electronic devices and electrical items on flights to the UK - but do check with your airline. While for example some airlines let you put your laptop in hold luggage, others advise against it as it can, in certain circumstances, affect your battery for example.

We strongly recommend you to the airline before packing to ensure you comply with their specific regulations.

Here’s a general checklist of some of the most common electrical devices you might want to take on a flight:

Item

E-reader

Item

Electric toothbrushes

Also make sure any devices are charged where possible - as sometimes security will ask you to switch them on. If they don’t power up, they may not be allowed on the aircraft.

If you plan on taking any Bluetooth devices, such as portable speakers or earphones, on your next flight, double-check with your airline first. It's also important to be aware of when you can use your Bluetooth devices during the flight. Sometimes, take-off and landing can be restricted, so it's worth checking with the airline or the cabin crew to find out the best times to use them.

Items like headphones and cameras should be fine to take in your hand luggage - but more professional equipment should be double checked - as there are some rules around the size of the electrical devices. Accessories like external drives and cables should not be bigger than the largest size - 16cm in length, 9.3cm in width, 1.5cm in depth (thickness).

There also can be strict issues around batteries (especially if carried separately - for clarity here is what the Civil Aviation Authority has to say on the subject of batteries.

Also make sure any devices are charged where possible - as sometimes security will ask you to switch them on. If they don’t power up, they may not be allowed on the aircraft.

Discover more helpful guides to what you can and can’t take on a plane:

• General items
• Liquids and Food 
• Medication 
• Sports equipment, musical instruments and work tools 
• Restricted and unusual items