If you are planning to ditch the hold bag for a short-haul flight and pack everything into your carry on instead, you might be surprised to learn that there are a lot of restrictions when it comes to what you and cannot pack in your bag, and one of them is sharp items.
Luggage restrictions for your carry-on baggage state that you are allowed to bring on board disposable razors that have a fixed-cartridge razor blades head as the razor blades cannot be removed. Individual razors and straight razor blades however are not allowed to be packed on the flight.
To find out more about the types of razors you can bring through airport security and other restrictions your hand luggage can have related to toiletries and everyday items, we have made a comprehensive guide for you to follow below.
First off, let's discuss the type of razors that are allowed through security control airports.
A disposable razor with disposable blades and a fixed head is allowed in your carry-on baggage through security, razor cartridges can also be taken through security checks and so can an electric razor in your items on board.
Razors that cannot be taken in your cabin luggage through security control are straight razors, safety razors, refillable razors and loose razor blades which will be all be classed as sharp items that are prohibited from being carried on board.
If you try and take refillable razors on board they will likely end up in additional security screening and get confiscated, this is because the blades can be classed as weapons by security rules and could potentially be used to harm other passengers.
We have summarised the types of razors you can and can't take in your hand luggage below -
The good news is, if you have any razors of the above which you can't pack in your hand luggage, there is no reason as to why you can't pack them in checked luggage, your hold luggage can have wet razor types, refillable razor cartridges and straight razor types with no need for additional security screening by the security scanner.
As some choice of razor types can hold you up at security, so can other items on board related to your grooming needs.
We have listed some other travel grooming restrictions below which are good to be aware of before taking off on your holiday.
As you know now that some types of razors are prohibited from being under the sharp objects rule with security advice, it's a good idea to families yourself with the other items that are not permitted to be taken on board so as you cannot have any more delays with security officers before you fly.
We have listed some other non-permitted items which you should avoid packing onboard flights below.
Since we are on the subject of personal grooming, it's a good idea to know some tips and tricks for taking care of your skin while flying so as you can leave your flight feeling as fresh-faced as possible without dreaded dry post-flight skin.
We have listed our best tips down below for some self-care on your flight.
Why are some razors not allowed in hand luggage?
Some razors are not allowed to be packed in your carry-on luggage as the heads can be removed and used as a weapon, this puts them under the prohibited list for sharp objects.
Are electric razors allowed on a flight?
Yes, there are no issues with packing your electric razors on a flight as the head is part of the device, do consider how much space the device might consume in your bag however and if the charger needs an adapter for the country you are flying to.
Can I bring shaving gel in my carry-on luggage?
You can indeed bring shaving gel, shaving cream or shaving foam with you in your toiletries bag on your flight as long as the products liquids are all under 100ml. Larger shaving gels will need to go in your hold luggage.
How large can my hand luggage be?
Typically the size and weight of your hand luggage will differ from airline to airline, however on average, the weight of your carry-on should be no more than 10kg and the dimensions should not exceed 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches, this might vary a couple of inches according to your airline and whether you are on a short-haul or a long-haul flight.
Can I bring razors in my hold luggage?
Yes, you can bring any type of razor you wish in your checked luggage, do take care to pack them properly however in such a way that will not harm security guards if your bag goes through screening by security.
What is an alternative to shaving cream to bring on my flight?
If you don't want shaving cream to take up space in your toiletries bag in your carry-on then you could try opting for a smaller travel-sized soap bar for shaving instead, these would also not be classed as liquids.
Can I carry spare blades for a razor in my hand luggage?
No, you are not allowed to carry spare individual razor blades in your hand luggage and they will likely have to be removed on the route through security. You can however pack spare razor blades in your hold luggage if need be.
Overall, you can take razors on board with you in your hand luggage as long as they are disposable models or electric razors, any type of razor where the head can be removed will not be allowed through security technologies as they can be used as a weapon.
When packing grooming accessories such as moisturiser and shaving cream make sure they all abide by the 100ml rule and don't go over the liquid limit or else you will have to leave them at security, all these accessories should fit into one quart-size bag too that seals up.