Airport security at Knock has kept pace with the rest of the world, enforcing stricter prohibitions in terms of what can be carried into the airplane cabin. It’s a good idea to review the list of restricted items in advance to ensure that you organise your hand luggage in a way that will expedite your security screening process.

 

The list of items that are forbidden from being taken onto an airplane at all – whether in the hold or the passenger cabin – is predictable. Few of the items on this list would ever end up on a traveller’s ‘to-pack’ list. These items include explosives such as fireworks, ammunition, blasting caps and fuses. Flammable substances such as propane, corrosives (including vehicle batteries) and toxic substances (such as pesticides) are also prohibited.

 

Restrictions in the cabin are more complex and have as much to do with maintaining a sense of calm among the passengers as it does with protecting the integrity of the aircraft. They can be divided into the following categories:

 

  • Weapons – anything capable (or appearing capable) of firing a projectile or causing injury
  • Sharps – anything with a pointed end or sharp blade
  • Incendiaries – any explosive or combustible substance
  • Toxins – any chemical or toxic substance that poses a health risk
  • Blunt instruments – any club, bat or similar object that could inflict harm

 

Finally, take a few moments to review the EU regulations on liquids, pastes and gels. These substances may not be carried into the passenger cabin in large quantities and must instead be relegated to the cargo hold. Any liquids carried onto the plane must be kept in a clearly marked 100-millilitre bottle.

 

All of these bottles must be kept in a single re-sealable plastic bag. This must be taken out of your hand luggage and presented to security officials at the checkpoint. Exceptions are made for essential medicines and baby food.