Most of us are aware that certain items cannot be carried on board aircraft, either in hand luggage or in checked-in luggage, but how many of us stop to think about these restrictions when posting items via airmail?

As a timely reminder for Christmas, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is highlighting the dangers of carrying certain items on board aircraft, or posting via airmail.

Passengers need to be aware of the dangers of carrying prohibited items on board an aircraft, as do those selling goods for transportation by airmail.

One particular problem is that of inappropriately packaged Lithium batteries that can pose a fire risk if posted loose, or the equipment they are installed in is accidentally activated during transport.

Geoff Leach, Manager of the Dangerous Goods Office at the CAA, said: “We are asking people to think carefully before transporting any items by air that could potentially pose a serious risk to the occupants of an aircraft. Whilst we are all made aware of the security restrictions imposed, people still need to be reminded that some items that are relatively innocuous in everyday use are restricted from carriage on board an aircraft.”

Dangerous goods that must NOT be taken on board an aircraft are:

• explosives, such as fireworks, flares, toy gun caps;
• gases, such as culinary blowtorches, camping or compressed gas cylinders, tear gas, mace or CS gas devices;
• flammable materials such as petrol, lighter fuel, paint, thinners, non-safety matches, firelighters;
• poisons, such as weed killers, insecticides;
• corrosives, such as filled car batteries.

Goods that may be carried by passengers include:

• gas powered hair curlers (one per person), provided the safety cover is fitted at all times. Separate refills are not permitted;
• safety matches or a single lighter when carried on the person. One lighter per person may be carried through central search. Lighters form part of the passenger allowance permitted in the one litre capacity transparent bag and can either be placed inside the bag or screened separately. It is very important that passengers do not place the lighter into their cabin bag after screening – it must be carried on the person for the duration of the flight. Separate lighter refills are not permitted;
• battery powered wheelchairs may be carried by passengers subject to certain safety conditions, including ensuring the battery is securely attached to the wheelchair, protecting the battery and chair from short circuiting, and ensuring that the wheelchair cannot become switched on during transport. Passengers should contact their airline in advance to check whether special conditions apply.

If you are uncertain about what you can or cannot carry onboard contact the CAA’s Dangerous Goods Office on 01293 573900.