luggage

Ryanair has told all passengers to stop putting a popular item in their hand luggage from January. It turns out, it should never be stored there and could cause problems at security

With the UK being so wet and dreary at this time of year, it’s no wonder people dream of escaping to other parts of the world, but there are some things you need to know if you’re preparing to hop on a plane. When it comes to packing, there are some important rules you need to follow to ensure your airport experience goes smoothly.

According to Ryanair, certain items should never be packed in your hand luggage, and one of them is super popular at this time of year. From January, you may want to think a little more about how you’re preparing to travel.

The thought of jetting off abroad may be lovely, but air travel comes with its stresses. There are some key guidelines you need to follow when it comes to your hand luggage.

Previously, the topic came up on Reddit when a social media user asked: “Looking for a trekking pole to buy. Which kind of pole (collapsible/telescopic) would be better so that it could be brought as a carry-on bag on Ryanair/Iberia?”

It got a lot of people talking, and they were quick to point out an essential piece of information, and it’s worth noting if you’re planning on going skiing any time soon. One person replied: “I don’t think it really matters what airline you fly. You have to get past security with them, and they are usually not allowed.”

Another wrote: “You will always be taking a risk unless you put them in a checked bag.” A third also replied: “Trekking poles are not allowed in your carry-on. This rule is not always enforced, but that is the rule.

“One time I flew to a location with my poles in my carry-on, but they wouldn’t let me on the flight to come back with those same poles in my carry-on (same airline).”

However, according to Ryanair, this isn’t the only thing you need to be aware of. If you’re going skiing any time from January, you need to stop packing poles in your carry-on luggage too.

What does Ryanair say?

According to the airline, various items are prohibited in carry-on luggage, and all of these are detailed on the website. However, when it comes to poles, it offers specific advice.

It reads: “The following items must not be carried on board, but may be carried as part of your checked baggage. Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury.”

Ski poles and hiking poles feature in the list, so it’s important you don’t take them in your hand luggage. Generally, they need to be checked in, as they are deemed too sharp to carry through airport security.

Due to their length and sharp tips, they are considered potential weapons. While some travellers may find success with collapsible poles tucked away, security agents typically require them to be checked.

Though some airline guidelines may differ, the safest option is to put them in your checked luggage. This will help avoid any problems or delays at airport security.

If you opt to try and take them through, you risk having to surrender them at airport security. It’s a gamble that’s really not worth taking when you travel.

Travel enthusiast Laurie has warned cruise passengers about one common item that will be taken from you at boarding as it poses a big fire risk if you use it onboard the ship

Whilst packing may not be the most thrilling aspect of a holiday, it certainly builds anticipation as you decide what essentials to take along on your travels.

For those embarking on a cruise in particular, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with the varying regulations each cruise line enforces to ensure passenger safety whilst at sea. Typically, this involves each vessel maintaining a list of forbidden items that passengers are not allowed to bring aboard.

To help fellow holidaymakers in knowing what to leave behind, travel enthusiast Laurie – who goes by ‘traveltipsbylaurie’ on Instagram where she boasts 312,000 followers – has shared her expert advice on cruise packing.

In a recent video, she highlighted one specific item that’s banned from all cruise ships and will be confiscated upon boarding due to the risks associated with it.

“Do not get kicked off your ship by doing this one travel tip for the electronics that you bring to the ship,” Laurie warned at the beginning of her clip. “Just save yourself the stress by doing this one travel tip.”

“In our room with two twin beds, there is only one outlet section on one side, so get a powerstrip that is non-surge protecting, this one’s from Amazon,” she told viewers.

In the caption accompanying her post, she clarified that standard power strip towers or extension leads won’t make it past cruise ship security as staff will seize them as soon as you board.

The reason? Their surge protection elements pose a substantial fire risk. Cruise vessels operate on different electrical systems to residential properties, and when surge protectors interact with the ship’s power network, they can trigger overheating, flip circuit breakers, and create genuine safety concerns.

That said, you’re permitted to bring aboard a “non surge protector” power strip, which typically gets the green light on cruise ships. Multi-port USB chargers (without high-voltage sockets) generally pass muster too.

But, it’s wise to double-check with your specific cruise line before you embark, so you know what the rules are beforehand.

Should your power strip be confiscated when you step onto the vessel, crew members will tag it and ensure its return when you disembark.

The comments section quickly filled with responses, as numerous people were caught off guard by this stringent cruise ship policy.

“Oh I had no idea,” one individual remarked.

Another shared: “I brought one a few years ago and it was taken right away. I got it as I exited the cruise ship. You are absolutely right!!!”.

A third person said: “Royal [Caribbean] doesn’t allow any power plugs with a cord. They are only allowing non surge protectors that plug directly in. I thought Celebrity (owned by same company) had been doing this, too.”