Families travelling with children this summer are being reminded that toy guns and replica weapons are strictly prohibited in hand luggage on flights. Major airlines including TUI, Ryanair, easyJet, and Jet2 all enforce this rule, and any such items are likely to be confiscated at security, even if they belong to a child.
While the most common hand luggage rules concern liquids and power banks, there is also a list of prohibited items that cannot be packed in cabin bags, including sharp objects. However, some banned items are less obvious, and toy guns can catch parents out, especially after visiting theme parks where such souvenirs might be purchased.
Airlines' Policies on Toy Guns
TUI confirms that "Toy guns, replicas, and imitation firearms that could be mistaken for real weapons" are not allowed in cabin luggage and cannot be carried through security or onto the plane. Ryanair has a similar policy, prohibiting "toy guns (including recreational guns such as paintball guns), replicas and imitation firearms capable of being mistaken for real weapons" on board and in checked baggage.
EasyJet bans "toy guns, replicas and imitation firearms capable of being mistaken for real weapons" from hand luggage, but they can be packed in hold baggage. Jet2 also prohibits these items in hand luggage, with no warning against packing them in checked-in luggage.
Check Before You Fly
The ban applies across airlines, so it's advisable to check directly with your airline for any luggage restrictions, including those for toy guns. The government website also advises travellers to "check with your airline how many and what size bags you can take on the plane with you."
In related news, TUI recently warned passengers about a common passport mistake, reminding customers to check their passport details before travelling. British travellers heading to Europe or the Schengen area must ensure their passport was issued less than 10 years before the date of entry and is valid for at least three months after the planned departure date.
