Shaver hand baggage: Are razors allowed in hand luggage?

You are at the airport and the anticipation of a long weekend is building. As you are only travelling for a few days, you only have your hand luggage with you. Then you realise that you’ve also packed your razor and this question pops into your head: “Am I even allowed to take it with me or will I be stopped at security because of it?”. Don’t worry, in this article we will look at this very question in detail and explain which razors you are allowed to carry in your hand luggage. We will also provide you with safety tips for transporting razors in your hand luggage. So you can start your journey without any worries.

Why might it be forbidden to take razors on aeroplanes?

Carrying razors on an aircraft may be restricted or prohibited for safety reasons, as razors are potentially sharp objects and are classed as weapons. Sharp objects pose a potential danger to passengers and flight personnel on board an aircraft. In order to avoid past incidents where razors have actually been used as weapons, airlines and flight safety authorities have issued guidelines regulating the carriage of razors in hand luggage.

Can I take my razor on the plane in my hand luggage?

Whether you are allowed to take your razor on the plane in your hand luggage depends on the razor. The exact regulations vary depending on the type of razor, country and airline. Some airlines may allow you to take razors with a fixed blade, while others prohibit it. To avoid delays at airport security checks, we therefore recommend that you familiarise yourself with the regulations of your airline and destination country before travelling.

Can I take my electric razor in my hand luggage?

An electric shaver that is powered by integrated rechargeable batteries can usually be carried in hand luggage. They are categorised as non-hazardous by the aviation safety authorities as they do not have replaceable blades but an integrated mechanism, making them less dangerous. This makes them acceptable for transport in hand luggage. However, it is important to secure the razor well to avoid possible damage or injury. Again, check the exact regulations of the country and airline before departure at the airport.

Can I take razor blades in my hand luggage?

Razor blades are classed as potentially dangerous due to their sharp edges and are therefore not permitted in hand luggage. To ensure safety on board, they must instead be securely stowed in your checked baggage. This means that they should be well packed and placed in such a way that there is no risk of injury.

Razor in hand luggage: what’s allowed on board

Your next short holiday with hand luggage only is certainly on the horizon. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of razors that you can safely take on board in your hand luggage.

Electric shavers

As previously mentioned, electric shavers are not normally subject to any special restrictions. Carrying an electric razor in your hand baggage is therefore not normally a problem.

Disposable razors

Disposable razors with fixed blades are usually permitted in hand baggage. Before you arrive at the airport, make sure that the blade is not interchangeable in order to comply with the regulations.

Wet razor

The same applies to wet razors as to disposable razors: as long as the blades are firmly attached, they may be carried in hand baggage. If the blades are removable, you will most likely have to hand over the razor at the security checkpoint.

Epilator

Epilators that work with rotating blades are not classified as dangerous and are not subject to any special restrictions. You can therefore generally take your epilator with you in your hand baggage without hesitation.

Shaver in hand luggage: Which shavers are prohibited?

Of course, there are also razors that you are not allowed to carry in your hand luggage and which will most likely be taken away from you at the airport security check. Below you will find the types of razors that are not permitted in hand luggage.

Classic razor blades

For security reasons, classic razor blades may not be carried in hand baggage. These blades are considered potentially sharp objects and are therefore subject to the restrictions on sharp objects in hand baggage.

Straight razors

Razors with extremely sharp blades are strictly prohibited in hand baggage and must either be left at home or stowed in checked baggage.

Loose blades

Loose blades are also not permitted in hand luggage. They are considered potentially sharp objects and therefore belong in checked baggage.

Things to bear in mind when taking a razor in your hand baggage

When it comes to carrying a razor in your hand luggage, there are a few things you should bear in mind to ensure your journey goes smoothly. Take the following tips to heart to comply with the guidelines and safety regulations and start your holiday with less stress.

1. Know the type of razor

We cannot emphasise the importance of this point enough: Make sure the razor you’re packing is actually allowed in your carry-on baggage and isn’t better off in your checked baggage.

2. Observe safety regulations

Before packing your hand luggage, find out about the security regulations of your airline and your destination country. You can usually find this information on the websites of the airline, the airport authority, the aviation authority of the destination country, the website of the European Aviation Safety Agency and on travel advice websites.

3. Prepare the transport of the razor

Avoid possible injury to the razor by storing it in a case or protective cover. If your razor has a rechargeable battery, it is advisable to discharge it before the flight.

4 Avoid razor blades in hand luggage

Stow your loose or replaceable razor blades in your checked baggage to avoid delays at the security checkpoint.

5. Secure your razor well

Protect the blade of your razor with a protective cover to avoid possible injury.

6. Plan for additional checks if necessary

Allow sufficient time for additional safety checks. If you have stowed your razor in your hand luggage, the security check staff may want to take a closer look at it. This may take some time, so you should plan for this in advance.

• Short-haul (up to 1500 kilometres): You are entitled to compensation of £220
• Medium distance (up to 3500 kilometres): You are entitled to compensation of £350
• Long distance (over 3500 kilometres): You are entitled to compensation of £520

According to the UK261 Regulation, the amount of compensation is calculated according to the flight distance:

Can I shave on the plane?

You have your razor on board and now you want to use it? Shaving on the plane is permitted, but not particularly recommended. This is mainly due to safety and hygiene aspects. In the event of unforeseen rocking or turbulence while shaving in the aircraft, the risk of injury cannot be ruled out. In addition, it may be difficult to shave cleanly and hygienically in the limited sanitary facilities of the aircraft. It is therefore advisable to shave in an appropriate environment before or after the flight.

Can I take shaving foam in my hand luggage?

You can take your shaving foam in your hand baggage as long as it complies with the applicable liquid restrictions. This means that the shaving foam must be transported in containers with a maximum capacity of 100 millilitres per container. These containers must be placed in a transparent, resealable plastic bag with a total volume of no more than one litre.

You must then remove the plastic bag containing the liquids from your hand luggage and present it at the security checkpoint. As long as you comply with these guidelines, you may transport your shaving foam in your hand baggage.

The following items are strictly prohibited in hand baggage

What is not allowed in hand luggage? You should consider this question before you start your journey. By being aware of which items are not allowed in your hand luggage, you are preparing yourself for a stress-free and smooth journey.

• Razor blades
• Petrol lighter
• Nail files (paper files are permitted)
• Scissors with a blade length of more than 6 cm
• Chemical substances (e.g. acids, bleach)
• Firearms and other weapons
• Large quantities of liquids (limited to 100 ml per container)
• Sprays that could be considered a potential danger (e.g. pepper spray)
• Sharp or pointed objects such as knives or scalpels
• Tools that could be used as a weapon, such as screwdrivers or hammers
• Explosive or highly flammable substances, such as fireworks or spray cans with flammable contents

Conclusion on the subject of razors in hand baggage

Carrying razors in hand luggage requires careful preparation and information about the applicable guidelines. In general, electric razors are usually unproblematic and can be carried without restrictions. Disposable razors with a fixed blade are also acceptable as long as they are well protected. However, care should be taken with razors with replaceable blades, as they are not permitted in hand baggage and should be stowed safely in checked baggage.

To avoid possible inconvenience at airport security checkpoints, it is advisable to familiarise yourself with the specific regulations of the airline and destination country before travelling. For general safety, sharp blades should always be stored safely in a protective sheath or case to prevent possible injury. By following these guidelines, you will ensure a stress-free security check and a safe journey.