Airlines have various rules about what can and can't carry in their hand and hold luggage for safety and security reasons. This covers more obvious items like banned and dangerous weapons, but can also apply to seemingly innocuous things like liquids in larger amounts.

But according to the website, individual airports can confiscate anything they consider dangerous at their discretion, even if it doesn't appear on the list of prohibited articles. However, you can check with the airport and airline in question before their . Rules around are strict, and can easily catch out holidaymakers not familiar with what is and isn't allowed.

The likes of , , and are among the major carriers that prohibit fliers from bringing various items in carry-on bags.

Passengers also have to make sure that their hand luggage is in line with size requirements, and conforms to the airline's rules.

The following are some of the main rules surrounding hand luggage.

Liquid containers must not exceed 100ml to be allowed in your carry-on luggage, with any liquids over the limit placed in hold luggage instead.

Those who do opt to take the up to 100ml of liquid permitted in their hand luggage have to put the items in a transparent, resealable plastic bag which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm.

Passengers are allowed to liquid containers larger than 100ml through security if they are for essential medical purposes, are for special dietary requirements, or contain baby food or baby milk.

Holidaymakers can also take liquids they have bought at an airport or on a plane (such as duty free) through security, provided that the items are sealed inside a security bag when you buy them.

The receipt for the items must also be sealed in the security bag and visible.

Only one lighter is allowed per passenger, and needs to be put inside a resealable plastic bag and kept on you throughout the flight.

Lighters cannot be put in hold luggage, or in hand luggage after screening.

Corkscrews, knives, large scissors (with blades longer than 6cm), non-safety matches, fireworks, flares and other pyrotechnics ( including party poppers and toy caps), cigarette lighters and frozen breast milk, are all not allowed in your hand luggage.

Various items of sports equipment are also banned, including baseball, softball and cricket bats, golf clubs, darts, walking/hiking poles, a catapult, firearms (including replica firearms), harpoons or spear guns, crossbows, as well as martial arts equipment.

Banned work tools include ones that have a blade or shaft longer than 6cm, drills and drill bits, Stanley knives, saws, screwdrivers, hammers, pliers, wrenches or spanners, bolt or nail guns, crowbars and blowtorches.

Chemical and toxic substances are banned from both hand luggage and hold luggage.

This includes oxidisers and organic peroxides, acids and alkalis, corrosives or bleaching agents, vehicle batteries and fuel systems, self-defence sprays, radioactive materials, poisons, biological hazards, materials that could spontaneously combust, and fire extinguishers.

Guns or firearms (including air rifles and starting pistols) are also banned from being carried in hand luggage.

You may be able to take them as hold luggage, but you should check with your airline before you travel.

Items not allowed include: grenades, fireworks, smoke canisters, smoke cartridges, flares, plastic explosives and gun cigarette lighters.

Carriers have specific information about what is permitted in hand luggage online. Dedicated guides are available on the websites of airports across the UK, including London Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester.

If you're unsure about whether a specific item is allowed, contact your airline or travel operator directly for further information.