Can you take a razor in hand luggage on a plane?

Airlines carefully monitor to ensure dangerous items do not get on board. So if you are carrying a razor with you, it's best to prepare and clarify the rules in advance. We tell you whether you can take a razor on a plane and how to transport it.

What you can take into the cabin

First, let's figure out what you can take in your hand luggage. Cabin baggage is limited by size and weight — otherwise, items simply won't fit on the shelves. In low-cost airlines, hand luggage is quite small; with regular airlines, you can even take a small suitcase into the cabin.

Hand luggage is allowed to carry:

• liquid in containers up to 100 ml;

• solid snacks like an apple or nuts;

• electronic devices and their chargers;

• small household appliances like hair dryers, curling irons, and similar items.

Airlines usually allow certain items to be carried free of charge and without weighing, in addition to the established allowance. As a rule, these include:

• a lady's handbag;

• a phone;

• a camera;

• a laptop;

• a book or magazine for reading during the flight;

• an umbrella;

• a cane;

• a bouquet of flowers;

• a garment bag with outerwear.

Although liquids over 100 ml are not allowed in hand luggage, the ban does not apply to alcohol and perfumes from Duty Free, essential in-flight medications, and baby food.

What you cannot take into the airplane cabin

If you don't want to leave an item that failed inspection at the airport or throw it away, check our list before packing — the following items are prohibited in hand luggage:

• explosives — firecrackers and fireworks;

• flammable liquids and solids like hairspray;

• toxic substances; 

• radioactive materials;

• corrosive, poisonous, and toxic substances;

• sharp objects — corkscrew, manicure set, ski poles, and similar items.

Sharp objects in hand luggage

By prohibiting sharp objects in the cabin, airlines primarily think about passenger safety — items with blades can be used as cold weapons in terrorist acts, which is why carriers are against sharp and cutting objects on board.

Knife

Regardless of the type of knife — kitchen or pocket — you won't be able to take it in your hand luggage.

Corkscrew

The same situation as with a knife — security will not allow any type of corkscrew on board due to its spiral blade.

Scissors

Scissors only travel in checked baggage — whether they are stationery or manicure scissors.

Nail file

You can carry a cardboard nail file, but a metal one with a sharp tip will have to be sent to the baggage compartment.

So, can you carry a razor in hand luggage? Of course, a razor is considered a sharp and dangerous item, but don't rush to leave it at home or buy extra baggage — the rules for carrying it will differ depending on the type of razor.

Can you take a razor in hand luggage: main rules

Razors are divided into dangerous and safe. 

Dangerous — these include reusable razors with replaceable blades and straight razors, which consist of a handle and an uncovered sharpened blade — these are less common now but are sometimes used, for example, in barbershops. 

Safe — disposable razors, consisting of a handle and a cartridge, usually plastic — those sold in any supermarket. Electric razors can also be considered safe.

In addition to razors, men often carry shaving products: gel, cream, lotion, or foam. Such shaving products are considered liquids — the general rules for hand luggage apply to them. These products can certainly be carried in the cabin, but only in containers up to 100 ml. Note that the packaging must have a volume marking, and you will also need to place the products in a transparent, sealable bag or cosmetic pouch.

No matter what type of razor you carry and where, we recommend packing the razor in a case or at least wrapping it in a bag or cloth so that the blade definitely doesn't harm anyone. And security staff will certainly have fewer questions.

What types of razors can be taken in hand luggage

Items allowed in hand luggage include safety razors — in other words, those where the blade is covered and cannot be removed from the razor.

Disposable razor

For most airlines, carrying a plastic razor like Gillette or Venus, from which the blade cannot be removed, is okay. The mandatory condition is to cover the sharp part with a cap. Carrying replacement cartridges for such a razor is also okay, which cannot be said for blades for a reusable razor. Blades will be viewed negatively at security. 

Electric shaver

Carriers are generally calm about electric shavers: their designs do not contain exposed sharp blades, making them the easiest device to carry in hand luggage. Moreover, if necessary, you can even use the device during the flight. However, you leave an electric shaver in checked baggage at your own risk — if the luggage is not marked as fragile and the suitcase is bumped or dropped, the shaver may break or be damaged. 

What types of razors will have to be left in checked baggage

The answer to the question of whether you can take a razor on a plane is affirmative, but not always. While disposable and electric razors can be taken in hand luggage or checked for convenience, a dangerous straight razor or a reusable razor will definitely have to be left in the baggage compartment.

Reusable razor

Items prohibited in the cabin include razors from which the blade can be removed — such a tool can injure passengers. So if you are carrying a razor with replaceable blades, it's better to hide it away in checked baggage — the same applies to a set of replacement blades.

Straight razor

If you prefer traditional shaving, you can take a dangerous straight razor with you. This old-school option is good for a clean, smooth shave, but a straight razor has no place in hand luggage. And when packing such a razor in checked baggage, we advise you to be careful and pack it properly in a case with thick walls: after all, a straight razor is sharp and can even damage the suitcase or clothes inside it.

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