Passengers travelling with Ryanair are being urged to take extra care when packing their hand luggage, as a commonly misunderstood rule continues to catch people out at airport security.
The airline, which is well known for its strict baggage policies, has repeatedly warned travellers to pay close attention not just to size and weight limits, but also to what items are actually permitted on board.
While most passengers are familiar with restrictions around liquids and large electronics, confusion still surrounds everyday grooming items—particularly scissors and razors.
The issue recently resurfaced online after a traveller questioned whether nail scissors and razors are genuinely banned in carry-on bags, prompting widespread debate. While some users claimed they had no issues bringing such items through security, others reported having them confiscated, depending on the airport and security staff on duty.
Despite the mixed experiences, Ryanair’s official guidance is clear. The airline states that certain items are not permitted in cabin baggage if they could pose a risk to safety.
According to its policy: ‘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.’
It adds that this includes ‘objects with a sharp point or sharp edge capable of being used to cause serious injury, including scissors with blades of more than 6cm, as measured from the fulcrum.’
In practical terms, this means that small scissors—such as those used for sewing or embroidery—may be allowed, but anything larger is likely to be confiscated at security. The same principle applies to razors: disposable razors are generally permitted, while straight razors or those with exposed blades are not.
The confusion stems from the fact that enforcement can vary slightly depending on the airport and security staff, but the overarching rule remains consistent across EU aviation security standards. When in doubt, passengers are strongly advised to place any questionable items in checked luggage rather than risk losing them at security.
This kind of misunderstanding is particularly common among passengers travelling light, especially those trying to avoid checked baggage fees. But the reality is simple: if an item could realistically be used to injure someone, there’s a good chance it won’t make it through security in your carry-on.
Adding to the evolving landscape of air travel rules, there has also been significant attention on liquid restrictions in recent months—particularly at Dublin Airport. The long-standing 100ml liquid limit has been gradually phased out in some terminals following the introduction of advanced 3D scanning technology.
This new system allows passengers to leave liquids and electronics in their bags during screening, and in some cases removes the need for the strict 100ml rule altogether. However, it’s important to note that the changes are not yet universal across all airports or even all terminals, meaning travellers should still check the rules for both their departure and return journeys before flying.
For now, while liquid rules may be easing in places like Dublin, restrictions on sharp objects remain firmly in place across all airlines, including Ryanair.
To avoid any last-minute issues at security, here is a full list of common items that are typically not allowed in carry-on luggage with Ryanair:
Scissors with blades longer than 6cm
Knives of any kind (including penknives and kitchen knives)
Razor blades (excluding cartridge/disposable razors)
Box cutters and utility knives
Corkscrews
Screwdrivers and other tools with sharp edges
Needles and knitting tools (in some cases, depending on security)
Sporting equipment such as baseball bats or golf clubs
Martial arts equipment
Firearms or replica firearms
Explosives or flammable substances
Chemical or toxic substances
Ultimately, the safest approach is to think practically rather than technically. If there’s any doubt about an item, it’s better to pack it in checked luggage or leave it at home. It might seem minor, but getting stopped at security—or worse, having to throw something away—can quickly derail the start of a trip.
