Can I take it?
Can you take a razor in hand luggage?
Disposable and cartridge razors — where the blade is fixed into the head — and electric shavers are allowed in hand luggage. Safety razors, straight razors and loose blades should go in your checked bag instead.
| Type | Hand luggage | Checked baggage |
|---|---|---|
| Disposable or cartridge razor | Yes Allowed in hand luggage (blades fixed into the cartridge). | Yes Allowed in checked baggage. |
| Electric shaver | Yes Allowed in hand luggage. | Yes Allowed in checked baggage. |
| Safety razor, straight razor or loose blades | No Treat as not allowed in hand luggage. | Check airline Pack it in checked baggage if you need it — check with your airline. |
Why safety razors are different
The line is whether the blade is fixed in. GOV.UK’s hand luggage list covers razors with the blades set into a cartridge, like disposable razors. A safety razor holds a separate blade you can take out, and a straight razor is a single open blade — neither is on that list.
Gatwick says only razors with the blade set into a plastic moulding are allowed in hand luggage. GOV.UK doesn’t list loose blades, so check with your departure airport. That’s why we give the cautious answer: pack it in the hold.
Checked baggage: check with your airline
Pack it in checked baggage if you need it — check with your airline. Wrap blades so they can’t cut baggage handlers, and keep spare blades in their original dispenser.
Check your razor
Shaving foam and gel count as liquids
The razor might be fine while the can of foam isn’t. Shaving foam and gel follow the airport’s liquids limit, and aerosols have their own safety limits — see deodorant and aerosols and UK airport liquid rules.
Same rule for scissors?
Similar, but with a measurement. Small scissors (blades 6cm or shorter): allowed in hand luggage. Large scissors (blades longer than 6cm): not allowed in hand luggage.