For most people, the stress of travel begins with one of the most difficult challenges, which is often packing suitcases. If you're plotting an escape from Britain's winter gloom to bask in warmer climates, it might be worth brushing up on your travelknowledge, as British Airways has warned passengers against stashing a specific item in their hand luggage.

While pondering what's permissible to pack, bear in mind there are several regulations to navigate, and certain things are strictly off-limits for cabin bags. The issue recently sparked discussion on Reddit after one social media user confessed to a crucial blunder that nearly cost him his flight.

As it transpires, various items are prohibited, with some more predictable than others. Indeed, there are several things that should never find their way into your hand luggage.

British Airways has highlighted one particular item that frequently causes trouble, as travellers often unwittingly pop it into their bags. The matter surfaced on social media when someone posted: "You can't fly with razor blades.

"Just started using a DE razor and nearly missed my flight because I had my toiletry bag in my carry-on. How do you all fly with yours?"

The query generated considerable debate, with one respondent stating: "I don't because it seemed obvious to me that you couldn't take a razor blade on a flight. If I'm travelling with just a carry-on, I get a decent cartridge razor (it's not like it's that long a trip anyway)."

Another weighed in: "I would just bring my electric. Less to pack instead of razor, soap, brush and aftershave." A third chimed in with: "If I'm travelling longer than four to five days then I check my luggage in anyway.

"It's not a problem if it's in checked luggage. Just can't be in your carry-on." Meanwhile, a fourth added: "Yeah. I just put it in my luggage. No knives, weapons or blades with you in the cabin."

According to British Airways' website: "Any item with a sharp point or cutting edge that could cause serious injury must be packed safely in your checked baggage in the hold. These items are not permitted in the cabin either on your person or in your hand/cabin baggage."

Examples include:

• Items designed for chopping, such as axes, hatchets and cleavers


• Ice axes and ice picks


• Loose razor blades


• Box cutters


• Knives with blades of more than 6cm


• Traditional ceremonial knives such as the Scottish Skean Dhu (Sgian Dubh), the Sikh Kirpan or the Gurkha Kukris


• Scissors with blades of more than 6cm as measured from the fulcrum


• Martial arts equipment with a sharp point or sharp edge


• Swords and sabres

What you might not realise is that most razors are generally allowed in hand luggage, but only disposable, cartridge or electric varieties. Items such as loose blades, straight razors or safety razor blades must go in checked baggage.

The crucial rule to bear in mind is that sharp or exposed blades aren't permitted in carry-ons. To breeze through the airport hassle-free, ensure disposable razors have protective covers and cartridges remain fixed to their handles.

Otherwise, simply pop them in your hold luggage. Regulations can differ slightly between carriers, so it's always wise to verify the specific guidelines for your airline before travelling.

If you're looking to sidestep any possible problems at security, it's advisable to take out the blade and stow it in your hold luggage. Opting for a disposable razor might also prove more straightforward.

Further information is available on the website. Numerous regulations exist regarding luggage safety.