Yes, you can take a travel kettle hand luggage on any UK or European flight. I have done it dozens of times through UK airports, European security, and beyond without any issues. There is nothing in a travel kettle hand luggage that triggers security concerns — it is just a small electrical appliance with a heating element, and those are allowed in the cabin.
That said, there are a few practical things to know before you pack your travel kettle hand luggage.
Travel Kettle Hand Luggage: The Short Answer
Travel kettles are allowed in hand luggage on all UK airlines and at UK airports. They are permitted through security at Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Stansted, and every other UK airport.
The same applies to European airports and most international destinations.
Why Kettles Are Allowed
Security restrictions focus on:
- Liquids over 100ml
- Sharp objects
- Flammable items
- Weapons or weapon-like objects
A travel kettle is none of these. It is a small appliance with a heating element, no different from a laptop, phone charger, or hair dryer — all of which are routinely carried in hand luggage. See the UK Government hand luggage guidance for official rules.
The heating element is sealed inside the kettle and poses no security risk.
What to Expect at Security
UK Airports
You do not need to remove your travel kettle from your bag at UK security. It will pass through the X-ray scanner without issue.
If security staff want a closer look (which is rare), they may ask you to open your bag. They might swab the kettle for explosives residue. This takes 30 seconds and you will be on your way.
In my experience, travel kettles attract less attention than laptops.
European Airports
Same rules apply. EU security follows similar guidelines to the UK. Travel kettles are allowed in cabin baggage throughout Europe.
US Airports (TSA)
The TSA allows travel kettles in both carry-on and checked baggage. The US has no specific restrictions on small electrical heating appliances.
Packing Tips
Empty the Kettle Completely
This is the important part. Make sure your kettle is completely empty and dry before packing. Any water inside counts as liquid and will be flagged at security.
If you used your kettle on the morning of your flight, pour out all water, shake out remaining drops, and leave the lid open to air dry.
Wrap the Power Cable
Loose cables can look suspicious on X-ray scans. Wrap the cable neatly and secure it with a rubber band or the provided bag.
Consider a Protective Bag
Most travel kettles come with a carrying bag. Use it. The bag protects the kettle from scratches and keeps the cable and any included accessories together.
Keep It Accessible
If you think security might want to inspect your kettle, pack it near the top of your bag or in an outside pocket. This avoids unpacking your entire bag at the security belt.
Hand Luggage vs Hold Luggage
Both are fine. There is no advantage to putting your travel kettle in hold luggage, and there are reasons to keep it in the cabin:
Reasons to carry in hand luggage:
- Protected from rough baggage handling
- Available if you want hot water during a long layover
- Less risk of theft or loss
Reasons for hold luggage:
- Frees up space in your cabin bag
- Weight counts toward hand luggage limit on some airlines
If you are flying Ryanair or Wizz Air with only the small free bag, you probably want to check the kettle (in a checked bag or Priority cabin bag) to save precious space.
Airline-Specific Rules
No UK or European airline bans travel kettles from hand luggage. I have carried kettles on:
- British Airways
- easyJet
- Ryanair
- Jet2
- TUI
- Wizz Air
All without any issue.
The kettle must fit within your hand luggage allowance. It counts toward your cabin bag size and weight limits like any other item.
What About Using a Kettle at the Airport?
You cannot use your travel kettle at the airport. There are no accessible power outlets in departure lounges for passengers to plug in personal appliances.
If you want hot water before your flight, use the coffee shops or hot water taps sometimes available near food outlets.
Some airport lounges have kettles available for use.
Common Concerns
Will the Heating Element Set Off Alarms?
No. The heating element is just a piece of metal, no different from the components inside your laptop or phone. It does not trigger metal detectors or X-ray alerts.
What If Security Asks About It?
Explain it is a travel kettle for making tea and coffee. This is a perfectly normal item for travellers to carry. Security staff see them regularly.
Can I Take a Kettle with Water in It?
No. Water is a liquid and subject to the 100ml limit. An empty kettle is fine; a kettle with water inside will mean the water is confiscated.
What About Kettles with Limescale?
Limescale residue does not matter. It is just mineral deposits and poses no security concern.
Alternatives
If you would rather not carry a kettle, consider:
Immersion heater: Smaller than a kettle. You dip it into a cup of water to heat. Takes up less space but slower and less convenient.
Collapsible silicone kettle: Folds flat for packing. Lighter than rigid kettles but slightly less durable.
Hotel kettles: Most mid-range hotels provide kettles. Check before you pack.
Recommended Travel Kettles
[
Russell Hobbs 23840 Compact Travel Electric Kettle
View on Amazon.co.uk
](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07B96BQM6?tag=trvell-21)
For hand luggage, smaller and lighter is better:
Kettle
Capacity
Weight
Best For
Russell Hobbs 23840
0.85L
~600g
UK/Europe travel
Lakeland Dual Voltage
0.5L
~500g
Worldwide travel
Collapsible silicone
0.5-0.6L
~300g
Ultra-light packing
The Russell Hobbs is the most popular choice for travel kettle hand luggage and handles airport security without issues. Amazon has a range of travel kettles suitable for cabin baggage.
Summary
- Travel kettles are allowed in hand luggage at all UK and European airports
- Make sure the kettle is completely empty and dry
- Keep it accessible in case security wants a look
- No airline bans kettles from cabin baggage
- The kettle counts toward your cabin bag size/weight limits
Pack it, fly with it, and enjoy proper tea wherever you travel.
Related
- Best Travel Kettles
- Lakeland Travel Kettle Set
- Ryanair Cabin Bag Size 2025
- easyJet Baggage Allowance 2025
- UK Airline Baggage Comparison
