UK domestic and business travellers are throwing away on average £60 million worth of belongings confiscated at airport security points every year according to a report published recently. Unwitting passengers are being pulled up at check points and found carrying banned objects such as curling tongs, deodorant cans and manicure kits it was revealed.

The survey was carried out by G4S Aviation Services and also found that 110,000 of British travellers admitted to lying to security staff when asked if they had packed their own case, a criminal offence in the UK. Another 122,000 passengers had left their luggage unattended when visiting duty free shops, airport bars or going the toilet.

The managing director of G4S Aviation Services, Mr Gavin Windsor said:

“Each year we face a summer of security alerts and delays at airports as a result of irresponsible travellers leaving bags unattended and putting restricted items in their hand luggage.”

A fifth of British travellers had had items confiscated by airport security within the last five years and a tenth of passengers failed to check flying regulations before travelling. Along with sharp objects and liquids, a staggering 22,400 toy guns were confiscated last year and 17,000 poisons. For information before travelling by domestic or business flights check with your airline for regulations.

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