Can I take a photo frame with glass inside on a flight?

Q I want to take a photo frame (with glass in) in my hand luggage on a Ryanair flight. Will it be allowed through security? I’ve had different messages from different people. Do you know? Louise H

A I am surprised that you have not had a common and positive response from whoever you have talked to. Anything you might want to take into an aircraft cabin must pass two tests: will it get through airport security, and will it be allowed on by the airline?

I cannot see any issue with taking a photo frame through security. In theory, a piece of glass could be broken and used as a weapon, but then so could any of the thousands of glass bottles that await in the shops “airside”.

The other aspect is the airline’s view. Again, I don’t foresee any problem from Ryanair if the frame is packed within the constraints of the normal cabin baggage allowance. The free allowance is for a small bag measuring no more than 40cm x 20cm x 25cm. “Examples include, handbag, laptop bag and small backpack,” says the airline.

If it will not fit, then you can pay an extra £8 or £10 for “priority boarding and two cabin bags”. This allows you to take a second, larger piece of cabin baggage, measuring 55cm x 40cm x 20cm.

It would not be wise, of course, to put the photo frame in a bag that you check into the hold.

Incidentally, to clarify what else you are allowed on board, Ryanair also says: “Duty-free bags are permitted in the cabin along with your cabin baggage.”