Hand Luggage Restrictions: What Can You Take on Board?

Weapons and Incapacitating Devices

Of course, weapons of any kind are prohibited in hand luggage. This includes toy weapons, air and CO2 guns, signal pistols, as well as slingshots and catapults. Any devices used for incapacitation are also strictly forbidden on board, including pepper or animal repellent sprays.

Sharp and Pointed Objects

Sharp or pointed objects capable of causing serious injury are not permitted in hand luggage. This includes items like axes, razor blades, utility knives, or swords.

Knives and scissors are allowed by some airlines with a blade length up to 6 cm. In some countries and with certain airlines, however, even these may be prohibited.

Blunt Objects

Blunt objects are banned in hand luggage. These are items that could be used as a blunt weapon, typically baseball bats, clubs, and batons or martial arts equipment.

Explosives and Flammable Substances

Naturally, carrying explosives and incendiaries is prohibited. This includes ammunition and fireworks.

Flammable liquids like lighter fluid, paints, varnishes, and cleaning agents are also banned.

Sports Equipment and Walking Sticks

Most sports equipment is also banned in hand luggage, especially rackets and sticks. If you wish to take badminton or tennis rackets, golf clubs, kayak paddles, pool cues, or walking sticks, they must be transported in checked luggage. The same applies to fishing rods.

However, medical walking aids such as walking sticks and crutches are allowed.

Tools

Most tools are also prohibited. This includes items like drills and drill bits, crowbars, saws, or hammers. Tools with a blade or shaft over 6 cm in length are also forbidden, including screwdrivers, pliers, or wrenches.

100ml Airport Rule

At most international airports, the 100ml rule for liquids in hand luggage applies: only liquid containers with a maximum capacity of 100ml are allowed. All containers must be placed in a transparent, resealable plastic bag. The bag must have a maximum volume of 1 litre and must be fully sealed. In the UK, this rule is currently being relaxed.

Aerosols

Aerosols, such as deodorant or hairspray, are also considered as liquids. Therefore, they can only be carried in containers up to 100ml and must be stored in a transparent and resealable bag up to 1 litre.

At airports where the 100ml rule has already been abolished, aerosols up to 2 litres can be transported in hand luggage.

Cosmetics, Makeup & Sun Cream

For cosmetics and makeup the key factor is whether they are solid or liquid. For liquid cosmetics, the 100ml rule for liquids applies at most international airports. Solid cosmetics, such as powder or solid lipstick, can be carried in hand luggage without any limit.

Electric Shaver and Razor

Electric shavers are permitted in hand luggage as they are not considered a security risk. Disposable razors and razors with fixed blades are also allowed. However, loose razor blades and straight razors are prohibited in hand luggage for safety reasons.

Medication

Generally, medications are allowed in hand luggage if they are for personal use. For prescription medications, however, you need a doctor’s note or a copy of the prescription.

Liquid medications are also allowed in hand luggage and don’t have to be transported in the liquids bag. But for these, too, you need a doctor’s certification.

Lighters

On board, you are allowed only one lighter per person, which must be carried on your body throughout the flight. It should not be stored in your checked or hand luggage after security screening. In the UK, the lighter should also be packed in a resealable plastic bag (like the ones used for liquids). Petrol lighters are completely prohibited on airplanes.

Food

You’re allowed to carry solid foods in your hand luggage. This means that a homemade sandwich is no problem. You can also take fruits and vegetables on board. Sweets like chocolate or cookies are also permitted.

Liquid foods are usually prohibited in hand luggage or only allowed in containers up to 100ml. However, in the UK, this rule is being relaxed, and at some airports, larger quantities of liquids are now permitted on board.

Electronic Devices

Electronic devices are allowed on board without any problems. This includes laptops, smartphones, tablets, MP3 players, e-book readers, digital cameras, Bluetooth speakers, and gaming consoles. Styling tools such as hair dryers, hair straighteners, curling irons, or hair clippers can also be transported in carry-on luggage.

Powerbank & Batteries

For lithium-ion batteries under 100 Watt-hours (Wh) there’s usually no limit on the number you can carry in your hand luggage. However, for those between 100 and 160 Wh, airlines often permit passengers to carry two to four such batteries, but prior approval from the airline is required. Batteries over 160 Wh are generally not allowed in hand luggage.

It’s important to protect these batteries from short circuits and mechanical damage, and always check with your airline for specific rules.

Umbrella

A compact telescopic umbrella is allowed in your carry-on luggage. However, it’s best to steer clear of larger walking umbrellas, especially those with metal tips, as they might be classified as dangerous objects.

Some airlines permit you to bring an umbrella in addition to your carry-on bag and personal item, whereas others require that the umbrella be packed within your carry-on.

Duty Free

Your duty-free purchases are invariably allowed in your hand luggage. This includes liquids, even if the containers exceed 100ml. Duty-free liquids are sealed at the point of purchase along with the receipt in a security bag.