What Items Can Be Carried in Hand Luggage on a Plane?

Hand luggage (carry-on baggage) refers to bags that passengers bring into the aircraft cabin instead of checking them into the cargo hold. Generally, items such as clothing, valuable documents, electronic devices, and certain personal care products within specified limits can be carried in hand luggage.

Although baggage policies may vary between airlines, there are internationally accepted standards that most carriers follow:

• Size Limit: The standard cabin baggage dimensions are typically 55 x 40 x 23 cm.
• Weight Limit: Most airlines limit carry-on baggage to 8 kg, although some may allow up to 10 kg.

What Personal Items Can Be Carried in Hand Luggage?

Depending on your ticket type, airlines usually allow passengers to bring one personal item in addition to their carry-on bag. This may include a small backpack, laptop bag, handbag, or duty-free shopping bag.

To minimize security risks and prevent loss, the following valuable items should never be placed in checked baggage. Instead, they should always be kept in your hand luggage or personal bag:

• Passport, ID card, and travel documents
• Cash, credit cards, and wallet
• Jewelry, watches, and valuable accessories
• House and car keys
• Important business documents

Can Electronic Devices Be Carried in Hand Luggage?

Yes. In fact, many electronic devices must be transported in carry-on baggage rather than checked luggage. The primary reason is the fire risk associated with the batteries used in these devices.

Rules for Carrying Phones, Tablets, and Laptops

Permitted Devices: Smartphones, tablets, laptops, cameras, e-readers, and portable gaming consoles can generally be carried in hand luggage without any issues.

Power Banks and Batteries: Portable chargers (power banks) and spare lithium-ion batteries are strictly prohibited in checked baggage and must be carried in hand luggage. Their capacity generally must not exceed 100 Wh.

Security Screening: During airport security checks, you may be required to remove laptops, tablets, and large cameras from your bag and place them in a separate tray. Keeping these items easily accessible can speed up the screening process.

How Should Liquids Be Carried in Hand Luggage?

One of the strictest aviation regulations concerns liquids in the cabin. The liquid restriction applies not only to beverages but also to gels, lotions, creams, and aerosol products.

Rules for Perfume, Sanitizer, and Cosmetic Products

If you wish to bring liquids into the aircraft cabin, you must comply with the 100 ml rule:

• Each liquid container must hold no more than 100 ml (or 100 grams).
• Even if a 200 ml bottle contains only 20 ml of product, it will not be allowed through security.
• All liquid containers must fit into a transparent, resealable plastic bag with a total capacity not exceeding 1 liter.
• The bag is typically around 20 x 20 cm in size.
• Each passenger is allowed only one transparent liquid bag.

Products subject to this rule include:

• Toothpaste
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Perfume
• Hand sanitizer
• Mascara
• Lipstick
• Deodorant

Can Food and Drinks Be Carried in Hand Luggage?

Food is generally permitted in carry-on baggage, but the consistency of the product and customs regulations of the destination country may affect whether it is allowed.

Solid Foods

Solid food items such as sandwiches, biscuits, nuts, chocolate, chips, and fruit can usually be carried in hand luggage and consumed during the flight.

Liquid and Gel-Based Foods

Products such as yogurt, pudding, honey, molasses, jam, peanut butter, and olive oil are considered liquids or gels and therefore fall under the 100 ml restriction.

Baby Food and Milk

Passengers traveling with infants benefit from more flexible rules. Baby formula, breast milk, and sterilized water required during the journey may be carried onboard even if they exceed the 100 ml limit. However, these items must be declared during security screening.

Duty-Free Purchases

Alcohol, perfume, and beverages purchased from duty-free shops can be carried onboard even if they exceed 100 ml. The products must remain in the sealed security bag provided by the store, with the receipt visible inside. The bag should not be opened until you reach your final destination.

Can Medicines and Medical Supplies Be Carried in Hand Luggage?

Aviation regulations generally provide flexibility when it comes to health-related items. Passengers may carry medications and medical equipment required during their trip.

Carrying Prescription Medications and Medical Products

• Solid medications such as tablets and capsules can be carried in their original packaging.
• Liquid prescription medicines, syrups, medical solutions, insulin pens, and asthma inhalers are exempt from the standard 100 ml liquid restriction.
• To benefit from this exemption, passengers may be asked to present a prescription or a doctor's note confirming the medical necessity of the medication.

Which Items Are Prohibited in Hand Luggage?

Any object that may endanger passengers or crew members is prohibited in the aircraft cabin. If discovered during screening, these items will be confiscated.

Sharp Objects

The following items are generally not permitted in carry-on baggage:

• Scissors with blades longer than 6 cm
• Utility knives
• Razor blades
• Pocket knives
• Metal nail files
• Screwdrivers
• Power tools and similar equipment

These items should be packed in checked baggage instead.

Flammable and Explosive Materials

The following items are prohibited:

• Lighter fuel
• Spray paints
• Paint thinner
• Flammable gels
• Fireworks

Weapons and Weapon-Like Objects

Passengers are not allowed to carry:

• Firearms
• Ammunition
• Pepper spray
• Tear gas sprays
• Realistic toy guns or replica weapons

Large Sports Equipment

Items such as baseball bats, golf clubs, skis, roller skates, and mountaineering equipment must be transported in checked baggage.

What Should You Consider When Packing Hand Luggage?

Check Your Airline's Policies

Before traveling, review the latest cabin baggage size and weight restrictions on your airline’s website. Some budget fare classes now allow only a small personal item that fits under the seat.

Use Travel-Size Products

Instead of carrying full-size shampoo or shower gel bottles, purchase travel-size versions or transfer products into approved 100 ml containers.

Pack Strategically

Place your transparent liquids bag and electronic devices near the top of your luggage. This allows you to quickly remove them during security screening.

How Should You Check Your Hand Luggage Before Traveling?

A quick inspection before leaving for the airport can save significant time and stress:

• Weigh your bag at home and ensure it remains within the airline’s limits.
• Check all pockets carefully for forgotten prohibited items such as pocket knives, nail scissors, or water bottles.
• Confirm that all liquid containers are properly stored inside a sealed transparent bag and that the bag closes completely.

Following these guidelines will help ensure a smoother airport security experience and a hassle-free journey.