The most important facts about “What is allowed in hand baggage?”

There are some rules and restrictions for hand baggage.
Liquids must be kept in containers of max. 100 ml in hand luggage.
Liquids should be transported in transparent, resealable bags.
Electronic devices are permitted in hand baggage, but they must be charged beforehand.
Dangerous objects such as knives or scissors are prohibited.
Medical devices and liquids are permitted, but proof is required.
Hairspray, deodorant spray, nail varnish remover, razors with detachable blades and razor blades are not permitted in hand baggage.
If you are unsure, you can ask the airline directly. Compensation claims for problems with hand baggage are covered by passenger rights.

Did you have a flight delay or cancellation? Check your rights now and increase your chances of compensation

You’re looking forward to your holiday and everything you need is already packed in your suitcase. Now it’s time to get your hand luggage together and off you go. But wait, what about liquids in your hand luggage? Can I take my water bottle with me, or does it have to stay at home? What is allowed in hand luggage? Today we want to answer this question once and for all.

What is hand baggage?

Before we explain what is allowed in hand baggage, let’s first clarify the question: What counts as hand baggage? In short, all bags, suitcases, travel backpacks and similar items of luggage that air travellers take on board the aircraft and do not have to hand in at check-in are referred to as hand luggage.

What is not allowed in hand luggage?

What is prohibited on the aircraft? To make your journey as relaxed as possible, we have summarized the items that you are not allowed to take in your hand luggage in a clear list:

Guns and Weapons
Ammunition
Toys that could be mistaken for weapons
Scissors, knives, nail files with blades longer than 6 cm
Razor blades – Are razors allowed in hand luggage?
Alarm-protected briefcases
Pyrotechnics
Knitting needles
Skateboard, ice skates
Objects that can be used as striking weapons, such as golf clubs
Chemical, toxic, flammable, explosive substances
Lithium-metal or lithium-ion batteries and rechargeable batteries with a lithium content of more than 2 g and more than 100 Wh
Cordless screwdrivers, drills, drill bits
Defence weapons such as pepper sprays and stun guns
Liquids over 100 ml

Liquids – over 100 ml

The answer to the question of why liquids cannot be transported in hand luggage can be found in August 2006, when the British authorities prevented terrorist attacks on aeroplanes. The terrorists had put liquid explosives in drinks bottles and wanted to detonate them during the flight. To prevent such situations, the European Union decided in 2006 to restrict the amount of liquids carried on board aircraft.

Tool

Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998 of 5 November 2015 laying down detailed measures for the implementation of the common basic standards on aviation security applies to all airports within the European Union. This regulation explicitly mentions tools as a group of items that may not be carried on aircraft.

Explosive objects

You are probably aware that you are not allowed to carry explosives or pyrotechnics in your hand luggage. But what about batteries?
How many batteries are allowed in hand baggage?
Batteries are generally permitted in hand baggage. Ordinary alkaline batteries in particular do not usually cause any problems. This includes these batteries, for example:
– Type AA
– Type AAA
– Type C
– Type D
– 9-volt button cells
The issue becomes more difficult with lithium-ion batteries or rechargeable batteries. Incidentally, these also include the very useful power banks that people like to carry with them from time to time. Whether such a battery or rechargeable battery is allowed on the aircraft depends on its capacity. The majority of airlines allow lithium-ion batteries and rechargeable batteries with a capacity of up to 100 watt hours. In most cases, up to two spare lithium-ion batteries can even be carried in hand luggage without any problems. At least if they do not exceed a capacity of between 100 and 160 watt hours.

Sharp objects

Sharp objects have no place in hand luggage. But does this apply to all sharp objects? Even for nail scissors in hand baggage? Don’t worry, your nails are safe during the flight. Nail scissors and nail clippers may be taken on board, but blades up to a maximum length of 6cm may be carried. This means that you should measure nail files or stow them in your check-in baggage. You can also keep your razor in your hand luggage. At least if the razor blade is encased in plastic or it is an electric razor.

Sports and leisure equipment

Sports and leisure equipment should always be handed in at check-in as a precaution. There is usually no room for larger equipment in hand luggage anyway. Small sports equipment such as tennis rackets or dumbbells are also not allowed on the aircraft. Anything that could be misused as a weapon has no place in hand luggage.

Weapons

It goes without saying that weapons of any kind are prohibited on aeroplanes. But dummy weapons, children’s toys in the guise of real weapons and means of self-defence such as tasers and pepper sprays are also not allowed in hand luggage.

What can I take in my hand luggage?

What can I take in my hand luggage? As so many items are not permitted, it may be easier to ask what you are allowed to take in your hand baggage.

The following items are permitted according to the hand baggage regulations:

Liquids – under 100 ml

In general, only transparent containers with a liquid volume of up to 100 ml are permitted in hand baggage. But can you take several of these containers with you on the plane and if so, how many 100 ml bottles are allowed in your hand luggage?
Regulations for liquids in hand baggage:
All containers must be packed in a transparent and resealable 1-litre plastic bag
– The plastic bag must be closed
Each passenger may only carry one bag
The total amount of liquids must not exceed one litre
Liquids in a container larger than 100 ml are prohibited

Medical devices and medication. Is medication allowed in hand baggage?

For people who are dependent on medication during the flight, it is necessary to clarify before departure whether their medication can be carried in their hand luggage. In addition, the medication must be registered before the flight and a medical certificate must confirm that the medication cannot actually be dispensed with.
• Prostheses
• Crutches
• Medical devices, such as a ventilator
• Wheelchair
• Tablets
• Liquid medication and syringes with a medical certificate

Cosmetics. Are cosmetics allowed in hand baggage?

• Creams, ointments and similar liquid make-up, mascara, lipsticks, eyeliner, etc.
• Toothpaste, roll-on deodorant and shaving foam
• Shampoo, hair gel and nail varnish
• Perfume and oil
• Powder
• Disposable and electric razors
• Nail scissors, nail clippers, nail file (up to 6 cm long)

Liquids, creams and gels may only be carried in small quantities and in containers of a maximum of 100 ml in hand baggage. This also applies to deodorant and perfume in hand baggage. The individual containers must be packed in a transparent, resealable plastic bag. The total amount of liquid must not exceed 1 litre. Only one bag per passenger is permitted. The bag must be presented separately at security checks. However, cream cannot really be described as a liquid. So the question is: How much cream is allowed in hand baggage? Cosmetics such as creams, deodorants, toothpaste, perfume, nail varnish or mascara also fall under this guideline for liquids in hand luggage. This means that 100 ml may not be exceeded here either. However, solid and powdery cosmetics are excluded from the regulations.

Attention:

Hairspray, deodorant spray, nail varnish remover, razors with detachable blades and razor blades may not be carried in hand baggage.

Electronic devices. Which electronic devices are allowed in hand baggage?

You don’t want to have to do without many electronic items, especially on a long flight. But which items are allowed in your hand baggage?

• Smartphone, tablet or laptop
• Handheld consoles
• Navigation devices
• Cameras
• Bluetooth speakers
• Drones
• Torches
• Electric toothbrushes
• Lithium-ion battery or power bank with restrictions

Which powerbank is allowed in hand luggage?
The rule for each powerbank in hand baggage is that a powerbank with a maximum capacity of 100 Wh or 27,000 mAh may be carried. Whether you want to take one or three power banks with you, the number of mAh must not increase.
Can I take a hair straightener on the plane in my hand luggage?
Small electrical appliances such as a hair straightener or curling iron may be carried in your hand luggage when travelling by plane. These appliances also do not have to be declared when checking hand luggage.
Can I take a hairdryer on the plane in my hand luggage?
A hairdryer in your hand luggage is not a problem. However, hairdryers may have to be tested at a security check.
Can I take a drone on the plane in my hand luggage?
For safety reasons, drones may not be carried in hand luggage. Drones can only be checked in as normal baggage. However, you must either secure the lithium battery in the drone or remove it from the device and carry it as hand luggage.
Can I take a charging cable on the plane in my hand luggage?
As a rule, charging cables may be carried in hand luggage. However, please bear in mind that most aeroplanes do not have power sockets to use them.
Can I take a laptop on the plane in my hand baggage?
Laptops, handheld consoles and mobile phones are generally permitted in hand baggage.

Food. Is food allowed in hand baggage?

Food is permitted in hand baggage. However, the same regulations that generally apply to the carriage of liquids must be observed for liquid and spreadable foods.

• Liquid or spreadable food may be carried up to 100 ml. The food must be packed in sealable 1-litre bags made of transparent plastic.
• Baby food and sterilized water for this purpose may be carried in quantities appropriate for the flight time.
Solid food
• Solid food
• Dry ice for preservation, if previously registered with the airline

Is baby food allowed in hand baggage?

Baby food, i.e. baby milk and baby porridge, are exempt from the 100 ml quantity restriction and may be carried in hand baggage in the required quantity. Unlike other liquids, baby food does not have to be packed in the 1-litre plastic bag. This special regulation applies to all small air travellers under the age of 3.

Leisure articles

• Instruments in the case provided
• Balls (without air)
• Inflatable bathing accessories (without air)
• (Climbing) ropes

Transport items

One foldable pushchair, one child seat and one carrycot per child are permitted.

Weapons and tools

Pocket knives with a blade length of up to 6 cm

Cigarettes and combustibles. Can I take alcohol, tobacco and coffee in my hand-baggage?

Cigarettes and flammables. Can I take alcohol, tobacco and coffee in my hand luggage?
Carrying alcohol and tobacco is relatively loosely regulated within the EU. You may take up to 800 cigarettes, 10 litres of spirits, 60 litres of sparkling wine and 110 litres of beer for your consumption. The limit for coffee is 10 kilos. There is no maximum quantity for wine. Naturally, the same regulations apply to alcohol as to any other liquid. These items must also be declared and cleared through customs. But it’s not just smokers who don’t want to give up e-cigarettes on holiday.

So what about e-cigarettes in hand luggage?
Although you are not allowed to vape your e-cigarette on the plane, this does not mean you have to leave it at home. You must transport your e-cigarette in your hand luggage. E-cigarettes are not allowed to travel in checked baggage. The same regulations apply to e-liquids in hand baggage as for all other liquids in hand-baggage.

• Cigarettes
• E-cigarette liquid (one per person)
• Box of matches (one per person)
• Gas lighter (one per person/carried on the body)

Animals and plants

• Plants are generally permitted, subject to species protection and import/export regulations.
• The ashes of animals may be transported in a tightly closed container.
• In the case of animals, the species protection regulations must be observed. In addition, different regulations apply to different airlines. The specific regulations of the respective airline must be observed.

Can my pet come on the plane?

What about pets on the plane? Are you allowed to take dogs on the plane as hand baggage? Pets such as dogs and cats up to a certain size and under certain conditions may be taken on board as hand baggage.

Conditions for taking pets on board as hand baggage:
• The pet must be in a transport box
• The box must not exceed a maximum weight of 7 kg/15 lb (pet and transport box together) with pet and container.
• Transport boxes may be 36 cm long, 33 cm wide and 19 cm deep.
• Transport bags may be 36 cm long, 33 cm wide and 23 cm deep.

Which animal products are allowed in hand baggage?

Within the EU, there are no general restrictions on the carriage of animal foodstuffs. There are also no problems when travelling to or from Andorra, Liechtenstein, Norway, San Marino or Switzerland.

However, if you are travelling from outside the EU, the import of meat or dairy products is generally prohibited. The exception is if you have an official veterinary certificate. This also applies to checked baggage and hand baggage. Subject to certain restrictions, milk powder for infants, baby food and medically necessary foodstuffs may be exempt from the import ban. Animal foodstuffs such as honey or fishery products may also be brought in for personal consumption.

Food with a very low milk content, such as chocolate, may also be carried in hand luggage. So you don’t have to give up snacking on the plane.

Miscellaneous

• Water pipes
• Wrapped gifts
• Ashes of people in a tightly closed container

Are lighters allowed in hand baggage?

Every traveller is allowed to take a lighter on board an aircraft. However, the lighter must not be in the hand baggage or in the baggage hold. Passengers must carry the lighter on their person. The right place is therefore the trouser or jacket pocket.

Can my infant also take hand baggage?

As a rule, you can check in one large item of baggage and take one item of hand baggage into the cabin for each seat booked at check-in, including that of an infant.

Can I take my musical instrument with me in my hand baggage?

In most cases, you can take smaller musical instruments in your hand baggage. Larger musical instruments can theoretically also be carried in the cabin, but only if you have booked an additional seat for them. Very large musical instruments, such as a drum kit, can only be transported in the hold of the aircraft, if at all.

How big can hand baggage be?

You now know which items you are allowed to take on board an aircraft. But what are the dimensions of hand baggage? What are the right suitcases for hand baggage, and what are the hand baggage dimensions?

The dimensions for hand baggage are 55 × 40 × 20 cm. The regulations are derived from the pilot’s case for hand baggage.

Hand baggage regulations of the different airlines

How heavy can hand baggage be?

How many kg can I take as hand baggage? The regulations for the weight of hand baggage vary between the different airlines and often depend on the type of aircraft used. For most airlines, the maximum weight is between 5 and 12 kg.

Where is hand baggage stowed on the aircraft?

Larger items of hand baggage should be stowed in the overhead compartment. Small items of hand luggage and personal items such as handbags or laptops can be placed under the seat. Please note, however, that if you are late for boarding and are travelling on a full aircraft, you must expect to have to stow larger items of luggage under the seat due to overcrowded overhead compartments. If necessary, however, you can usually check this in free of charge at the gate.

When should you be at the airport with hand luggage?

Most airlines recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. In times of Corona, however, you should arrive at the airport even earlier due to security regulations.

Empty bottle in hand luggage – is this allowed?

Yes, you can take an empty bottle onto the aircraft. Most airlines allow passengers to take empty water bottles through security, and you can then fill them up at the water dispenser after security. However, it is important to note that liquids, including water, are not allowed through security in containers larger than 100ml. So if your bottle holds more than 100ml, you need to make sure it is empty before you take it through security and then fill it up at the drinking water dispenser in the departure area. It is always advisable to check with your airline in advance about their regulations for liquids to avoid potential problems at the security checkpoint.

Something is not allowed in my hand luggage, what now?

After the security check of hand baggage, it is usually difficult to transfer items to the hold, and they have to be left behind. It is therefore advisable to read the regulations of the respective airline beforehand.

How can Flightright help you?

Everything is fine with your hand luggage, but the airline is standing in the way of your holiday happiness. Is your flight overbooked, delayed or cancelled?

Tip: Flightright can help you enforce your passenger rights! You can check your claims with us free of charge.

Check your right for compensation now !

As experts in the field of air passenger rights, we enforce your right to compensation against the airline!