You are at the airport, the security check is getting closer and suddenly you ask yourself: Did I really pack everything correctly or should I not have taken the expensive bottle of wine? While there are clear guidelines for air travel, the quantities are often difficult to grasp. In this blog post, you will learn what counts as hand luggage and which items are allowed in hand luggage and which are not. This way, you can face the security check before your flight without stress.
What can go in hand luggage and what cannot?
Guidelines regarding the size and weight of hand luggage often vary among airlines. However, the regulations concerning the contents of luggage are uniform across the EU. For travel to countries outside the EU, different regulations may apply, which you should find out about before your trip.
Liquids in hand luggage
Liquids may be carried in hand luggage in containers of maximum 100 ml. Liquids include drinks, food, cosmetics such as:
- Water bottles
- Toothpaste
- Creams and lotions
- Perfume
- Shampoos
- Liquid foods
Exceptions:
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Baby food may be carried in larger quantities if it is needed during the flight.
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Duty-free items, such as cosmetics or drinks, may be transported in a sealed security bag along with the purchase receipt.
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Solid foods, such as sandwiches, fruits, vegetables, chocolate, or muesli bars, are also allowed.
Medications in hand luggage
You may carry medications in your hand luggage. If they are liquids, they are exempt from the 100ml rule. However, for medications, it is advisable to have a doctor's certificate or a medical note to be able to present, so that there can be no ambiguities at the security check.
Are you wondering which liquids are allowed?
We have summarized the answers for you clearly:
| Allowed | Not allowed |
|---|---|
| Duty-free items: In sealed security bags with purchase receipts | All other liquids must be packed in checked luggage |
| Liquids: Up to 100 milliliters, in a transparent, resealable 1-liter plastic bag | |
| Medications and special food: Needed during the flight |
Tips:
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Pack liquids securely in a 1-liter bag up to 100 ml .
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Duty-free items are only allowed if they are sealed in the security bag .
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All other liquids belong in checked luggage.
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Dos in carry-on luggage
The following electrical devices are allowed in your carry-on luggage:
- Tablet
- Smartphone
- Laptop
- Camera
- Electric toothbrush
- Electric razor
- Hairdryer
- Straightener / Curling iron
Both cigarettes and e-cigarettes are also allowed to be stowed in hand luggage. You are also allowed to carry matches and gas lighters, but you should not keep them in your suitcase or in your handbag, but rather on your person – for example, in your pants or jacket pocket.
Don’ts in hand luggage
However, there are also clear rules about which items are not allowed in hand luggage on the plane and therefore should not be carried or belong in checked luggage. The most important categories include:
- Sports equipment: baseball bats, golf clubs, and tennis rackets, hiking poles
- Hobby supplies: fishing gear, knitting needles, ice skates
- Weapons and tools: corkscrews, screwdrivers, saws, firearms (including toy guns, nail files, knives, scissors
- Lighters: gasoline and storm lighters
Sharp objects, such as a pocket knife, are only allowed in hand luggage if their blade length does not exceed 6 cm.
What is considered hand luggage?
Whether a spontaneous weekend trip, a business trip, or a domestic flight – more and more travelers prefer to travel with light luggage in the form of small suitcases or backpacks, as traveling with hand luggage brings some clear advantages:
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Time savings: The piece of luggage does not need to be checked in beforehand or picked up at the baggage claim after the flight.
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No luggage loss: Carry-on luggage can always be taken on board, so you don't risk your luggage arriving late.
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Cost efficiency: There are no or at least lower fees for carry-on luggage compared to checked bags and suitcases.
- Flexibility: Traveling without, for example, bulky suitcases is easier and more straightforward
As standard dimensions for carry-on luggage in the form of, for example, trolleys, most airlines consider the dimensions 55 x 40 x 20 cm. However, due to the growing trend of traveling with carry-on luggage, some airlines now differentiate between large and small carry-on items. Small luggage pieces may only have a size of 40 x 30 x 10 cm and should fit under the front seat on the plane. These can often be carried for free, while larger pieces of luggage that must be stored in the overhead compartment can still be carried for free by some airlines and are now considered chargeable by others. The weight of the carry-on luggage is often regulated and must not exceed 8 kg.
Dimensions and guidelines regarding size, weight, and fees vary from airline to airline. For this reason, you should definitely inform yourself about the regulations of your airline before your trip.
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Conclusion: Checklist for worry-free travel with hand luggage
With these tips, you are prepared for your next trip:
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Check the hand luggage regulations of the airline:
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Check the size requirements.
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Be aware of possible additional costs for large hand luggage.
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Liquids:
✅ Max 100 ml per container.
✅ Store containers in a transparent plastic bag (max. 10 containers, one bag per passenger). -
Medications:
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Obtain a medical certificate or statement in advance.
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Items:
❌ Do not carry potential weapons.
❌ No blades longer than 6 cm allowed.
