What You Are Not Allowed to Put in Your Luggage When Travelling by Plane : Updated Rules for Hand Luggage and Hold Luggage
Complete and up-to-date guide before the summer holiday: which objects are banned from hand luggage and hold luggage, the new liquids rule at airports with modern scanners, rules for batteries and power banks, and what you can do to pass through security checks quickly.
Travelling by plane involves compliance with strict rules regarding permitted and prohibited objects in hand and hold luggage. These rules are established by airport security authorities and airlines to ensure the safety of all passengers, and non-compliance may mean confiscation of items, delays at security checks or even missing the flight.
In the context of the summer holiday, when air traffic reaches its peak, it is all the more important to pack correctly. Furthermore, in recent years, some rules have been updated, particularly the rule on liquids at airports equipped with modern C3 scanning equipment, which allows containers of more than 100 ml to pass through security.
This guide summarises the main restrictions applicable to hand luggage and hold luggage, as well as specific rules for batteries, medicines and special equipment.
The Liquids Rule in Hand Luggage – Standard Rule vs. New C3 Scanners
Standard Rule (applicable at most airports)
At airports that do not yet have advanced C3 scanners, the classic rule on liquids applies: each liquid, gel, paste or aerosol must be in a container of maximum 100 ml. All such containers must fit in a transparent, resealable plastic bag of maximum 1 litre capacity. You are only allowed one such bag per passenger, and it must be taken out and presented separately at security.
Examples of liquids covered by this rule: water, juice, perfume, shampoo, hair gel, toothpaste, sun cream, liquid soap, mascara, foundation, lip gloss.
New Rule – Airports with C3 3D Scanners
Some European airports have already installed advanced 3D (C3) X-ray equipment, which allows more detailed scanning of luggage contents. At these airports, the 100 ml limit per container for liquids in hand luggage may no longer apply, and passengers may be allowed to keep liquids in containers of up to 2 litres.
Important: Before travelling, check the official website of the departure airport to find out whether C3 scanners are operational, as the transition is gradual and not all checkpoints have this facility. Even at airports with C3 scanners, it is advisable to keep liquids organised and accessible.
Rules for Batteries and Power Banks
Batteries and power banks are one of the most frequently checked categories, due to the fire risk in the event of a short circuit.
Lithium batteries in personal devices: permitted in hand luggage and hold luggage, as long as they are installed in the device.
Spare lithium batteries (not installed): only permitted in hand luggage, NOT in hold luggage. They must be individually protected against short circuits.
Power banks: only permitted in hand luggage, NOT in hold luggage. The maximum capacity varies by airline (usually up to 100 Wh, and between 100–160 Wh only with advance approval).
Large batteries (e.g. for electric bicycles or scooters): in most cases, not permitted in either luggage or hold; check with the airline before travel.
Prohibited Objects in Hand Luggage
Beyond the liquids rule, there are entire categories of objects that cannot be transported in hand luggage, as they could be used to endanger flight safety:
Sharp and blunt objects: knives, scissors with long blades, unprotected razor blades, metal knitting needles, screwdrivers and other tools, as well as any sharp or blunt object that could be used as a weapon.
Explosive and flammable substances: fireworks, firecrackers, liquid fuels, gases, large-capacity or refillable lighters and other explosive or flammable materials.
Firearms and ammunition: firearms, replicas of weapons, ammunition, realistic toy guns and any object resembling a weapon or that could be used to injure.
Blunt sporting instruments: baseball bats, golf clubs, ski poles, bows and arrows, as well as other sporting equipment that can be considered dangerous.
Corrosive or toxic substances: bleach, acids, mercury, toxic sprays or any substance that could injure or damage the aircraft.
Self-defence devices: tasers, pepper spray, stun devices, unless specifically authorised by the airline and authority.
Prohibited Objects in Hold Luggage
Some objects are prohibited in hold luggage due to fire, explosion or other risks:
Spare lithium batteries and power banks (as stated above, only in hand luggage).
Matches and ordinary lighters: generally prohibited or very restricted in hold luggage.
Flammable substances: petrol, lighter fluid, paints, solvents.
Compressed gas cylinders: even if empty, they can be dangerous in conditions of pressure change.
Self-inflating items: camping mattresses or floats with CO2 cartridges may be subject to restrictions.
Important: The complete list may vary by airline and destination. Always check the carrier's conditions before travel.
Rules for Special Medicines and Medical Equipment
Passengers with special medical needs can transport medicines and medical devices that would normally be subject to restrictions, provided they present adequate documentation.
Liquid medicines in quantities exceeding 100 ml: permitted if accompanied by a valid medical prescription or doctor's letter.
Insulin and other injectable medicines: permitted in hand luggage, along with the necessary accessories (syringes, cooling bags). Medical documentation is recommended.
Specific medical equipment (e.g. insulin pumps, portable nebulisers, CPAP devices): permitted both in hand luggage and as additional items, subject to airline agreement.
Special food for specific diets or for babies: generally permitted in the quantities necessary for the duration of the trip.
Recommendation: Prepare in advance all necessary documentation and inform the airline at the time of booking about any special medical needs.
10 Practical Tips for Passing Quickly Through Security
Only pack in hand luggage what you need for the journey and cannot put in hold luggage.
Prepare a separate transparent bag for liquids and place it in an accessible area of your hand luggage.
Remove electronics from your bag before reaching the security checkpoint.
Wear shoes that are easy to take off, as many security checkpoints require this.
Avoid packing tools, sports equipment or other bulky objects in hand luggage.
Check the website of your departure airport for information on C3 scanners and the specific rules in force.
If you are travelling with children or have special medical needs, prepare the relevant documents in advance.
Do not attempt to pass prohibited objects through security – the risk of being delayed, fined or missing the flight is not worth it.
Arrive at the airport with sufficient time, especially in the summer holiday period when security queues are longer.
Stay informed: security rules can change, especially after security incidents or changes in legislation.
InfoCons Consumer Protection reminds you that complying with airport security rules is not just a legal obligation, but also a contribution to the safety of all passengers. A few minutes spent checking the rules before travel can save you time, money and stress at the airport.
Signature : InfoCons Communication Department