Worry about the complex carry-on restrictions? This guide provides everything you need to know when flying in 2025! It covers up-to-date information about electronics, medical supplies, food and more, ensuring a smooth travel experience for you.
Carry-on Essentials: What You Can Bring
✅ Everyday Items Allowed
Here are everyday items permitted in your carry-on:
- Nail clippers & tweezers
- Scissors (smaller than 4 inches)
- Disposable & cartridge razors
- Short Umbrellas
- Butane lighters (1 per person)
- Wheelchairs and assistive devices
❌ Prohibited Items
The following items are not allowed in your carry-on for safety reasons:
- Knives
- Corkscrews with a blade
- Open razor blades
- Tools (longer than 7 inches)
Electronics and Batteries: What You Need to Know
📱 Permitted Electronic Devices
The following electronic devices are allowed in your carry-on:
- Laptops, tablets, and e-readers
- Mobile phones and MP3
- Hair Dryers & straighteners
- Electric shavers (battery-powered)
on board
🔋 When traveling with batteries
When traveling with batteries:
- Spare lithium batteries must be carried in carry-on baggage only.
- Lithium-ion batteries better not exceed 100Wh.
- Lithium metal batteries have less than 2g of lithium per battery.
- Smart luggage with batteries removed before boarding
Medications and Medical Equipment Restrictions
💊 Bringing Medications On Board
You are allowed to carry:
- Tablets and capsules
- Liquid medicines (up to 100 ml / 3.4 oz)
- Hypodermic syringes, with supporting medical documentation, and declared before boarding
- Inhalers, declare to the officers first
Tips: Labeling your medications for a smoother security check process.
Food & Drinks: What’s Allowed
🍽️ Solid Foods
You can bring solid foods such as:
- Sandwiches, nuts, and dried fruits
- Hard cheeses
- Biscuits and cookies
- …
These items are generally permitted in your carry-on.
❌ Restricted Food Items
The following items are larger than 100 ml (3.4 oz):
- Soups and sauces
- Yogurt and creamy cheeses
- Jams, honey, and syrups
- Liquid chocolates
- …
You’d better pack them in your checked luggage.
Sports Equipment and Tools Restrictions
❌ Items Not Allowed in Hand Luggage
The following items considered as bludgeon is strictly prohibited in carry-on:
- Baseball bats
- Snooker cues
- Cricket bats
- Golf clubs
- Darts
- Hiking poles
- Ice axes
🏸 Permitted Items
- Tennis rackets
- Fishing rods
- Sports parachutes, packed separately with other carry-ons
Tips: Always check with your airline for specific regulations.
Traveling with Children: What You Can Bring
👶When flying with your infants or young children, you can carry:
- Baby food and milk, including expressed breast milk
- Sterile water in bottles
- Child safety seats, check with the airline before to make sure the size fits
Tips: All liquid items are subject to the 100ml/ 3.4 oz rule.
Liquids Rule: Understanding the 100 ml(3.4 oz) Limit
- Each liquid must be in a container less than 100 ml(3.4 oz).
- All containers must be put in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag.
- Only one bag per passenger is allowed.
- The bag must be presented separately at security checkpoints.
Note: Some airports have advanced security scanners, allowing passengers to keep liquids in their bags during screening.
Airline-Specific Carry-on Policies
🧳 Hand luggage allowances can vary by airline. Here's a brief overview for a quick check:
Airline | Main Cabin Bag Size (cm) | Main Bag Weight Limit |
56 x 45 x 25 | Up to 23 kg | |
45 x 36 x 20 | Up to 23 kg | |
55 x 40 x 20 | Up to 10 kg | |
56 x 36 x 23 | ~23 kg (50 lb) | |
56 x 35 x 23 | ~23 kg (50 lb) | |
56 x 36 x 23 | Up to 10 kg |
Notes:
- British Airways: The Weight limit cannot be split.
- easyJet: No single item can weigh more than 32kg, or exceed the maximum total size of 275cm.
- Ryanair: The cabin bag size (55x40x20) is for travellers who pay for priority.
- Delta/United: ~23kg ≈ 50lb (standard US airline weight conversion).
Additional Prohibited Items
🚫 The following items are strictly forbidden in both carry-on and checked luggage:
- Explosives and flammable substances, such as fireworks
- Chemical and toxic substances, such as acids and peroxides
- Ammunition
- Self-defense items, like pepper spray and stun guns
Any attempts to carry these items on board can result in fines or legal action. So don't take risks.
Final Tips for a Smooth Security Experience
Travelling soon? Here are tips to make your journey as smooth as possible:
- Arrive early: Give yourself enough time for security checking, especially when traveling with children.
- Pack liquids correctly: Use a transparent resealable bag, and put it in an easily accessible part of your carry-on.
- Use suitcase organizers: They help you speed up searches if your bag is selected for screening.
- Remove electronics in advance: Laptops, tablets, and e-readers should be placed in a separate bin.
- Declare all medications and baby items: Especially liquids over 100 ml(3.4 oz).
Carry-on Restrictions Guide
What happens if I bring a prohibited item to security?
You will be asked to surrender the item. In some cases, airports may offer a mailing service or return counter, but it’s not guaranteed.Can I bring a contact lens solution over 100ml?
Only if you have documentation from a medical professional or prior approval from the airline. Otherwise, stick to under the 100 ml(3.4 oz) limit.Are solid deodorant sticks allowed?
Yes. Solid and powder-based toiletries are not subject to the liquid rule.Can I take perfume in my hand luggage?
Yes, if the bottle is 100 ml(3.4 oz) or less and fits within your liquids bag.What if I’m unsure about an item?
Always check your airline’s website or contact them directly! Rules vary slightly between carriers and destinations.