Last updated: September 16, 2025
Air travel comes with a set of strict rules regarding what you can and can't bring on the plane in your carry-on luggage. Many travellers experience delays at security checkpoints due to confusion about permitted items. Being informed will not only speed up your screening process but also help prevent the frustration of having to discard belongings at the airport. Our latest guide will bring you up to speed with all essential carry-on luggage restrictions and provide expert tips on how to pack efficiently.
Airport security personnel are strict about their regulations and failing to comply can result in the confiscation of prohibited items. Knowing what you're allowed to take helps you be better prepared for your trip and speeds up the process at security. As a rule of thumb, on the plane, you can bring luquids up to 100ml, non-sharp items, electronics, medication and other similar items. But let's break down what you can bring on the plane to help you pack your carry-on.
Passengers can bring liquids on the plane, but they must follow the 100ml rule if they're in the carry-on luggage. This means all liquids must be placed in containers no larger than 100ml and fit inside a transparent, resealable plastic bag with a 1-litre capacity . If your liquid items do not meet these regulations, they will be discarded at security.
Expert Tip: Security checks often require you to remove your liquids from your luggage for inspection. Keep them in an easily accessible compartment for a faster screening process. Our flight experts also recommend buying travel-sized versions of your essentials to meet the carry-on luggage liquid restrictions.
You can bring common toiletries like deodorants, toothpaste, and shampoo on the plane if they adhere to the 100ml limit. Solid toiletries, such as bar soap, deodorant sticks, or powder-based products, are not subject to liquid restrictions.
No one will stop you from bringing any cosmetics but there are certain guidelines. Makeup items like liquid foundation and mascara are considered liquids and must be included in your transparent bag.
Expert Tip: Consider using solid alternatives like shampoo bars and powder-based cosmetics to bypass liquid restrictions and make packing easier.
Yes, you can bring non-sharp tools on the plane. Small personal tools like tweezers and nail clippers are usually allowed in the hand luggage. However, sharp objects like large scissors ( over 4 inches ) and box cutters are strictly prohibited.
Generally, medicine is allowed on the plane. You can take pills like ibuprofen or nasal spray in your carry-on. Prescription medications are permitted even if they exceed 100ml. SkyRefund experts recommend carrying a doctor’s note or prescription, especially for liquid medications or medical syringes. You can check out our guide on taking medicine on a plane to learn more about the requirements.
Expert Tip: Always pack essential medications in your carry-on in case your checked baggage is lost or delayed. Our experts also recommend storing them in their original packaging for hassle-free security checks.
Yes, you're allowed to take lighters or matches on the plane. One lighter per passenger or a box of safety matches is allowed but must be kept in one of your pockets or your jacket, not in your carry-on.
Most common electronics are allowed on the plane. Items like, laptops, tablets, cameras, and e-readers are allowed in carry-on and checked-in luggage. But we recommend bringing them with you on board in case of lost luggage or to lower the risk of damage.
Power banks and lithium batteries above 100Wh must be carried in the cabin, as placing them in checked luggage poses a fire risk.
Generally, most baby items are alllowed on planes. Parents travelling with infants are allowed to bring baby formula, milk, and baby food, even if the packaging exceeds the standard 100ml restriction . Security may require you to open containers for screening.
Strollers and car seats can usually be taken on board or checked at the gate.
E-cigarettes and vaping devices are allowed only in your hand luggage but cannot be used on the plane. Spare batteries should be stored in protective cases to avoid fire hazards.
Razors can be a confusing item when it comes to air travel restrictions. There are some whic don't have restrictions and others which aren't even allowed on the plane. Below you can see what razors you can take on a plane:
Items such as jewellery, expensive watches, designer handbags, high-end electronics, and wedding dresses should never be placed in checked luggage due to the risk of loss or damage. Airlines are not responsible for the loss of valuable personal items and compensation for lost or stolen valuables is often limited.
Additionally, delicate items like musical instruments and fragile collectables should be properly packed and, where possible, carried in the cabin. Some airlines allow passengers to book an extra seat for particularly large or fragile valuables, such as artwork or expensive photographic equipment.
Expert Tip: Consider purchasing additional travel insurance for extra protection if you’re travelling with high-value items. SkyRefund flight experts also suggest keeping receipts or appraisals for expensive belongings in case you need to file a claim.
Understanding what can't you bring on the plane is sometimes even more important than what you can. Knowing which items aren't allowed in your hand luggage can save you a lot of headaches and frustrations when travelling. Here are some of the main categories of things you can't bring on a plane:
Items such as knives, box cutters, and razor blades are not permitted in carry-on luggage. You can bring them on a plane in your checked-in luggage but they must be safely wrapped. Small scissors with blades shorter than 4 inches (measured from the pivot point) are generally allowed.
Most sports equipment is prohibited in carry-on luggage because of its potential use as a blunt weapon. Items such as baseball bats, golf clubs, and hockey sticks must be checked in.
Passengers are not allowed to carry liquids exceeding 100ml per container in their hand luggage. If you want to take something larger, you need to place it in your checked-in luggage. This includes beverages, soups, lotions, and even certain foods like yoghurt or jelly.
Firearms, ammunition, and any explosive materials are strictly forbidden in carry-on luggage. Passengers travelling with firearms for legal purposes must check with their airline and comply with all necessary documentation and security protocols for checked baggage transport.
Aside from what you can take on a plane, it's good to know what are the size and weight restrictions for carry-on luggage. While exact sized may vary they follow the same principles which we outline below.
Each airline has its own specific size restrictions for carry-on baggage. Most airlines allow one main cabin bag and one smaller personal item. However, budget airlines tend to enforce stricter size policies and may charge extra for a larger bag that exceeds their dimensions.
Additionally, airline staff may require passengers to place their hand luggage in a size-measuring frame at the boarding gate. It may need to be checked in at an additional cost if it does not fit within the required dimensions.
Expert Tip: If your carry-on bag is close to the airline’s size limits, opt for soft-sided luggage instead of a rigid suitcase. A slightly overstuffed soft bag can often be adjusted to fit within the required size dimensions.
Most airlines impose weight limits of 7-10 kg . Budget airlines often enforce stricter policies.
Expert Tip: Weigh your hand luggage at home to avoid surprise fees at the airport. Some airlines charge steep penalties for exceeding weight limits.
Different airlines have varying rules for carry-on baggage. It's good to know their requirements before flying so you don't end up having topay for extra luggage. Some of the requirements include:
Regular passengers can carry one small bag ( 40 x 25 x 20 cm ). Ryanair passengers with upgraded Priority boarding can bring one additional bag ( 55 x 40 x 20 cm, max 10kg ).
Passengers are allowed one small bag ( 45 x 36 x 20 cm ), while easyJet Up Front/Flexi bookings include an extra bag allowance.
American Airlines passengers can bring one carry-on ( 56 x 36 x 23 cm ) + one personal item.
British Airways passengers can bring one cabin bag ( 56 x 45 x 25 cm, max 23kg ) + a handbag or laptop bag.
Delays and flight cancellations are a major frustration and how you pack can make a big difference in these situations. Always pack a small emergency kit in your carry-on with a change of clothes, basic toiletries, and any must-have essentials.
Having your essential belongings with you in your carry-on means you won’t be left stranded without necessities. And if your flight is delayed or cancelled last minute, SkyRefund can help you claim compensation quickly and hassle-free.
It takes seconds to check your compensation eligibility under EU Regulation 261/2004 . Submit your compensation claim today and let our legal team handle the entire process.
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