The core rule is simple: anything that could cause harm in flight stays out of the cabin, and anything that burns or explodes stays out of checked baggage too. The rest comes down to packing and common sense. Below: what’s banned in carry-on, what’s banned in the hold and where to find the exact list for your flight.
Carry-on may not contain sharp or pointed objects, liquids in containers over 100 ml, or flammable items. Checked baggage may not contain power banks, lithium batteries, or explosive and fire-hazard substances. Weapons travel under the airline’s separate rules. The exact list is always set by the carrier and airport security — confirm with them and with your flight details in your booking.
01 / PrincipleHow the restrictions work
Restrictions run along two axes: where the item travels (cabin or hold) and what it is (dangerous by nature, or dangerous only in the wrong hands). So the same object can be allowed in one place and banned in another: a power bank flies only in the cabin, while a large knife travels only in the hold. Remember: the final call always rests with security at screening, and it can be stricter than the general rule.
02 / CabinWhat’s banned in carry-on
- Sharp and pointed items: knives, long-bladed scissors, razors with loose blades, corkscrews, knitting needles — anything with a pointed tip.
- Liquids over 100 ml per container — even if the bottle is only partly full. See the full rule in our liquids in carry-on guide.
- Flammables: gas canisters, pressurised aerosols, lighters with spare fuel, solvents.
- Replica weapons and blunt impact objects: toy guns, bats, knuckledusters — these are removed at screening too.
03 / CheckedWhat’s banned in checked baggage
The hold is out of the crew’s reach during flight, so anything that could ignite or activate unattended doesn’t go there. The headline example is lithium batteries and power banks: they travel only in carry-on. Details are in our power banks and batteries guide.
04 / WeaponsWeapons and special items
Weapons and ammunition travel under separate rules and, as a rule, only in checked baggage — unloaded, in dedicated packaging and declared to the carrier in advance. Sports gear with sharp or heavy parts also needs clearance; see our separate sports equipment guide.
Notify the airline in advance
Submit a weapons-transport request when booking, or no later than the carrier’s stated deadline.
Prepare your documents
Keep your weapon permit and ID with you — they’re checked at baggage drop.
Pack to spec
Weapon unloaded, ammunition separate, everything in a hard case. The desk will accept it as special baggage.
05 / CheckHow to check before you fly
- 01Open the baggage section on your airline’s website — that’s the most accurate, up-to-date list of prohibitions.
- 02Check the rules of your departure and arrival airports: some countries are stricter.
- 03Review the booking details in your order — it gathers a summary of your fare and allowances.
- 04Still unsure? Message us at @sales_travel_bot or call 8 800 1000-646.
06 / FAQFrequently asked
Can I take a power bank on a plane?
Yes, but only in carry-on — lithium batteries and power banks may not go in checked baggage. Capacity limits apply; see our power banks and batteries guide.
How much liquid can I bring into the cabin?
Liquids must be in containers of no more than 100 ml each, placed together in one clear bag. Larger volumes go in checked baggage only. Full rule in our liquids in carry-on guide.
What happens if a banned item is found at screening?
Usually the item is simply confiscated and you continue without it. But hazardous substances or undeclared weapons can lead to administrative or criminal liability — better not to risk it.
Where do I get the exact list for my flight?
On the airline’s and airport’s websites — those are the source of truth. We show a summary for your ticket in your booking details, and you can confirm specifics with us at 8 800 1000-646.