How much hold luggage you can bring depends on your airline. Travelling with larger items like skis or musical instruments? These must be checked in as oversized luggage. Brussels Airport also enforces rules regarding what is and isn’t allowed in hold luggage. Let’s take a look.
Luggage rules: Weight and dimensions
Bringing multiple or heavy suitcases? These must go in the hold. Each item must not exceed 32 kg in weight or 45 x 90 x 75 cm in size. These regulations apply at Brussels Airport and many other international airports.
Packing your hold luggage
Once you have checked in, your baggage enters the airport’s automated baggage system. Want to ensure it arrives safely? Follow these tips:
Choose a sturdy suitcase
If you travel frequently, we recommend a robust suitcase to protect fragile items. Avoid rounded cases, as they may roll off the conveyor belt. Damaged baggage may be refused by airport staff.
Avoid straps, cords and elastics
Do not attach straps, cords, or elastic bands to your suitcase. They can get caught in the baggage system and cause delays. Also, remove any old stickers to avoid confusion.
Wrap your bag
Wrapping involves covering your suitcase with a thin layer of transparent plastic film. It offers extra protection and reduces the risk of theft. Cardboard boxes must be wrapped. We only accepts officially approved wrapping material. Bags wrapped in unapproved plastic or tape will be refused at check-in.
Frequently asked questions
Want a smooth security screening? Always check the list of prohibited items before packing.
Weapons are only allowed under strict conditions. Always notify the check-in agent or contact your airline in advance. More info >
Explosive or flammable substances: detonators, fireworks, turpentine, paint thinners, hazardous materials, oxidisers, and organic peroxides (e.g. bleach)
Toxic and infectious substances
Radioactive or corrosive materials and gases, including CO² cartridges for items such as bicycle tyres
Large quantities of aerosols or lighters
Each airline may have additional rules, particularly for battery-powered items such as e-bikes, segways, pedelecs, hoverboards, waveboards or electronic cigarettes
Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Security staff may refuse an item for safety reasons. Not sure? Contact us or your airline.
Liquids in containers larger than 100 millilitres. Find out more about liquids and gels.
Replica or imitation firearms, toy guns, devices capable of firing projectiles (e.g. staple guns) and stun guns. Inform the check-in agent or your airline in advance.
Pointed or sharp objects such as scissors, knives, ski poles, walking sticks, darts, chisels, crowbars and drills.
Blunt instruments such as golf clubs, baseball bats, hockey sticks, pool cues and rackets.
Are you bringing a bicycle, skis, golf bag, pushchair or large musical instrument? Travelling with a pet? These items must be checked in as oversized luggage.
All hold luggage is screened for prohibited items. If anything suspicious is found, your bag may be opened. Will you be there? Usually yes! You'll be informed immediately if additional screening is required.
Sometimes we open bags without the owner present. In such cases, the Chief Security Inspector and a supervisor will open your luggage. On arrival, you'll find a note in your bag with a registration number.
Preferably pack portable electronic devices with lithium batteries in your hand luggage. If you do need to place something in your checked baggage:
Turn the device off completely.
Leave batteries in their original packaging or tape the terminals.
Protect the device with a sturdy case.
Electronic cigarettes (vapes), power banks and hoverboards are never allowed in checked baggage. Not sure about a specific item? Check the rules with your airline before packing.
Carrying a delicate gift or fragile souvenirs such as glassware or a vase? Follow these tips to keep them safe:
Place bottles or other fragile items containing liquids in a sealed plastic bag to prevent leakage.
Fill empty spaces in your suitcase with small items to keep everything secure.
Inform the check-in desk of any fragile items. Some airlines may label your bag as fragile.
Weapons and ammunition are only allowed in checked luggage under strict ICAO, IATA and airline regulations. Travelling for sport or hunting? Follow these steps:
Check your airline's requirements for procedures and permits in advance.
Visit the Brussels Airport Security near the Sheraton Hotel (open 24/7).
Return to the airport as soon as possible and report to the handler. Check all handlers here.