Hold baggage

The amount of checked luggage you can take varies from airline to airline. They also determine the size and weight of your bags. Check with your airline or travel agent to be sure. 

Do you have a bicycle, skis, golf bags or large musical instruments? These must be checked in as special luggage . 

You can put almost anything in your hold luggage, except items on the prohibited list. Some examples are: 

• Prohibited firearms (according to the Weapons Act of 9th June 2006) 
• Gases: CO2 cartridges over 28g (=50ml). Each person can carry up to 4 cartridges of a maximum of 28g. You must obtain prior approval from your airline. 
• Explosives, flammable substances and devices: detonators, fuses and igniters, fireworks, pyrotechnic materials, smoke canisters and cartridges, gunpowder, dynamite, plastic explosives 
• Explosive and highly flammable liquids or solids: primers, explosives, turpentine, paint thinner 
• Chemical and toxic substances: acids, corrosive substances, bleaching agents 

Not sure if an item is allowed in your checked luggage? Check with your airline. 

You can't carry these items in your hand luggage, but they can go in your hold luggage. 

• Liquids and gels, such as drinks, perfumes, creams, lotions, toothpaste, syrup, mascara, lipstick, deodorant in individual packaging of more than 100ml.  
• Liquids and gels such as drinks, perfumes, creams, lotions, toothpaste, syrup, mascara, lipstick, deodorant of more than the total amount permitted in hand luggage (1 litre). Read here more on liquid and gels.  
• Replica firearms, toy guns, devices that discharge projectiles (e.g. staple gun), stunning devices 
• Sharp or pointed objects such as scissors, knives, ski poles, pointed walking sticks, darts. 
• Blunt objects such as golf clubs, baseball bats, hockey sticks, billiard cues, clubs, heavy tools, martial arts equipment. 
• Items with a sharp point or edge that can cause serious injury. Examples include saws, hammers, chisels, crowbars, drills and drill bits. 
• Workmen’s tools including saws, drills and nail guns.  

Do you have a fragile gift or delicate vase or glassware as a souvenir? Pack your fragile items safely with these tips: 

• Place bottles of liquids in a sealed plastic bag to prevent spillage if the bottle breaks. 
• Avoid empty spaces in your suitcase by filling them with small items. 
• Inform the check-in staff that your luggage contains fragile items. The airline may be able to place a special tag on your bag. 

More information? Check out this page about luggage. 

Bring portable electronic devices with lithium batteries into the cabin. 

For electronics in hold luggage: 

• Disable any applications, alarms or settings that could turn the device on. 
• Protect your devices with sturdy packaging, cases or hard-sided luggage with shock-absorbing materials, such as clothing. 

Hoverboards are generally not allowed on board aircraft, either in carry-on or checked luggage. Always check your airline's policy. 

Conditions for travelling with a firearm 
Firearms and ammunition can be transported as checked luggage under certain conditions, according to ICAO and IATA regulations. Airlines also have specific requirements. You can travel with a firearm for purposes such as sport or hunting. 

Report to security first 
Report with your weapon to the security building at Brussels Airport before entering the terminal. 

• Location: The Brussels Airport Security building is located opposite the departure hall, next to the Sheraton Hotel.
• Opening hours: 24/7 
• Important: Please contact your airline in advance for details of procedures and permits required for the transport of weapons and ammunition. 

Want to make sure your luggage arrives safely? Follow these tips: 

Tip 1: Choose a sturdy suitcase 
Do you travel a lot by plane? We recommend a sturdy suitcase. This will make it easier to transport fragile items and keep the contents in place. 

The shape of your luggage is also important: make sure it's not round so it doesn't roll off the carousel. 

Any damaged luggage will be rejected. Make sure you have a sturdy suitcase. 

Tip 2: Avoid straps and belts 
Avoid extra straps or belts around your luggage as these can get caught and cause damage. Make sure any straps on rucksacks are tucked away securely. 

Tip 3: Wrap your luggage 
Wrapping is the process of covering your suitcase with a thin layer of transparent film. A wrapped suitcase is recommended to protect against damage and theft. 
Important: Brussels Airport only allows certified wrapping. Luggage wrapped with non-approved film or tape will be refused at check-in. 

More about luggage wrapping.

Tip 4: Label your luggage
Label each suitcase with your name on the outside (and optionally your name and address on the inside). 

All hold luggage is screened for dangerous or prohibited items. If Brussels Airport security finds something that is not allowed according to EU regulation EU 300/2008, they may open your luggage. 

Your luggage will be opened in your presence 

Usually, you are present when your luggage is opened. You will be informed immediately of the reason for the additional security check. 

Your luggage is opened without your presence 

Sometimes it is not possible for you to be present when your luggage is opened. In this case, the Chief Security Inspector of Brussels Airport will open your luggage together with a supervisor from the security team. If they find a prohibited item, it will be removed. On arrival, you will find an information document with a registration number in your luggage.