Hand luggage: what you can (and can’t) bring
- Tips for hand baggage
- What is permitted in your hand baggage? What is not?
Heading off on a trip? Let’s keep things smooth from the start and that begins with packing your hand luggage right. What’s allowed, what’s not, and how big can your bag be? We’ll walk you through it.
What is the maximum size for hand luggage?
That depends on your airline. But as a general guideline, stick to 55 x 40 x 20 cm (wheels and handles included). Most airlines also let you bring a smaller personal item, like a handbag or laptop bag, as long as it fits under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin.
What items are allowed in hand luggage?
- Passport and boarding pass
- Special dietary food, baby food, and medication (bring a medical note if needed)
- Smartphone, laptop, tablet, camera
- Liquids, gels, and pastes in containers of 100 ml max each
- Liquids bought after security, if they’re sealed and you keep the receipt
Tip: Keep valuables, like money or jewellery, in your hand luggage.
What’s not allowed?
- Firearms and replicas: pistols, revolvers, toy guns
- Sharp objects: scissors, knives, razors, axes
- Blunt items: golf clubs, baseball bats, brass knuckles
- See the full list of prohibited items
Liquids and gels: what’s allowed?
You can bring liquids, creams, gels, and sprays in containers of up to 100 ml each.
Put them all together in a clear, resealable 1-litre plastic bag. Read more about liquids and gels.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can bring baby food in your hand luggage, even if they exceed the usual 100ml liquid limit. You should present them separately at security.
Anything you buy after the security screening can be taken on board. Just make sure it’s sealed and keep the receipt.
Small pets like dogs or cats are sometimes allowed as hand luggage. Rules vary by airline and depend on your pet’s size, weight and travel bag. Always check with your airline beforehand. Learn more.
Yes, as long as it’s in a container of 100 ml or less. Don’t want to risk having it taken away? Pack it in your hold baggage.
Yes. Remember that food such as yoghurt, cheese and chocolate spread are classified as liquids. Not eating them on the plane? Then make sure you check the import rules for your destination country.