Security rules vary by country and airline, but most countries follow similar international aviation standards. Here are answers to the most common questions.
Most countries limit liquids, gels, and pastes in hand luggage to containers of 100ml (3.4oz) or less, all fitting in a single 1-litre clear resealable bag. This rule applies at security checkpoints, not onboard. The UK relaxed this in 2024 at some airports (up to 2 litres total using new CT scanners), and similar changes are rolling out in the EU.
Liquids include anything that can pour, spread, or squirt — water, shampoo, perfume, toothpaste, mascara, peanut butter, and even snow globes. Solid forms of toiletries (solid shampoo, bar soap) are not counted as liquids.
The 100ml per container / one-litre clear bag rule is standard across all 14 countries we cover. The UK trialled relaxing the limit to 2 litres at airports with advanced CT scanners, but reverted to the 100ml rule in 2024. The main exceptions everywhere are medically necessary liquids (see medication and insulin) and baby formula.
Aerosol sprays are treated as liquids, so each can must be 100ml or smaller and go in your one-litre clear bag. Stick deodorant is not a liquid and has no carry-on restrictions. Any size aerosol is fine in checked baggage. See also: spray deodorant and hairspray.
Sunscreen counts as a liquid — carry-on containers must be 100ml or smaller and go in your clear liquids bag. Full-size bottles are fine in checked baggage. This rule is consistent across all 14 countries we cover.
Yes — perfume counts as a liquid, so your bottle must be 100ml or smaller and go in your one-litre clear bag at security. Larger bottles should go in checked baggage. The rules are consistent across all regions we cover.
Yes — breast milk, baby formula, and baby food are explicitly exempt from the 100ml rule at security checkpoints across all countries we cover. You can carry reasonable quantities in hand luggage and don't need a baby present to qualify. Security may test the liquid but cannot require you to taste it.
Power banks must be in your carry-on, never checked baggage, due to lithium battery fire risk. Most airlines allow up to 100Wh (about 27,000mAh); 100–160Wh requires airline approval; above 160Wh is banned. Check the mAh rating on your device and convert (Wh = mAh ÷ 1000 × voltage).
Vapes and e-cigarettes must be in your carry-on, not checked baggage (lithium battery rule). You cannot use them onboard. The liquids/ e-juice count toward your 100ml allowance if carried in the cabin.
Drones are generally allowed in carry-on or checked baggage, but the lithium batteries must travel in carry-on only — they cannot go in the hold. Many countries also require import permits or registration for drones on arrival, which is a customs issue separate from security. Check the regulations at your destination before you fly. Always verify with your airline before travel as policies can change.
Most airlines ban smart luggage with a non-removable built-in battery from both the cabin and the hold, because lithium batteries in cargo pose a fire risk. If your bag has a removable battery, take it out and carry it in your cabin bag — the bag itself can then go in the hold. Rules vary by carrier, so check your airline's policy before you pack. Always verify with your airline before travel as policies can change.
Most solid foods are allowed in carry-on baggage. Liquids and pastes (soups, jams, hummus) are subject to the 100ml rule. Fresh fruit and vegetables may be restricted at certain international borders due to agricultural biosecurity laws — especially into Australia, New Zealand, and the US.
Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy, eggs, seeds, and soil are all subject to strict biosecurity rules when you arrive in Australia or New Zealand. These are customs rules enforced on arrival, not aviation security rules. Items must be declared on your arrival card, and undeclared prohibited items can result in large fines.
Yes. Prescription medication is exempt from the 100ml rule and can exceed the limit — carry it in original packaging with your name on it and bring a prescription or doctor's letter for controlled substances. Rules vary slightly by country; the US TSA is generally permissive, while some countries require more documentation.
Yes. Insulin, syringes, and glucose monitors are exempt from the 100ml rule and are permitted in carry-on across all countries we cover. Keep medications in their original labelled packaging and carry a doctor's letter for controlled substances. You may be asked to declare these items at security.
Most airlines — including all major US carriers — treat CPAP machines and other medical devices as exempt from the carry-on allowance, so you can bring it in addition to your standard bags. This isn't guaranteed on every airline, particularly budget carriers with strict bag policies, so confirm before you travel. Always verify with your airline before travel as policies can change.
Cannabis is prohibited on flights in most countries, even where it's legal locally — US aviation law operates under federal rules, where it remains illegal regardless of your departure state. CBD oil is a grey area: it may be permitted where THC content falls below the legal threshold in both countries, but enforcement is inconsistent. Always verify with your airline before travel as policies can change.
They're the same thing — the bag you take into the aircraft cabin with you. "Hold luggage" or "checked baggage" refers to the bag that goes in the aircraft cargo hold, checked in at the airport counter.
A carry-on is the larger bag that goes in the overhead bin. A personal item is a smaller bag — handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack — that fits under the seat in front of you. Most full-service airlines include both in the ticket price; budget carriers often only include the personal item in the base fare and charge extra for the overhead bag. Check your airline's baggage policy before you pack.
US carriers (American, Delta, United, Southwest) don't enforce weight limits on carry-on bags — overhead bin size acts as the natural constraint. European budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet cap carry-on at 10–15kg, and carriers such as Emirates and Qatar Airways limit it to 7kg. Check your specific airline's baggage page before you pack. Always verify with your airline before travel as policies can change.
Yes, and they're set independently. Airport security checks what's inside your bag; the airline checks the bag's dimensions and weight. A bag can clear security but still be too large for your airline's overhead bin policy. Budget carriers — Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air — enforce size limits at the gate and will charge a fee or check the bag. Always verify with your airline before travel as policies can change.
Firearms can be transported in checked baggage in many countries if they are unloaded, in a hard-sided locked case, and declared to your airline at check-in. Rules vary significantly — the US and Canada have specific requirements, while some countries prohibit passenger transport of firearms entirely. Never travel with a firearm without confirming the rules for both your departure and arrival country. Always verify with your airline before travel as policies can change.
You can, but security has the right to open any package to inspect the contents — and will if a bag is flagged. Wrapped gifts that are opened at the checkpoint cannot be re-wrapped before boarding. It's generally easier to travel with gifts unwrapped and wrap them at your destination.
You'll typically be asked to surrender the item or return it to your checked bag if time allows. For dangerous items (weapons, large knives), you may face further questioning. Security officers have discretion — carrying a multi-tool or scissors that are borderline might result in confiscation even if technically within limits.
No — TSA PreCheck changes the screening process, not the allowed items list. You can leave shoes on, keep a laptop in your bag, and skip the liquids tray, but the same prohibited items rules apply. A banned item is still banned even with PreCheck. The benefit is a faster, less disruptive process at the checkpoint, not different allowances.
Usually not. Items surrendered at the checkpoint are discarded or donated — they are not stored for collection. If you are caught early in the process, some airports will let you return to check-in and transfer the item to your checked bag, but there is no guarantee once you are past the screening lane. A few airports offer a paid mail-back service for high-value items. The safest approach is to check the rules before you pack.