Carry-On Luggage Rules & Prohibited Items: 2026 Flight Guide

1. Know Your Three Bags

• Personal item: A small bag under the seat—purse, laptop bag, or slim backpack.

• Carry-on: A larger bag in the overhead bin.

• Checked bag: Handed over at the counter and carried in the hold.

Rules differ for each. Items banned from the cabin may be allowed in checked baggage, but lithium batteries and power banks are usually the opposite: they must stay with you.

2. Absolutely Prohibited Items

These are banned in both carry-on and checked bags:

• Explosives, fireworks, flares, ammunition, and realistic replica weapons

• Flammable liquids and solids such as gasoline, paint thinner, and high-proof alcohol

• Self-heating meal kits and instant hot pots

• Lighters, matches, and other ignition devices on many flights

• Tear gas, pepper spray, and disabling devices

If you are unsure, leave it at home. Carrying a prohibited item can lead to confiscation, fines, or legal action.

3. Power Banks and Lithium Batteries

The golden rule: never put them in checked baggage. They must travel in the cabin.

• 100Wh or less: Usually allowed without special approval.

• 100Wh to 160Wh: Airline approval needed; often a maximum of two.

• Above 160Wh: Forbidden.

In China, power banks on domestic flights must have a clear 3C mark. Damaged, swollen, or recalled units are not allowed. Do not use a power bank to charge devices in flight, and do not charge the power bank itself from the seat outlet. Keep it protected from short circuits and within reach.

4. Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels

The 100ml rule is one of the most misunderstood.

• Containers must be 100ml (3.4oz) or less.

• The limit applies to the labeled capacity, not how much is left inside.

• All containers must fit in one clear, resealable plastic bag, usually 1 quart or 1 liter.

• Larger liquids should go in checked baggage.

• Duty-free liquids may be allowed after security if sealed in a tamper-evident bag with the receipt.

• Aerosols such as deodorant, hairspray, and sunscreen follow similar rules.

5. Sharp Objects, Tools, and Sporting Goods

• Blades longer than 6cm (about 2.4 inches) are generally prohibited in carry-on.

• Knives, box cutters, multi-tools with blades, and craft tools should be checked.

• Bats, golf clubs, ski poles, and hiking poles are usually not allowed in the cabin.

• Check them in or arrange special handling with the airline.

6. Food, Powders, and Everyday Items

Yogurt, soup, jam, honey, peanut butter, and sauces are treated as liquids or gels. If carried on, they must follow the 100ml rule. Solid snacks like nuts, cookies, and sandwiches are usually fine.

• Powders may get extra screening on some international routes.

• E-cigarettes and vaping devices are often carry-on only, never checked, and must not be used on board.

• Medicines should stay in your carry-on, in original packaging, with a prescription if required.

• Valuables such as jewelry, laptops, and documents should never go in checked luggage.

7. Carry-On Size and Weight

Airlines measure the entire bag, including wheels, handles, and side pockets. A bag marketed as “20-inch” may be too large once wheels are included.

• Full-service airlines often allow about 55 x 40 x 20cm and 5–10kg.

• Low-cost carriers can be stricter, sometimes allowing only a small under-seat bag unless you pay extra.

• Always check your airline’s policy. Gate-check fees can be expensive.

8. Security Checkpoint Tips

• Put liquids in one easy-to-reach bag.

• Keep laptops and large electronics accessible.

• Empty your pockets before the scanner.

• Place power banks, keys, and metal objects in your carry-on.

• Wear easy-to-remove shoes if required.

• Bring an empty water bottle and fill it after security.

• Label your bag with contact information.

• Take a photo of your packed bag in case it is lost.

• Keep essentials—medication, passport, phone, charger, and a change of clothes—in your personal item in case your carry-on is gate-checked.

9. Airline and Country Differences

Rules are not identical everywhere. The United States, European Union, United Kingdom, China, Australia, and other regions have different restrictions on liquids, powders, batteries, and sharp objects. Low-cost airlines often have their own baggage policies. Before every trip, check two sources: the airline’s official baggage page and the security authority of your departure airport. If you are transferring through another country, check its rules too.

10. Final Pre-Flight Checklist

Before leaving for the airport, ask:

• Is my power bank in my carry-on and clearly labeled?

• Are all liquids 100ml or less and in one clear bag?

• Have I removed lighters, matches, and fireworks?

• Are sharp objects packed in checked baggage?

• Does my carry-on fit the airline’s size and weight limits?

• Are medications and valuables with me?

If you can answer yes, you are ready for a smoother journey.

Flying does not have to be complicated. Check the rules, pack with purpose, and keep prohibited items out of your bag. Your future self—standing calmly at security—will thank you.