Michael Turner
Liquids must be in containers no larger than 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) each and fit together inside a single clear resealable plastic bag with capacity around 1 quart (~1 L). Prescription medicines and infant formula/milk are exempt from the 100 ml restriction but should be presented separately at security screening and kept in original packaging or with a prescription label.
Electronics such as laptops, tablets and e-readers are commonly removed from bags for X-ray screening unless signage or staff instruct otherwise; keep devices easily accessible. Spare lithium-ion batteries and power banks must remain in the cabin with terminals taped or in protective pouches: up to 100 Wh is routinely allowed, 100–160 Wh requires airline approval, and items above 160 Wh are prohibited from both cabin and checked stowage.
Prohibited in the cabin: knives, box cutters, large scissors, most tools and sporting equipment (bats, clubs, hockey sticks). Firearms and ammunition must not be placed in the cabin; firearms require declaration at check-in, must be unloaded, and transported in a locked hard-sided case in checked baggage following carrier and local regulations.
Size and weight limits vary by carrier: many U.S. legacy airlines use a guideline of approximately 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm) for a main cabin bag; some low-cost European carriers restrict to about 40 × 20 × 25 cm or enforce strict weight caps (commonly 7–10 kg). Duty-free liquids purchased airside are allowed in sealed tamper-evident bags with receipt–keep the bag sealed for connecting flights unless instructed otherwise by security.
At security checkpoints, place the liquids bag and large electronics in separate trays, present medicines and infant supplies for inspection, and notify officers about any unusual items. When uncertain about a specific object, transfer it to checked baggage at check-in to prevent delays or confiscation.
Permitted Items for Cabin Baggage
Pack prescription medications, travel documents, a charged phone or laptop, and a toiletry kit with containers of 100 mL (3.4 oz) or less for immediate access and smooth security checks.
Liquids, gels and exemptions
- Standard limit: single transparent resealable bag ~1 L; individual containers must not exceed 100 mL (3.4 oz).
- Medicinal liquids, baby milk/formula and items required for medical reasons: allowed in reasonable quantities above 100 mL but declare at security and keep prescriptions or notes available.
- Duty-free liquids purchased airside: keep in tamper-evident sealed bags with receipt. Connecting-flight screening may require resealing or additional checks – retain proof of purchase.
- Perfumes, deodorant sprays and similar aerosols above the permitted size must be placed in checked baggage or left behind.
Batteries, electronics and sensitive items
- Spare lithium batteries and power banks: carry in cabin only; terminals must be insulated (tape or original packaging). Watt-hour (Wh) rules: ≤100 Wh allowed without airline approval; 100–160 Wh require airline approval; >160 Wh prohibited.
- Installed batteries in phones, cameras, laptops: device in cabin is acceptable; device may be asked to power on during screening.
- Large electronics (laptops, tablets, cameras): pack in an accessible compartment for separate screening; place in carry compartment at boarding to avoid damage.
- Sharp objects (knives, box cutters) and tools with long blades: not permitted in cabin – place into checked consignments or leave behind.
- Firearms and ammunition: generally prohibited in cabin; carriage rules require declaration and secure, locked checked cases with airline approval and permits.
- Flammable liquids, gas canisters, paint, and hoverboards: banned from cabin and often from checked hold as well.
Check airline-specific size/weight allowances and national security regulations prior to departure; when in doubt, transfer items to checked hold or consult the carrier’s prohibited-items list.
Liquids and Gels: How to pack under the 100 ml / 3-1-1 airport rule
Pack all liquids, gels, creams, aerosols and pastes in containers no larger than 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) and place them inside one transparent resealable bag with a capacity around one quart (≈0.95–1.0 L); security allows one such bag per traveller during screening.
Allowed examples: shampoo, sunscreen, hand sanitiser, contact solution, liquid foundation, perfume, toothpaste, shaving cream, gel deodorant, e-liquids. Replace as many items as possible with solids (shampoo bars, toothpaste tablets, solid perfume, solid deodorant, powder sunscreen) to reduce container count and screening hassle.
Container best practices: use rigid travel bottles with silicone gaskets, label contents, fill to about 90% to allow for thermal expansion, secure caps with tape or plastic wrap under the lid, and store in a secondary zip bag for spill containment. There is no numerical limit on containers provided each is ≤100 ml and all fit comfortably inside the resealable bag without overstuffing.
Exemptions and official documentation: medically required liquids, baby formula and breast milk are permitted in amounts above 100 ml but must be declared at security and presented separately; carry prescriptions or medical letters. Duty-free purchases exceeding 100 ml are acceptable only if supplied in a sealed tamper-evident bag (STEB) with an intact receipt and the seal remains unbroken until the final destination.
Screening efficiency tips: remove the transparent bag from cabin baggage and place it in a separate bin for X-ray; keep medications and declared items accessible for inspection. Avoid packing flammable aerosols and bulk solvents, since many carriers restrict or prohibit those; verify airline rules for aerosols and speciality liquids before travel.
Regional specifics and alternatives: the 100 ml / 3.4 fl oz plus one-quart-bag convention is standard across EU, UK and US checkpoints, though some airports apply additional limits–check departure airport guidance. For items exceeding allowable dimensions or for bulky maintenance gear, ship via checked service or courier; small accessories often travel better that way – see best pressure washer telescoping extension wand.
Prescription Medication and Medical Devices: documentation, storage and screening
Store prescription medications in original pharmacy containers labeled with passenger name and medication name; have a printed prescription plus a physician letter stating diagnosis, dosage, route of administration and medical necessity; retain digital copies on a secure device and cloud backup.
Documentation
Presentable documents: original prescription, physician letter with contact details, device manual and manufacturer’s statement on X‑ray sensitivity, and medication lists showing generic names and dosages. For controlled substances obtain destination-specific permits when required (e.g., Schengen certificate for certain narcotics, advance import permission for several Middle Eastern and Asian jurisdictions). Translate key documents into the destination language or carry a concise translated summary prepared by a medical professional.
Storage, batteries and screening
Storage rules: keep temperature-sensitive drugs (insulin, biologics) refrigerated until departure and use an insulated case with cold packs during transit; avoid freezing vials and follow product stability guidance (many insulins tolerate up to ~30°C for limited periods–refer to manufacturer). Syringes and needles should remain in sterile packaging; used sharps transported in a certified puncture‑resistant container. Portable oxygen concentrators require airline approval and must have battery capacity and run‑time documentation; oxygen cylinders are generally prohibited in both cabin and checked baggage.
Battery limits and handling: spare lithium‑ion batteries allowed in cabin only; watt‑hour rules: ≤100 Wh no airline approval needed, >100–160 Wh airline approval required (maximum two spares), >160 Wh prohibited. Lithium metal batteries are permitted in cabin if lithium content ≤2 g. Spare batteries must have terminals insulated (tape or original retail packaging) and be stored in carryon items; power banks are classified as spare lithium batteries and follow the same rules. Convert mAh to Wh using Wh = (mAh × V) / 1000 and ensure capacity markings are legible.
Screening expectations: declare medications and medical devices at the security checkpoint and present documentation on request; items will typically undergo X‑ray screening and may require visual inspection, opening of containers or residue swabs. If a device cannot tolerate X‑ray, present the manufacturer’s statement and request an alternative inspection; airport security may still require additional checks. Inform checkpoint personnel about injectable medications and keep prescriptions accessible to avoid delays.
Electronics and Batteries: rules for laptops, phones and spare lithium batteries
Store all spare lithium-ion batteries and power banks in cabin baggage; placing spares in checked baggage is prohibited and may result in seizure.
Watt‑hour and lithium-content limits
Lithium‑ion cells and batteries: up to 100 Wh per battery permitted in cabin without airline approval. Batteries between 100 Wh and 160 Wh require written airline approval and are normally limited to two spare batteries per passenger. Batteries above 160 Wh are forbidden on passenger aircraft (may only be shipped as cargo under dangerous‑goods procedures).
Lithium‑metal (non‑rechargeable) cells: maximum lithium‑metal content 2 g per cell for carriage in cabin; cells with greater lithium content are not permitted on passenger aircraft.
Handling, packing and screening
Terminals must be insulated to prevent short circuits: use original packaging, individual plastic sleeves, or fully cover terminals with non-conductive tape. Power banks are classified as spare lithium‑ion batteries and must follow the same rules as loose batteries. Devices with installed batteries (laptops, phones, tablets) are allowed in both checked and cabin baggage, but removing batteries and keeping them in cabin baggage is recommended; security may request powering devices on to verify functionality.
Labeling: airlines and security inspect watt‑hour markings. If Wh is not printed, calculate Wh as V × Ah (example: a 3.7 V, 2.0 Ah cell = 7.4 Wh) or carry manufacturer documentation. Damaged, swollen, or recalled batteries are prohibited from transport. For large battery packs (e.g., professional camera packs, e‑bike batteries) obtain airline approval before travel; many carriers prohibit such packs in passenger cabins and checked sections and require cargo‑only shipping under IATA/ICAO dangerous‑goods rules.
Quick checklist: spare batteries in cabin only; terminals protected; ≤100 Wh = no approval; 100–160 Wh = airline approval + max two spares; >160 Wh = prohibited for passenger transport; damaged batteries not allowed.
Sharp Items and Tools: allowed sizes for scissors, pocketknives and small tools
Keep scissors with blade length under 4 inches (10 cm measured from the pivot) inside the cabin bag; scissors with longer blades will be removed at security screening.
Pocketknives and folding knives containing exposed blades are prohibited from cabin bags on most US and EU routes; transfer all such items to checked baggage or ship them ahead. Multi-tools that include a blade are treated the same as knives and will be denied carriage in the cabin.
Hand tools without cutting edges – screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, hex keys – are generally permitted in cabin bags if no single dimension exceeds 7 inches (17.8 cm). Tools longer than 7 inches belong in checked baggage; airline or airport-specific limits may be tighter.
Razors: disposable cartridge razors and electric shavers are allowed in cabin bags; loose razor blades, box cutters and straight-edge razors with removable blades must travel in checked baggage.
Screening tips: store sharp items in a clearly marked, rigid container or a transparent pouch to speed up inspection; place all metal tools together in an outer compartment for easy retrieval; if a tool includes a blade, move it to checked baggage before arrival at the security checkpoint.
For pet care packing guidance relevant to in-flight planning see best food for umbrella cockatoo.
| Item | Allowed in cabin bag? | Limit / measurement | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scissors (non-folding) | Yes | Blade < 4 in (10 cm) from pivot | Keep accessible; sheath or secure blades |
| Pocketknife / Folding knife | No (most jurisdictions) | Prohibited regardless of blade length for many carriers | Place in checked baggage or courier |
| Multi-tool (no blade) | Yes | Each tool < 7 in (17.8 cm) preferred | Separate in pouch; expect inspection |
| Multi-tool (with blade) | No | Treated as knife | Move to checked baggage |
| Screwdrivers / Wrenches / Pliers | Usually yes | <= 7 in (17.8 cm) recommended | Group together; avoid sharp edges |
| Disposable razors / Electric shavers | Yes | Cartridge razors allowed; electric shavers allowed | Pack in toiletry compartment |
| Straight razors / Loose blades / Box cutters | No | Prohibited in cabin | Place in checked baggage |
Food, Baby Food and Breast Milk: packing, declaration and security checks
Declare breast milk, infant formula, expressed milk and ready-to-eat baby food at the security checkpoint and present them separately for inspection; quantities exceeding 100 ml/3.4 oz are permitted for feeding needs but must be screened.
Packing and storage recommendations
- Use airtight, leak‑proof containers or labelled storage bags; keep powdered formula in original packaging with scoop inside.
- Pack feeds in an insulated cooler or thermal bag with frozen gel packs that remain solid at the checkpoint; frozen packs that have thawed may trigger additional screening as liquids.
- Portion feeds into clearly labelled bottles: child’s name, date and amount reduces handling time during inspection.
- Prepare extra amounts for delays – industry practice: bring enough for the planned flight time plus one additional feeding or two hours of delay.
- For ready-made pouches and purees, treat them as liquids/viscous items for screening purposes; solid finger foods (biscuits, puffs) do not fall under liquid restrictions.
Declaration and security screening steps
- At the security queue, inform the officer that infant feeding items are present before placing bags on the belt.
- Place bottles, milk bags, formula tins and insulated bags in a separate tray for X‑ray; expect requests to open containers or to have samples tested via swab/chemical analysis.
- Frozen items that are still solid usually pass through X‑ray; partially frozen or melted gel packs and liquids will be screened and may be opened.
- Ask for a private screening or family lane when preferred; officers will accommodate feeding or privacy needs where available.
Customs and import rules differ: many countries restrict fresh dairy, meat or fruit-based baby foods. Declare perishable items on arrival and consult destination biosecurity rules before travel to avoid seizure or fines.
- Airline services: most cabin crews will warm bottles on request and provide hot water for powdered formula; confirm policies with the carrier before departure if specialised handling is required.
- Documentation: medical notes are not routinely required for breast milk or formula exemptions but carrying proof of child’s age (passport, birth certificate) speeds inspection at some airports.
- If refrigeration during transit is needed, request gate or onboard storage options in advance; do not rely on airport facilities without prior confirmation.
Travel Documents, Cash and Valuables – Keep On Person and Organize
Keep passport, primary photo ID and boarding pass together inside an RFID-blocking document wallet; include printed visa pages and travel insurance certificate; place a paper copy of passport/photo ID in a separate bag or hotel safe.
Cash, cards and declarations
Keep immediate-spend local currency of $200–400 (or local equivalent) on hand; split an emergency reserve between wallet and a hidden belt or neck pouch. Amounts exceeding $10,000 (or €10,000 or equivalent) must be declared at most borders; retain declaration forms and receipts. Keep at least one widely accepted credit card plus a backup card; memorize PINs and store card numbers in an encrypted password manager rather than on paper.
Digital backups and anti-fraud measures
Store encrypted scans of passport, visas and insurance policy in a secure cloud account and inside an encrypted local container (password-protected PDF or VeraCrypt volume). Save an offline screenshot of essential documents on the phone for airplane-mode access; enable strong screen lock and two-factor authentication for cloud and email accounts. Remove unnecessary auto-backups of sensitive files after trip completion.
Valuables handling: Keep jewelry and high-value electronics on person during transit or locked in the accommodation safe; avoid placing expensive items in checked baggage. Retain purchase receipts and serial numbers for cameras, watches and electronics; photograph items with serials for insurance or customs. Use a slim travel wallet, document organizer with labeled slots and front-body storage (money belt or neck pouch) for rapid access during checks.
