Carry-On Baggage Rules Explained

Sizes and weights

Wheels and handles count towards the dimensions. The sizing frames at the gate measure the bag as it is, not as the label describes it.

The liquids rule

• Containers of up to 100 ml, all inside one transparent resealable bag of about one litre.
• The limit is the container size, not the amount inside it. A half empty 200 ml bottle is refused.
• Baby food, breast milk and prescription medication are usually exempt but must be declared.
• Some airports have new scanners that relax the rule. Do not rely on it unless it is signposted.

Electronics and batteries

• Laptops and large tablets often come out of the bag at screening.
• Power banks and spare lithium batteries must be in the cabin, terminals protected.
• Very high capacity batteries may be refused entirely; check the watt-hour rating.

Items that get confiscated

• Blades of any length, including small multi-tools and razors of the open type.
• Sharp scissors above the permitted blade length.
• Sporting goods that could be used as a weapon, such as bats and poles.
• Full sized aerosols and flammable liquids.

Gate checks and full flights

On a full flight, cabin bags are taken at the gate and placed in the hold. Keep passport, medication, keys, chargers and valuables in the personal item so you are not separated from them.

Frequently asked questions

How big can my carry-on be?

Around 55 x 40 x 20 cm on most airlines, including wheels and handles, though low cost carriers are often smaller.

Can I take liquids over 100 ml?

Not usually. Exceptions cover medication, baby food and breast milk, which must be declared at screening.

Are power banks allowed?

Yes, in the cabin only, with protected terminals and within the airline's watt-hour limit.

What happens if my bag is too big at the gate?

It will be gate-checked into the hold, sometimes with a fee. Move valuables into your personal item first.