What is prohibited in cabin baggage?
Understanding Air Travel Security Rules
Why do these rules exist?
Security standards for cabin luggage aim to protect all passengers and crew. Certain items, such as sharp blades, flammable products, or lithium batteries (e.g., an external battery), can cause injuries, fires, or in-flight incidents. These rules help minimize all risks. For example, Ryanair rigorously applies specific rules to limit potentially dangerous items.
Who decides what is prohibited?
Prohibitions are established by international bodies (ICAO, IATA) and then adopted by national authorities (for example, the DGAC in France). Each airline applies these standards and may add specific restrictions according to its policy or destination.
Complete List of Prohibited Items in Cabin Baggage
| Category | Prohibited Items |
|---|---|
| Weapons and ammunition | Firearms (even replicas), ammunition, pellet guns, replicas |
| Bladed weapons | Knives with blades > 6 cm, swords, box cutters, sharp scissors |
| Flammable/explosive articles | Fuel lighters, matches, fireworks, pressurized gas, solvents |
| Chemical/toxic substances | Bleach, pesticides, fertilizers, corrosive products, radioactive substances |
| Blunt objects and tools | Hammers, baseball bats, screwdrivers, pliers, hoverboards |
| Non-integrated lithium batteries | External batteries > 100 Wh, detached batteries without protection |
Rule for liquids, gels, and aerosols
The 1-liter plastic bag rule
Each container of liquid, gel, or aerosol transported in cabin baggage must not exceed 100 ml according to the 100 ml airplane rule. All products must fit into a transparent, resealable 1-liter plastic bag. Only one bag per passenger is allowed and must be presented separately at security control.
Affected products
Water, drinks, perfumes for cabin baggage, shower gels, shampoos, creams, toothpaste for cabin baggage, liquid makeup, nail polish, aerosol for cabin baggage, yogurts, compotes, and all types of liquids or gels are subject to the 100 ml airplane rule in the cabin.
Exceptions
Liquid medicines accompanied by a prescription, baby food on planes, cabin baggage food for medical diets, and sealed duty-free liquids with proof of purchase are exceptions to the 100 ml airplane rule.
Items permitted under conditions
Electronic devices and batteries
Phones, tablets, computers with integrated batteries are allowed. External batteries (power banks) are accepted in the cabin if < 100 Wh, protected, and insulated. Before boarding, check how to carry a power bank in the cabin and the authorized capacities.
Electronic cigarettes and lighters
Electronic cigarettes are allowed in the cabin (turned off), prohibited in checked baggage. One lighter per person, matches in limited numbers on one's person. The number of authorized refills and rules for transporting e-liquids are detailed in our guide on electronic cigarettes on planes.
Toiletries and makeup
Solids (soap, powder) without restriction. Liquids and gels in the 1-liter bag and ≤ 100 ml per container.
Medical equipment
Syringes for medical use, medicines on planes, CPAP, oxygen concentrators, and baby food on planes are allowed with a valid prescription or justification. Check with your airline (e.g., EasyJet prohibited cabin baggage) for specific rules regarding the transport of medical equipment. Our guide on medicines on planes details the justifications to present and the quantities accepted in both cabin and checked baggage.
Differences between airlines
Low-cost (Ryanair, Transavia)
With low-cost airlines like Ryanair prohibited cabin baggage or Transavia prohibited cabin baggage, make sure to check the dimensions and rules concerning authorized items before your trip, as they often impose strict restrictions. Ryanair, in particular, limits free size to 40×20×25 cm.
Traditional airlines (Air France, etc.)
Traditional airlines, such as Air France prohibited cabin baggage, generally allow larger cabin suitcases, up to 55×35×25 cm, accompanied by a small personal bag. They also apply their own rules for prohibited items, so check carefully before departure, especially for the most common Air France prohibited items.
Why check the official website?
Rules regarding prohibited items in cabin baggage vary from one airline to another (as with EasyJet and Ryanair prohibited cabin baggage or Air France). Furthermore, local regulations may affect specific products like airplane tear gas or airplane paint, so it is essential to consult your carrier's website before departure. When in doubt, a good practice is to verify the legality of a specific item before taking it with you.
How to check if an item is allowed?
Official DGAC / Service-public tool
An interactive online module allows you to search for an item and get a clear answer (prohibited, authorized, subject to restriction).
Your airline's baggage section
Consult the baggage section of your carrier's website for dimensions, weight, and prohibited or authorized items.
Practical tips for preparing your cabin baggage
Pre-departure checklist
Passport, boarding pass, medicines, electronic devices and chargers, liquids bag, change of clothes, masks, earplugs.
In case of refusal at security check
You will have to remove the item. At some airports, you may be able to mail it or leave it in paid storage. Otherwise, abandon or entrust the item.
Quick FAQ
Can I bring a razor in the cabin?
Electric and disposable razors are allowed. Straight razors or detachable blades are prohibited in the cabin (to be put in checked baggage).
Are food and drinks allowed?
Solid foods, such as cabin baggage food, are allowed. Liquids and gels in containers ≤ 100 ml in the 1-liter plastic bag for airplanes, with exceptions for the transport of baby food on airplanes or medicines on airplanes. For any specific questions, check with your airline, such as Air France or Transavia prohibited cabin baggage.
Souvenirs, lighters, external batteries?
Solid souvenirs such as clothing or jewelry are allowed in cabin baggage. An airplane lighter is permitted on one's person but prohibited in the cabin suitcase, as are external airplane batteries, which must be protected and transported only in the cabin in accordance with security rules.
What to remember
Mastering the list of prohibited airplane items, strictly adhering to the 100 ml rule for cabin baggage liquids, and understanding the specific restrictions of airlines like EasyJet, Ryanair, or Air France prohibited cabin baggage will help you have a peaceful travel experience. Always check your carrier's official website before departure, and plan your checklist according to current standards. Finally, choose a cabin suitcase for all airlines that complies with restrictions to simplify your journey.
