What is prohibited in cabin baggage?
Understanding Air Travel Security Rules
Why do these rules exist?
Safety standards for cabin luggage aim to protect all passengers and crew. Certain items, such as sharp blades, flammable products, or lithium batteries (e.g., a power bank), can cause injuries, fires, or incidents during a flight. These rules help minimize all risks. For example, Ryanair strictly enforces specific rules to limit potentially dangerous items.
Who decides what is prohibited?
Prohibitions are established by international organizations (ICAO, IATA) and then adopted by national authorities (e.g., the DGAC in France). Each airline applies these standards and may add specific restrictions according to its policy or destination.
Complete List of Prohibited Cabin Items
| Category | Prohibited Items |
|---|---|
| Weapons and Ammunition | Firearms (even replicas), ammunition, BB guns, replicas |
| Bladed Weapons | Knives with blades > 6 cm, sabers, box cutters, pointed 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 | Power banks > 100 Wh, detached batteries without protection |
Rules for Liquids, Gels, and Aerosols
The 1-liter Plastic Bag Rule
Each container of liquid, gel, or aerosol carried in cabin baggage must not exceed 100 ml according to the 100 ml airplane rule. All products must fit into a 1-liter clear, resealable plastic bag. Only one bag per passenger is allowed and must be presented separately at security control.
Affected Products
Water, beverages, cabin baggage perfumes, shower gels, shampoos, creams, cabin baggage toothpaste, liquid makeup, nail polish, cabin baggage aerosols, 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 duty-free liquids sealed with proof of purchase are exceptions to the 100 ml airplane rule.
Items Allowed Under Conditions
Electronic Devices and Batteries
Phones, tablets, laptops with integrated batteries are allowed. Power banks are accepted in the cabin if < 100 Wh, protected, and isolated.
E-cigarettes and Lighters
E-cigarettes are allowed in the cabin (switched off), prohibited in checked baggage. Only one lighter on one's person, matches in limited numbers on one's person.
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 subject to a valid prescription or justification. Check with your airline (e.g., EasyJet prohibited cabin baggage) for specific rules regarding the transport of medical equipment.
Differences Between Airlines
Low-cost (Ryanair, Transavia)
For low-cost airlines like Ryanair (prohibited cabin baggage) or Transavia (prohibited cabin baggage), make sure to check the dimensions and rules regarding authorized items before your trip, as they often impose strict restrictions. Ryanair, in particular, limits free sizes 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 you leave, especially for the most common Air France prohibited items.
Why check on the official website?
Rules regarding prohibited cabin baggage vary from one airline to another (as with EasyJet and Ryanair prohibited cabin baggage or Air France). Furthermore, local regulations can affect specific products such as 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 check the legality of a specific item before bringing it.
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, medications, electronic devices and chargers, liquids bag, change of clothes, masks, earplugs.
In case of refusal at security
You will have to remove the item. In some airports, it may be possible to mail it or leave it in paid luggage storage. Otherwise, abandon or hand over the item.
Quick FAQ
Can I bring a razor in the cabin?
Electric and disposable razors allowed. Straight razors or detachable blades prohibited in the cabin (to be put in checked baggage).
Are food and drinks allowed?
Solids, such as cabin baggage food, are allowed. Liquids and gels in bottles ≤ 100 ml in the 1-liter plastic bag for airplanes, with exceptions for the transport of airplane baby food or airplane medications. For any specific questions, check with your airline, such as Air France or Transavia (prohibited cabin baggage).
Souvenirs, lighters, power banks?
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 airplane power banks, which must be protected and carried only in the cabin in accordance with security rules.
Key Takeaways
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 consult your carrier's official website before you leave, and plan your checklist according to current standards. Finally, opt for an all-airline cabin suitcase that complies with restrictions to simplify your journey.
