What can and cannot be taken in hand luggage on a plane: detailed information on airline requirements

The airport always operates according to a script where every action is scheduled to the second. But not all passengers read the script. Problems start right there — at the baggage collection stage. To avoid becoming the hero of a viral video, it is necessary to understand in advance what can be taken in carry-on luggage on the plane and what will definitely cause a delay or disposal.

Dimensions and Weight: Not Theory, but Numbers

Each airline has its own requirements for carry-on luggage, but standardized parameters have been established for a long time.
The size of carry-on luggage usually does not exceed 55×40×20 cm, but for example, for Ryanair it is 40×20×25 cm, for Wizz Air it is 40×30×20 cm.
The weight of carry-on luggage ranges from 5 to 10 kg — Air France allows 12 kg, while Pobeda strictly up to 10 kg with precision like that of a pharmacist.

The weight restriction also applies to backpacks, suitcases, and even elegant bags. Anything exceeding the limit is classified as oversized baggage and requires an additional fee. Moreover, the amount may exceed the cost of the ticket itself.

How to Prepare Carry-On Luggage: Packing Strategy

Well-packed luggage turns a flight into a manageable process without unexpected expenses. Packing according to a plan eliminates unnecessary items and increases the chances of passing security control on the first try. Proper organization saves money, time, and nerves.

First and foremost, it is worth evaluating the route and the tariff conditions in advance — this is especially relevant for budget airlines, where the price often includes only one piece of carry-on luggage. It is also important to consider the duration of the flight: the longer it is, the more carefully the preparations should be.

Weather conditions at the destination are equally important — there should be space in the backpack for a light jacket or raincoat. If you plan to use electronic devices, do not forget about chargers and adapters.

This approach helps avoid additional fees: a compact backpack up to 40 cm easily accommodates a laptop, a set of clothes, a spare pair of shoes, and documents — everything necessary in case of main baggage delay.

What You Can Bring in Carry-On Luggage on the Plane

Transporting items in the cabin is strictly controlled, compliance with the rules eliminates fines and delays. To avoid unnecessary stress, it is important to know exactly which items are allowed in the cabin. Common permitted categories include:

1. Electronics. Laptops, tablets, smartphones, cameras are allowed. Take them out of your backpack — it’s mandatory.
2. Medications. Allowed in factory packaging, if necessary — with a prescription.
3. Documents, money, keys. Carry only in carry-on luggage.
4. Food. Solid food — allowed (sandwich, apple), liquid food — restricted.
5. Liquids in carry-on luggage. Total volume — up to 1 liter, individual container — up to 100 ml. Packaging — transparent bag with a zipper.
6. Baby items. Formulas, purees, baby water — allowed without volume restrictions if a child is on board.
7. Sports equipment. Exclusively small items: swimming goggles — yes, dumbbell — no.

These rules apply to both international and domestic flights. They apply to any journey, regardless of the duration of the flight and the fare.

What You Cannot Carry in Carry-On Luggage: Prohibitions and Logic

Prohibitions on carrying items in carry-on luggage are based on safety principles and international standards. Each item from the “gray area” can lead not to boarding, but to a conversation with aviation security personnel.

Under prohibition are:

1. Sharp and pointed objects. Knives, scissors (if the blade is longer than 6 cm), Swiss tools, manicure accessories.
2. Liquids in large volumes. A 150 ml perfume bottle — goes under the knife.
3. Aerosols and lighters. Gas, sprays, canisters — a potential threat.
4. Tools and parts. From screwdrivers to drills.
5. Firearms and cold weapons. Even replicas are prohibited.

Security control leaves no chances — any of these items will cause a delay during inspection. Violations will have consequences: from disposal to administrative fines.

Carry-On Luggage and Fare: Where Free Ends

The chosen fare determines how many and what items can be taken into the airplane cabin. Basic low-cost tariffs, such as Ryanair Value or Wizz Air Basic, allow only one item — a small backpack or bag that must fit under the seat.

Higher fares include standard-sized carry-on luggage and sometimes an additional bag. S7 and Aeroflot start offering such conditions from the “Optimum” fare. On Lufthansa flights, the Economy Light tariff includes up to 8 kg of carry-on luggage, while checked baggage is for an additional fee.

Restrictions vary, but one thing remains constant — exceeding dimensions or weight leads to additional payment, processed at the check-in counter or at the gate. The price for such carelessness ranges from 30 to 150 euros depending on the destination.

Safety and Inspection: Precise Requirements When Boarding the Plane

The checkpoint is the final barrier between preparation and flight. It is here that the contents of the baggage are checked for compliance. When passing the inspection, everything follows an algorithm:

1. Remove outer clothing and belt.
2. Place carry-on luggage and electronics separately.
3. Present a transparent bag with liquids.

Liquids exceeding 100 ml are subject to confiscation. Even sealed water raises concerns. Refusal of voluntary disposal leads to an automatic stop at the checkpoint and a boarding ban.
The security system makes no exceptions — not even for Duty Free boutiques. Purchases are packed according to special rules, with a receipt and transparent film.

Borderline Cases: Disputes and Exceptions

Some items cause disputes. Is processed cheese a solid or a liquid? Is shoe cream a cosmetic or a hazardous substance?
The answer depends on the control officer and the country. In Germany, shoe cream may be allowed, while in Israel, it may be confiscated. A bottle of limoncello from Duty Free in Italy is permitted only with a properly issued receipt.

Sports equipment is under increased scrutiny. Rackets, helmets, fins are allowed only when placed in standard carry-on luggage. Otherwise, they are processed as separate baggage with the corresponding fare and surcharge.

How to Avoid Extra Costs: Practical Tips

When planning a trip, it is important to study all the nuances of the flight in advance to avoid unexpected expenses at the airport. Proper trip preparation saves not only money but also nerves.

To pass the inspection without problems:

1. Check the tariff conditions on the airline’s website.
2. Weigh the backpack before the trip.
3. Measure the suitcase and compare it with the allowable dimensions.
4. Pack liquids in a transparent bag.
5. Keep electronics easily accessible.

This approach eliminates spontaneous payments, delays at check-in, and questions during security checks. Each flight goes smoother if you follow the rules, act consciously, and understand exactly which items are safe to bring with you in the airplane cabin.

What You Can Bring in Carry-On Luggage on the Plane: One List — All Control

A clear list of permissible items simplifies flight preparation and eliminates misunderstandings during inspection. Emphasizing specifics helps pack luggage without violations and unnecessary questions from the security service.

Permitted items:

1. Electronics: smartphone, laptop, charger, external battery (up to 100 Wh).
2. Documents: passport, tickets, insurance.
3. Medications: tablets, drops, inhalers (within personal dosage).
4. Liquids: up to 100 ml each, total volume — not more than 1 liter, packaged.
5. Food: bars, cookies, nuts, fruits.
6. Personal items: comb, glasses, electric razor, headphones.
7. Baby essentials: bottle, pacifier, blanket, toy.
8. Valuables: money, jewelry, gadgets.
9. Keys, wallet, wearable accessories.

All items from the list comply with airline requirements and pass inspection without issues if the weight of carry-on luggage, dimensions, and packing rules are observed.

What You Can Bring in Carry-On Luggage on the Plane: Conclusions

The question of what can be brought in carry-on luggage on the plane determines the quality of the entire flight. Neglecting details creates a chain of problems: overpayment, stress, possible delays. Following parameters precisely and understanding limitations ensures predictability, comfort, and full readiness for the journey.