Hand luggage and hold luggage
When travelling by plane from an airport in the EU, you should keep in mind certain security requirements when packing and boarding:
- Liquids carried in the aircraft cabin such as aerosols, drinks, toothpaste, cosmetic creams or gels must be carried in a transparent plastic bag - maximum capacity 1 litre - and no container may hold more than 100 ml. Liquid containers larger than 100 ml must be placed in checked baggage. The volume restriction does not apply to medicines and baby food.
- Duty free liquids purchased from any airport or airline may be carried as hand luggage as long as the item and the receipt remain sealed inside the security bag (with a red border) provided at the time of purchase. You may not open the security bag until arrival at your final destination. However, security officers may need to open the bag and the bottles for screening. If this happens, and you have a connecting flight at another airport, tell the security officer so the liquids can be re-sealed in a new security bag.
- Any sharp objects that might be used as weapons are not allowed in the aircraft cabin. These could be everyday objects such as corkscrews knives and scissors of a certain size, which should be packed in your hold luggage.
- Limits on the size of cabin baggage and the number of items you are allowed to take on board are set by the airlines so check with your airline before you travel.
- Explosives and inflammable items - fireworks or aerosol spray paint for example, and other inflammable and toxic substances such as acids - are prohibited on flights. They may not be carried in either cabin or checked baggage.
- No weapons of any kind are allowed on board the aircraft.
See the rules on prohibited articles in your hand and hold luggage.
Warning
Check your airport's website for a detailed list of prohibited items or ask your airline before travelling.
For general safety, all travel items are scanned or otherwise checked before being allowed into airport security zones.
FAQs
Generally, most of the European airlines limit carry-on luggage to a maximum size of 55 x 40 x 20 cm ( 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.8 in); however, a few airlines do accept bags up to 25 cm wide (9.84 inc) or do not accept more than 35cm tall (13.7 in).
What is not allowed in hand luggage in Europe? ›
Such articles would include: gases and sprays such as pepper sprays; sharp objects such as knives or razor blades; drills or saws; baseball bats or clubs.
What size suitcase can you take to Europe? ›
You can check in any size of luggage, but the most common checked bags are larger than typical 55 x 40 x 23 cm bags. The most popular size check-in luggage is 63 to 69 cm tall and various widths. Medium-sized check-in luggage measures 63-64cm tall and around 45 cm wide.
What is the luggage restriction? ›
Checked Luggage
Most airlines will allow you to check one bag and have one carry-on bag. There is normally a maximum weight limit of 50 pounds per checked bag as well as a size restriction. The most common maximum size bag allowed is 62 linear (total) inches. A common size bag for checking through is: 27" x 21" x 14".
What are the luggage restrictions for international flights? ›
Checked Luggage
This typically corresponds to 27 inches (68cm) x 21 inches (53cm) x 14 inches (35cm). The international flight baggage weight limit averages 50 pounds (23kg), but some airlines allow up to 70 pounds (32kg) for their business-class and first-class passengers.
What is not allowed in checked baggage for international flights? ›
Poisons and infectious substances such as insecticides, weed-killers and live virus materials. Anything that possesses and/or is capable of possessing and/or emitting a conspicuous and/or offensive odour. Other dangerous articles such as magnetized materials, offensive or irritating materials.
What is the 3-1-1 rule in Europe? ›
Liquid food, such as soup or sauce, must adhere to the 3-1-1 rule though - and should be packed in a container that holds 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less. Unlike other liquids, liquid food items are exempt from the one quart-sized bag limit and can be packed in a separate bag.
What not to bring to Europe? ›
Sharp objects: Everyday objects like a corkscrew knife, scissors, or a nail file will be taken from you through the security checkpoint. If you really need to travel with these items, it is best you pack them in your hold luggage. Explosives and inflammable items: Fireworks and aerosol paint are strictly forbidden.
Can I take deodorant on a plane Europe? ›
Liquids carried in the aircraft cabin such as aerosols, drinks, toothpaste, cosmetic creams or gels must be carried in a transparent plastic bag - maximum capacity 1 litre - and no container may hold more than 100 ml. Liquid containers larger than 100 ml must be placed in checked baggage.
What type of luggage is best for Europe travel? ›
Suitcase sets are the best luggage for European travel if you plan an extended stay. While it's relatively easy to live out of a carry-on for a two or three-day trip, if you're staying for 1.5 weeks or more, you'll need the extra space of one or more suitcases.
The largest checked international luggage size allowed is 62 linear (total) inches. Typically, a standard checked luggage size wavers around 27 x 21 x 14 inches. The universally accepted carry-on luggage size for a domestic flights (within the U.S.) is 22" x 14" x 9".
What is the 3 1 1 rule? ›
Each passenger may carry liquids, gels and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols.
What is banned from carry-on luggage? ›
Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.
Is a 28 inch luggage too big for checked? ›
Most Airlines / carriers state that their baggage size limit is 62". And it is calculated by adding the 3 dimensions, including handles and wheels (often explicitly stated in their rules). 28" Spinner: Packing Dimensions: 28” X 19” X 12.2, Overall Dimensions: 31” X 19.8” X 12.6”, Weight 8.7 lbs.
What is the baggage allowance for European budget airlines? ›
Flight-only passengers are allowed just one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 10 kg (22 lb) (no additional personal item) and not exceeding 55 cm by 40 cm by 20 cm, including wheels and handles. You can check up to three bags weighing 23 kg (50.7 lb) each for a fee.
How many 3.4 oz containers can you bring on a plane? ›
You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes in your carry-on bag and through the checkpoint. These are limited to travel-sized containers that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item.
What is prohibited in carry-on luggage? ›
Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.
What are the restrictions for luggage on flights? ›
As a general guide, carry-on baggage should have maximum length of 22 in (56 cm), width of 18 in (45 cm) and depth of 10 in (25 cm). These dimensions include wheels, handles, side pockets, etc. Some airlines also enforce weight limitations, typically starting at 5kg/11lbs.
