Updated List of Prohibited Items on Planes in 2025 What You Need to Know

  Planning a domestic or international trip by plane involves preparing important documents, booking flight deals, and reserving your hotel. Another crucial step before departure is deciding what items to bring on board, since some things are prohibited from carry-on or checked baggage for the safety of all passengers. Today, Gother invites you to check which items are banned from cabin luggage or checked baggage. Each airline has its own prohibited-items list, so you can pack accordingly and breeze through security without having your bags held. Ready? Let’s get started!

  Many people may wonder why there are rules banning certain items from being brought on board or why there are strict limits on what is allowed. These restrictions follow international safety standards to prevent unexpected incidents involving hazardous materials, such as explosions, fires, or assaults, that could endanger passengers and crew. Therefore, it is essential to clearly define which items are permitted in carry-on baggage and which may be checked in.

  Air travel is the most convenient way to get around, but there are specific rules about what you can carry on and what you must check for the safety of passengers and the aircraft. Gother will explain the difference between “items prohibited in carry-on” and “items prohibited in checked baggage.” In short, carry-on restrictions focus on cabin safety. Most items banned from carry-on are similar to those banned from checked baggage, with clear limits on quantity and size. If your volume exceeds the limit, you may check the item instead such as liquids, cosmetics, gels, and sprays. Some items are prohibited from both carry-on and checked baggage. Let’s see what those items are:  
 

10-Item Checklist: Items Prohibited from Carry-On or Checked Baggage

• Each container must not exceed 100 ml.
• The total volume of all containers must not exceed 1,000 ml.
• All containers must be packed in a clear, resealable plastic bag or small bottles.

• Power banks ≤ 20,000 mAh: not allowed in checked baggage, but permitted in carry-on.
• Power banks > 20,000 mAh and ≤ 32,000 mAh: not allowed in checked baggage, but permitted in carry-on (max 2 units).
• Power banks > 32,000 mAh: banned from both carry-on and checked baggage.

  Whenever you travel by plane, there’s always the question of what items you can bring on board and what is absolutely prohibited for the safety of all passengers. Let’s see which items are banned from carry-on:  
 

• Power banks with a capacity over 32,000 mAh are not allowed in checked baggage and are prohibited from carry-on.
• Sports equipment such as golf clubs, baseball bats, badminton rackets, hockey sticks, or any gear that could be used as a weapon is banned from carry-on. Oversized items should be checked with your other luggage.
• Any liquids like perfume, creams, lotions, liquid soap, gels, or sprays exceeding 1 liter are prohibited in carry-on. Such items must be placed in checked baggage.
• Weapons and sharp objects such as firearms and ammunition, knives or scissors with blades longer than 6 cm, axes, or chisels are strictly forbidden in carry-on luggage.
• Tripods: some airlines allow them as carry-on, while others do not, since certain models exceed carry-on dimensions or may be mistaken for a weapon. Always check your airline’s policy; ideally, pack tripods in checked baggage.

  Although you may already know what’s prohibited, did you know there are some items you can bring on board subject to conditions and limitations? To ensure a smooth journey, let’s see what you can carry on and what the rules are:   Power banks are strictly banned from checked baggage, but you may carry them on board in your personal item, provided they have a capacity not exceeding 32,000 mAh. Certain liquids exceeding 100 ml are exempt such as prescribed syrups, subcutaneous injections, or medicinal sprays if they are clearly labeled with the passenger’s name and accompanied by the relevant prescription or documentation. You may bring only the quantity needed for the flight. Special dietary foods for passengers with medical or nutritional requirements may be carried on board with airline approval, especially if these items are not available in-flight and have been prescribed by a doctor. Baby food and formula are allowed as necessary items. With security approval, parents or guardians traveling with an infant may bring baby formula, expressed breast milk, or other infant food on board. Sharp items such as nail clippers or razors are banned from carry-on. If you need to travel with these, they must be packed in checked baggage to comply with airport security regulations.
 

  Packing your luggage properly before a flight is essential to avoid having items confiscated. Gother has tips on how to get your suitcase ready for takeoff:   1. Pack only the essentials
  Start by organizing your bag. If you haven’t paid for extra baggage, be precise with your packing to avoid surprises at the gate. Keep liquids neatly separated into containers no larger than 100 ml, preferably in travel‐size bottles or resealable plastic bags. Ensure the total volume doesn’t exceed 1,000 ml. If you plan to bring a power bank, choose one around 20,000 mAh.   2. Maximize your suitcase space
  For many small items, roll them inside a towel or shirt to save space similar to rolling clothes. Pack versatile clothing pieces you can mix and match rather than bringing many outfits.   Also, check your airline’s carry-on allowance: how many pieces you can bring and maximum dimensions. Typically, the combined weight should not exceed 7 kg.   3. Prepare important documents
  Gather your ID card, passport, boarding pass, hotel confirmation, cash, and valuables. These are critical forgetting your boarding pass can mean buying a new ticket at the airport!   4. Arrive at the airport early
  Time is crucial for air travel. For domestic flights, arrive at least 2 hours before departure; for international flights, at least 3 hours early. If you have checked baggage or are traveling during a busy holiday period, allow extra time. If you’re carry-on only, complete online check-in to skip the check-in line and head straight to security.   5. Dress for smooth security checks
  Airport attire is its own kind of fashion. Wear minimal metal watches, belts, and jewelry to breeze through security without repeatedly removing accessories.   6. Double-check boarding time and gate
  Even after check-in and security, don’t assume nothing will change. Verify your boarding time and gate on the departure board before heading to the aircraft to avoid a last-minute dash.   And that covers the prohibited items and packing tips to ensure a smooth trip. Now that you know what you can and cannot bring, when you’ve decided where to go, when to travel, and who’s coming, you can book your flights, accommodations, car rentals, activities, and travel packages on Gother. It’s easy to book, supports multiple currencies and payment methods, and you can plan or change your trip worry-free thanks to our flexible policies and 24/7 customer support. For a seamless travel experience and more, think Gother your one-stop travel shop!