What Is Allowed and Not Allowed in Your Hand Luggage? Handy List for 2026

Flying with only hand luggage saves time, money, and hassle. No check-in fees, no waiting at the baggage claim, and you can walk straight out of the airport. But you do need to know what is allowed. The rules have become stricter in recent years, and an item stopped at security costs you exactly the time you tried to save.

This is what you need to know for 2026.

What is allowed

Clothing, shoes, electronics, and chargers are allowed in your hand luggage. You must take a laptop or tablet out of your bag at security and place it separately in a tray. A power bank is allowed as long as the capacity remains under 27,000 mAh. Medication is permitted, preferably with a doctor’s note for larger quantities. Dry snacks are also allowed; liquids fall under different rules.

For liquids, creams, gels, and sprays, the 100ml rule applies. Each bottle may contain a maximum of 100ml, even if it is three-quarters empty. Everything must fit in one transparent resealable plastic bag of up to one liter. One bag per person. At security, take that bag out separately from your bag.

Perfume, sunscreen, toothpaste, deodorant, facial spray, and fabric freshener all fall under this. As long as the container is a maximum of 100ml and everything fits in the bag, no problem.

What is not allowed

Liquids in containers larger than 100ml must stay at home, even if the bottle is only half full. Scissors, pocket knives, and nail clippers with blades are not allowed. Aerosol cans with propellant gas are blocked. Lighters are mostly prohibited, although some airlines have exceptions. Always check in advance.

The Monsor Wrinkle Releaser Travel Size is allowed

The 50ml version of the Monsor Wrinkle Releaser is designed for exactly this situation. Under the 100ml limit, no propellant gas, no problems at security. It smooths your clothes and removes unpleasant odors in seconds. Ideal after a flight, in your hotel, or during a city trip. Easily fits in your zip bag alongside your other toiletries.

Hand luggage checklist 2026

Passport and ticket, digital or printed. Charger and power bank. One zip bag with liquids up to 100ml per container. Extra clothing and socks. Travel-size toiletries. Earplugs, glasses, and sunglasses. Phone, e-reader, or tablet. A dry snack.

Always double-check

The rules above apply to most European flights in 2026. For international flights outside the EU, different regulations may apply. Always check the hand luggage rules on your airline’s website before departure. This way, you fly without surprises.