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

This is what you need to know for 2026.

What you can bring

Clothing, shoes, electronics and chargers are allowed in your hand luggage. At security, you do need to remove a laptop or tablet from your bag and place it separately in a tray. You may bring a power bank as long as its capacity remains below 27,000 mAh. Medication is allowed, preferably with a doctor's note for larger quantities. Dry snacks are also allowed; liquids are subject to different rules.

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

Perfume, sunscreen, toothpaste, deodorant, facial spray and clothing freshener are all included. As long as the container holds no more than 100ml and everything fits in the bag, there is no problem.

What you cannot bring

Liquids in containers larger than 100ml must stay at home, even if the bottle is only half full. Scissors, pocketknives and nail clippers with a blade are not allowed. Aerosol cans with propellant will be stopped. Lighters are prohibited in most cases, although some airlines make exceptions. Always check this in advance.

The Monsor Wrinkle Releaser Travel Size is allowed on board

The 50ml version of the Monsor Wrinkle Releaser was designed for exactly this situation. Under the 100ml limit, no propellant, no problems at security. It smooths wrinkles from your clothes and removes unpleasant odors in seconds. Ideal after a flight, in your hotel or during a city trip. It 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 of up to 100ml per container. Extra clothes and socks. Travel-size toiletries. Earbuds, glasses and sunglasses. Phone, e-reader or tablet. A dry snack.

Always double-check

The rules above apply to most European flights in 2026. Different rules may apply to international flights outside the EU. Always check the hand luggage rules on your airline's website before departure. That way, you can fly without surprises.