Things You Should Never Carry in Your Cabin Baggage

When preparing for a journey, one of the most crucial steps is planning your luggage. Packing smartly ensures you have everything you need without carrying unnecessary items that could cause trouble during your trip. As a traveller, it's important to understand the items that should never be carried in your hand luggage on flights. Alongside this, it’s advisable to have a travel insurance policy that includes coverage for luggage loss and delay, ensuring you’re reimbursed for essential items if your luggage is delayed or lost.

5 Items You Should Never Carry in Your Hand Luggage on Flights

1. Liquids and Liquor

Hand luggage rules regarding liquids are strict. You can only carry liquids in containers of 100ml or less, and these must be packed in a transparent, resealable plastic bag. This includes items such as toiletries and beverages. Baby food and milk are allowed but may be subject to additional screening. Liquor is another item to be cautious with. While you can carry up to 5 litres of alcohol with an alcoholic content between 24% and 70% in your checked luggage, it’s not allowed in your cabin baggage.

2. Multiple Laptops

Many airlines do not allow passengers to carry more than one laptop in their hand luggage. If you need to travel with multiple laptops, consider distributing them among your travel companions or packing them in your checked luggage. This rule helps streamline the security process and reduces the risk of theft or damage during transit.

3. Toy Replicas of Firearms and Ammunition

Avoid carrying toy replicas of firearms and ammunition in your cabin baggage. These items can cause unnecessary delays and complications at security checkpoints. Security personnel might mistake them for real weapons, leading to heightened scrutiny and potential confiscation.

4. Sharp or Pointed Objects

Items like razor blades, box cutters, scissors longer than 4 inches, and other sharp objects are prohibited in hand luggage. These items can be used as weapons and pose a security risk. If you need to carry such items, place them in your checked luggage. Sports equipment and tools like baseball bats, golf clubs, and hammers are also not allowed in cabin baggage due to their potential use as weapons.

5. Jams and Other Semi-Liquids

Food items like jams, jellies, and sauces fall under the liquid restriction rule. Unless they are in containers of 100ml or less, they are not permitted in hand luggage. Ensure any semi-liquid foods you wish to carry are within the allowable limit and properly packed to avoid confiscation.

Common Prohibited Items in Both Checked and Cabin Baggage

Here is a list of common prohibited items for both checked and cabin baggage:

Radioactive Materials 

Items like certain chemicals, medical equipment, and specific watches containing radioactive materials are strictly forbidden in both checked and cabin luggage to ensure safety.

Lithium Batteries

Damaged or defective lithium batteries are hazardous. Batteries below 100 watt-hours are allowed in cabin luggage; those between 100 to 300 watt-hours need special permission. Store them correctly.

Compressed Gas and Cylinders

Items such as butane, oxygen cylinders, and propane tanks are prohibited. For medical oxygen, use a portable oxygen concentrator and notify your airline in advance.

Oxidising Materials

Bleaching powder, peroxides, and chlorine for pools are not allowed due to their high reactivity and significant risk if mishandled.

Items Allowed in Cabin Baggage

Here is a comprehensive list of items usually allowed in cabin baggage:

1. Batteries

You can carry dry batteries and lithium batteries under 100 watt-hours in your cabin luggage. Ensure they are properly stored and protected to prevent short circuits.

2. Medicines

Prescription and over-the-counter medicines are allowed in hand luggage. This includes essential medical items like inhalers, EpiPens, and blood sugar test kits. Always carry these items in your cabin baggage to ensure they are accessible during your flight.

3. Pets 

Some airlines allow small pets in the cabin. Ensure your pet is in an airline-approved carrier and notify the airline in advance. Check the specific airline policies regarding pet travel to ensure compliance.

4. Small Tools

Small tools like pliers, screwdrivers, and wrenches under 7 inches are permitted in hand luggage. Items like nail clippers and small scissors are also allowed, provided they comply with size restrictions.

5. Expensive Items

It’s advisable to carry valuables like jewellery, cash, and important documents in your hand luggage. This reduces the risk of loss or theft compared to checked baggage.

6. Electronic Devices

Electronic devices like phones, laptops, and cameras should be carried in cabin baggage. These items are fragile and valuable, making them unsuitable for checked luggage where they might get damaged.

Conclusion

Next time you’re flying, ensure you don’t carry the prohibited items in your cabin baggage. Ensuring compliance with hand luggage rules and baggage allowance rules will make your journey smoother and stress-free. To protect your belongings and avoid financial loss from travel mishaps, consider getting a travel insurance policy from Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company. This way, you can focus on enjoying your trip without worrying about potential luggage-related issues.     *Standard T&C Apply *Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale. *The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.