EU Cabin Regulations
One of the keys to making sure your journey goes as smoothly as possible is to check your airline’s baggage requirements and allowance.
There have been major changes in recent years, especially with hand luggage regulations and what you are allowed to take in the cabin of the aircraft. Airlines differ with their weight and size restrictions for baggage put both in the hold and cabin baggage.
Hand Luggage – Liquids
For security reasons there have been changes in the regulations for carrying liquids in your hand luggage. Limits have been enforced as to the amount of liquids you can carry on board in your hand baggage. All liquids will be screened separately when you pass through airport security. You must ensure the following:
- All your liquids are in separate containers with a maximum of 100 ml in each.
- These containers must be placed in a clear, re-sealable plastic bag approximately 20cm x 20cm.
- You must be able to seal the bag closed.
Liquids include:
- All drinks including water
- Perfumes, creams, oils, lotions, lipstick etc.
- Pastes including toothpaste
- Gels, including shower and hair gel
- Sprays and pressurised containers e.g. deodorants etc.
- Any other items of similar consistency
Tip: It is possible to buy liquids/creams/lotions etc. after you have passed through security. These will have been screened separately so that you can take them on board.
Sharp objects which include knives, corkscrews, and scissors will not be allowed in your hand luggage and must be packed in your hold luggage.
Exceptions: Baby food, liquids and medicines
Current guidelines allow you to take enough baby milk, powdered milk, baby food, and sterilised water as are required for your child’s flight. You will be allowed to exceed the 100ml allowance for these.
These items will be checked at the security point and may need to be opened by security. Ensure that you notify security if you are carrying any of the above.
You are also allowed to take essential medicines of more than 100ml in your hand luggage, however, you will require supporting documentation from a doctor or medical professional confirming the contents.
Duty-Free goods
Any Duty Free item which you have purchased at the airport in the departure lounge after security is allowed to be taken on board the cabin with you in a separate sealed bag. You must have proof of purchase.
Any alcohol purchased in Duty-Free may not be opened or consumed on board your flight. It is illegal for passengers to drink alcohol not served to them by a certified airline member of staff.
Electronic devices & clothing
If you are carrying any electronic items such as mobile phones, laptops, tablets, etc these will need to be screened separately. Ensure these are put in a separate tray when you pass through security.
Security will also require you to remove your coat, jacket, belt, watch, or any other metal objects which need to be screened. You may also be asked to remove your boots or shoes.
Prohibited items
There are restrictions on items which you can carry in your hand luggage.
Airport security will not let any items through that they consider dangerous.
Below is a summary of the EU list of prohibited items.
The following items may only be carried in checked in baggage:
- Cutlery
- Corkscrew
- Sharp items
- Knife (with a sharp or pointed blade and/or blade longer than 6cm)
- Knitting needles
- Scissors and syringes (except certified for medical purposes)
- Toy guns
- Catapults and toys that could be used as a weapon
- Sports and leisure equipment that could be used as a weapon such as baseball/softball bats, batons, clubs and martial arts equipment.
The following substances are not allowed on board:
- Flammable items such as lighter fuel, flammable paints, paint thinner
- Explosives and incendiary materials, dynamite, fireworks
- Compressed gases and presssurised containers with the exception of personal items or toiletries
- Caustic and corrosive materials such as drain cleaners, car batteries and acids
- Magnetising substances
- Flammable or toxic substances
- Poisons such as weedkillers and pesticides
The following articles are only allowed in cabin hand luggage:
Individual lithium batteries rechargeable and non-rechargeable for portable electronic devices.
Check with your airline for their requirements.