Hand Luggage on Airplanes: What’s Allowed and What’s Not?
Are you planning to travel by airplane soon? Familiarizing yourself with security and customs regulations is essential, especially with the long waiting times at airports these days. So, what exactly can you bring in your hand luggage? And what are the rules for souvenirs and alcoholic beverages?
Most of us carry personal items in our hand luggage when traveling, such as cosmetics, hand cream, or a lighter. However, this can lead to problems during airport security checks, resulting in even longer queues at the checkpoints. Many holidaymakers also bring back souvenirs or purchase duty-free items before their return flight. What goods are allowed to be brought back? And what can you pack in your checked baggage?
How many liquids are allowed in hand luggage?
If you’re flying from an airport within the EU, it’s important to be aware of the applicable security regulations. Non-EU countries may have different rules, so passengers should check the regulations beforehand. Passengers flying within the EU are only allowed to carry liquids in containers of up to 100 milliliters each in their hand luggage. This includes creams, toothpaste, or lip gloss. All bottles and containers must be packed in a transparent, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of one liter and presented separately during the security check.
Liquids in hand luggage must be packed in plastic bags.
Therefore, a maximum of ten 100-milliliter bottles is allowed as long as they fit in the appropriate transparent bag. Each passenger is only allowed one bag. The suitable bags can be found in drugstores, for example. Medicines for personal use are exempt from this rule. Larger quantities of liquids must be packed in checked baggage, where there are no specific limits for liquids, except for the restrictions on the maximum total weight.
By the way, these rules also apply to food items. The quantities of jam, cream cheese, or yogurt in hand luggage are limited to 100 milliliters each. However, baby food is an exception. Bread, chocolate, and other solid foods are also allowed in hand luggage.
Can you bring lighters, nail files, or scissors in your hand luggage?
Sharp objects that could be used as weapons are not allowed in hand luggage. Along with all types of weapons, including knives with a blade length exceeding six centimeters, nail files, scissors, knitting needles, and corkscrews are prohibited in hand luggage and should be packed in checked baggage. Gas cylinders for camping stoves, toy weapons, fireworks, petrol lighters, wet batteries, or bleach are completely banned. However, a gas or disposable lighter or a box of matches is allowed in hand luggage.
Size and weight restrictions for hand luggage
The regulations for hand luggage vary from one airline to another.
There is no uniform regulation regarding the size and weight of hand luggage. The allowance depends on the airline and the type of fare booked. Many airlines, such as Lufthansa, allow one piece of hand luggage weighing a maximum of 8 kilograms and with dimensions of up to 55 x 40 x 23 centimeters in economy class. Larger or heavier luggage, as well as a second piece of hand luggage, usually need to be checked in and may incur additional costs. Low-cost airlines often have stricter rules, so it’s important to check and be aware of the regulations when booking.
Can you bring a handbag in addition to hand luggage?
Most airlines allow passengers to bring a handbag or laptop in addition to their hand luggage. However, the airlines have different policies regarding this matter. For some fares and airlines, the second piece of hand luggage is free, especially in business and first class. If you’re unsure about what is allowed, you can find the relevant information in your booking details or on the airline’s website.
How much alcohol and tobacco can be brought in duty-free?
EU countries are lenient when it comes to alcohol and tobacco regulations among themselves. Up to 800 cigarettes, 1 kilogram of tobacco, 10 liters of spirits, 60 liters of sparkling wine, and 110 liters of beer can be imported for personal use without being subject to customs duties. Coffee is limited to 10 kilograms. There is no maximum quantity for wine. However, if you’re returning from a non-EU country, you can only bring in 200 cigarettes, 1 liter of spirits with an alcohol content exceeding 22% by volume, or 2 liters with an alcohol content below 22%. Additionally, you’re allowed to bring in 4 liters of wine and 16 liters of beer. Special regulations apply to certain regions, such as the Canary Islands or France’s overseas departments.
What souvenirs are prohibited?
The import of corals, ivory, and even stuffed wild animals like birds of prey or crocodiles is strictly prohibited. Taking protected species of animals or plants, dead or alive, can result in hefty fines. Given that it’s difficult for non-specialists to identify the difference, customs authorities advise against any involvement with animals and plants. Even seemingly harmless souvenirs can cause problems. For example, a permit is required for the import of orchids and cacti. Potatoes and grapevines from non-EU countries are generally not allowed to be brought into Germany. The reason for this restriction is the potential introduction of dangerous diseases and pests that could cause significant damage.
Fossils and processed stones can also be problematic. Certain countries, such as Egypt, have strict guidelines in place to protect their natural and cultural resources. Therefore, it’s advisable to check the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for information on entry and customs regulations in your holiday destination.
Customs websites and apps provide an overview
Furthermore, goods from non-EU countries must be declared to customs upon entry if their value exceeds 300 euros. For travelers by sea or air, this threshold is set at 430 euros. Some Customs authorities (e.g. the German) have compiled all the relevant regulations. Additionally, they provide an online duty calculator that precisely indicates the quantities of allowed goods, as well as the complete prohibition of certain items, specifically due to reasons of species protection.