What You Can (and Can't) Take on a Plane: A Complete Guide for Worry-Free Travel

Anna Němcová August 20, 2025 8 min read

Packing for a holiday can be a joyful prelude to relaxation, but it often turns into a small nightmare. Especially when it comes to the question of what you can actually take on board a plane. Airline rules can seem complicated and are constantly changing. That's why we've prepared an exhaustive guide for you, which will make packing your carry-on luggage a breeze. We will guide you through the world of liquid limits, clarify the situation with electronics like hairdryers or hair straighteners, and solve the dilemma of razors and shavers once and for all. With us, you'll never break a sweat at the security check again.

The Golden Rule for Liquids in Carry-on Luggage: 100 ml and 1 Litre

The most common stumbling block when packing is undoubtedly liquids. Whether it's cosmetics, drinks, or medicines, the rules are strict but simple. Two numbers are key: 100 and 1.

All liquids you take with you on board the plane must be in containers with a maximum volume of 100 ml. It doesn't matter how much liquid is actually left in the bottle – if the container has a volume of 200 ml and is half empty, you are not allowed to take it on board.

All these 100ml bottles must then be placed in a single, transparent, resealable bag with a maximum volume of 1 litre (typically 20x20 cm in size). Each passenger is allowed only one such bag. At the security check, you must remove this bag from your carry-on luggage and present it for inspection separately.

Tip: You can find travel-sized bottles in clear bags in our travel accessories category.

What is considered a liquid?

Drinks, water, syrups, soups
Creams, lotions, and oils
Perfumes and toilet waters
Gels (shower, hair)
Sprays and deodorants in aerosol cans
Foams (shaving, hair mousse)
Pastes (including toothpaste)
Mascaras and liquid make-up
Any other mixtures of liquids and solids

Exceptions to the 100 ml rule:

There are situations where you can carry liquids in larger containers:

Baby food and drinks: You can take food for infants for the duration of the flight on board the plane in a quantity that meets their needs. However, be prepared to be asked to taste it during the security check.
Medication: Liquid medications and prescription liquid drugs are permitted. We recommend carrying a doctor's note (ideally in English) to prove their necessity. Medications must be declared separately at the security check.
Duty-free purchases: Goods, including alcohol and perfumes purchased at the airport after the security check, can be taken on board. They must be packed in a sealed, tamper-evident security bag with the receipt.

Tip: Want to enjoy your own drink on board? Bring an empty bottle or thermos. After the security check, you can fill it up with drinking water for free at most airports (including Prague's Václav Havel Airport).

Note: Some EU airports have introduced modern CT scanners that allow for larger volumes of liquids, and you don't have to remove electronics from your backpack. However, in the Czech Republic, the original rules still apply.

Electronics in Carry-on Luggage: What You Can and Must Take on Board?

Electronics generally belong in carry-on luggage. The reason is the lithium-ion batteries, which pose a risk in the cargo hold if damaged.

Laptops, tablets, mobile phones: No problem. You usually have to take them out of your luggage at the security check.
Power banks: Must always be in your carry-on luggage. Transporting them in checked luggage is strictly prohibited. Power banks with a capacity of up to 100 Wh (watt-hours) can be carried without approval. Above this capacity (up to 160 Wh), only with the airline's consent. Power banks over 160 Wh are prohibited.
Hairdryer and hair straightener: Yes, both a hairdryer and a hair straightener are allowed on the plane. They do not contain any dangerous components. Be careful with gas-powered curling irons and straighteners, as these are forbidden.
Electric shaver: Yes, an electric shaver is permitted without restrictions, both in carry-on and checked luggage.
You can bring regular chargers for your phone, tablet, laptop, or other electronics on the plane without any issues, both in your carry-on and checked luggage.

Tip: Looking for suitable carry-on luggage? In our selection of cabin backpacks, travel bags for the plane, and carry-on suitcases, you're sure to find the one for you! And if you're having trouble navigating the sizes, terms, and types, we've prepared a clear article about cabin luggage for you.

Sharp Objects: When Are Razors Allowed and When Not?

The "sharp objects" category is often a source of confusion. A simple rule regarding blade length applies here.

Scissors and knives: You can take scissors (e.g., for nails) or a small knife with a blade no longer than 6 cm on board the plane. Anything with a longer blade must go into checked luggage.
Razors and shavers: And what about the question, "can I take a razor on a plane?"

Disposable razors or razors with replaceable cartridges (where the blade is firmly set in a plastic head) are allowed.
Separate razor blades or straight razors are considered prohibited items and you cannot carry them in your carry-on luggage.
So, a standard razor on a plane is a yes, a loose razor blade on a plane is a no.

What Else Can You Take on Board the Plane?

There are a number of other items that passengers are unsure about. Let's go through them.

Item	Can you take it on board?	Note
Umbrella	Yes	A standard folding umbrella is fine. Large umbrellas with a sharp point may be considered problematic by some airlines.
Lighter	Yes, 1 piece	You can take a lighter on the plane, but only one, and you must keep it on your person (in your pocket), not in your carry-on or checked luggage. Matches are often tolerated (1 box), but it depends on the specific airline and country. Zippo-type lighters are prohibited.
Solid food	Yes	Sandwiches, biscuits, fruit, vegetables – you can take all of these on board. Be careful with liquid and spreadable foods (pâté, jams, yoghurts), as the 100 ml limit applies to them.
Glass items	Yes, with caution	Empty glasses or other glass items are not prohibited, but they must be packed safely. The final decision always rests with the security officer.
Sports equipment	Mostly no	Hockey sticks, baseball bats, trekking poles – these items do not belong on board and must be transported in checked luggage.

Tip: E-cigarettes, including vape devices, e-cigarettes, or IQOS, can be taken on board the plane, but only in your carry-on luggage or on your person. E-liquids are subject to the 100 ml rule and must be stored in the transparent bag with other liquids.

List of Prohibited Items, or What's Not Allowed on a Plane

For completeness, here is a brief overview of items that are strictly prohibited in carry-on luggage. The list is, of course, longer, but these are the most common ones. If you are unsure, it's always better to leave the item at home or pack it in your checked luggage.

Weapons, ammunition, and their replicas
Explosives and flammable materials (flares, fireworks)
Chemical and toxic substances
Knives and scissors with a blade longer than 6 cm
Tools (hammers, drills, crowbars, screwdrivers longer than 6 cm)
Separate razor blades and straight razors

Remember that it depends on the airline; each may set slightly different rules. The final say always belongs to the security officer at the airport. If you are unsure whether you can take a particular item on the plane, the best option is to contact your airline directly.

Tip: Choose a large checked bag from us. In our wide range of large L-size suitcases, medium M-size suitcases, and large wheeled travel bags, you are sure to find the right luggage to suit your taste!

Frequently Asked Questions When Packing Carry-on Luggage

What kind of luggage can you take on a plane?

You can take carry-on luggage that meets the size and weight limits set by the airlines. This usually includes small bags or backpacks that you can place under the seat in front of you.
Tip: Each airline sets its own rules. To help you navigate the limits and permitted luggage dimensions, we have prepared an updated table for you!
What liquids can you take in your carry-on luggage?

The liquids you can take must be in containers of a maximum of 100 ml and all must be placed in a transparent, resealable bag with a capacity of up to 1 litre. This includes drinks, cosmetics, and other liquid products.
What items are prohibited in carry-on luggage?

Prohibited items in carry-on luggage include sharp objects, explosives, flammable materials, and other hazardous materials. For example, you cannot take knives, large scissors, and some sports equipment.
What can you take on board the plane with you?

You can take personal items like wallets, mobile phones, laptops, and books into the cabin. You can also take small folding umbrellas and some food items, if they are well-packaged.
How to pack carry-on luggage?

When packing your carry-on, make sure to adhere to the weight and size limits set by the airline. You can pack clothes, electronics, and personal hygiene items, but don't forget the rules regarding liquids.
Can I take a thermos in my carry-on luggage?

You can take a thermos, but it must be empty when you go through security. Once you are on board, you can fill it with a drink if the airline allows it.
Can I take a travel pillow on the plane?

Yes, you can take a travel pillow (e.g., a neck pillow) on board without any problems. Most airlines do not count it as a separate piece of luggage, but we recommend attaching it to your carry-on (e.g., with a carabiner). Larger pillows or special orthopedic models may be considered oversized by the airline, so it's a good idea to check the specific airline's transport conditions beforehand.

Pack Smart and Fly Stress-Free

Packing your carry-on luggage for a flight correctly isn't rocket science. Just remember a few basic rules: liquids up to 100 ml in a transparent bag, power banks always with you on board, and sharp objects with a blade under 6 cm. Things like an umbrella, an electric shaver, or a hair straightener don't have to worry you.

We believe that with our guide, preparing your carry-on luggage will be much easier for you. And if you are looking for the ideal cabin luggage that meets the limits of most airlines and helps you keep your things organized, explore our wide range at Bagalio.eu. Happy travels!