What can I take in my hand luggage?
A well-packed carry-on can make the difference between a relaxing trip and a stressful flight experience. Having the most important things handy on the plane is not only practical, but also necessary for complying with current safety regulations. In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know about carry-on luggage—from permitted and prohibited items to the must-haves you absolutely cannot forget.
Reviewed on 18 October 2026. This guide mainly covers departures from Germany and the EU. Always follow the current rules of your airline and your departure, transfer and destination airports.
The basics of hand luggage
Hand luggage is the baggage you take into the aircraft cabin. Permitted dimensions, weight and the number of bags depend on your airline and fare. Distinguish between a larger cabin bag and a small personal item that fits under the seat in front. Check every flight and measure your bag when packed. Duffle bags, backpacks, handbags and small suitcases may be suitable if they meet the applicable limits.
Permitted items on the plane
There are many things you can carry in your hand luggage. Here's an overview of the most common and important items:
Electronic devices
Laptops, tablets and smartphones: These devices are generally allowed in hand luggage. Whether you must remove them at security depends on the screening equipment: at suitably equipped CT checkpoints, they can remain in your bag. Follow the instructions at the checkpoint. On board, follow the crew’s directions on flight mode, device use and safe stowage.
Camera: Cameras and associated equipment (such as lenses) may be taken along.
Power banks and spare batteries: Carry these in the cabin, never in checked baggage. Protect terminals against short circuits and do not travel with damaged batteries. Since 27 March 2026, ICAO rules limit power banks to two per passenger and prohibit recharging them during flights. Check your airline’s capacity limits and rules for use. Lufthansa also prohibits using power banks to charge other devices and storing them in overhead lockers; approved medical devices are exempt from the restriction on use.
Clothing and accessories
Clothing: You can bring a change of clothes. Light jackets or sweaters are always a good idea, as airplanes are often chilly.
Scarves and shawls: These are great for snuggling up comfortably during the flight.
Sunglasses or glasses: Of course, your visual aids are allowed in your hand luggage.
Toiletries
At many security checkpoints, liquids, gels and creams must be in containers holding no more than 100 ml, packed together in one transparent, resealable bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre per passenger. The container’s capacity matters, not the amount left inside. Different rules apply at certain CT checkpoints. Check your departure airport and account for connections and your return flight.
Toothpaste, shampoo and shower gel: These count as liquids. Travel sizes of up to 100 ml make packing for different checkpoints easier.
Deodorant: Roll-ons and ordinary body sprays are subject to the liquid rules. Sprays must also comply with your airline’s dangerous goods requirements.
Cosmetics: Mascara, liquid foundation and lip gloss count as liquids. Solid lipstick is generally not covered by this rule.
Food
Solid snacks such as sandwiches and biscuits are generally permitted in hand luggage. Soups, sauces and other liquid or spreadable foods are subject to liquid restrictions. Also check your destination’s import rules, particularly for fruit, meat and dairy products.
Medications
Prescription medications: These may be carried in hand luggage. It is recommended that you carry a doctor's certificate or prescription to avoid any questions at the security checkpoint.
Liquid medication: Medication needed during your journey may qualify for an exemption from the 100 ml limit. Present it separately at security and carry evidence of your need, such as a prescription or medical certificate.
Baby food
Baby food and special dietary food needed for the journey may also qualify for exemptions from liquid restrictions. Keep the quantity you need accessible and show it to security staff.
Valuables
Important personal documents such as your passport, airline ticket, and cash should always be carried in your hand luggage. Jewelry, watches, and other valuable items should also be kept in your hand luggage, as they could get lost in your checked baggage.
What is not allowed in hand luggage?
Some items are prohibited in hand luggage or allowed only under specific conditions. Additional requirements may apply to particular products and destinations.
Sharp or pointed objects
Knives, scissors and razor blades: Loose razor blades and box cutters are prohibited in hand luggage. Knives with blades over 6 cm and scissors with blades over 6 cm measured from the pivot are prohibited. Length alone does not guarantee that an item is allowed. If unsure, check the official list and your airline’s requirements.
Tools: Restrictions include drills, saws and crowbars, as well as tools with a blade or shaft over 6 cm that could be used as weapons. Check specialist equipment against the official requirements before travelling.
Sports equipment
Sports equipment: Baseball bats and other items that could be used as clubs, as well as pointed martial arts equipment, must not go in hand luggage.
Special baggage: Ask your airline how items such as skiing, hiking or ice-skating equipment must be transported and whether you need to register them as sports baggage.
Lighters and matches
Lighters and matches: Lufthansa allows one small permitted lighter or one small packet of safety matches for personal use, carried only on your person, not inside a bag or checked baggage.
Stricter bans apply to certain lighter types, lighter refills and some countries. Check your airline’s dangerous goods rules and your destination’s requirements.
Liquids over 100 ml
Where the 100 ml rule applies, a larger container is not permitted even when almost empty. Exceptions include medication and special dietary food needed during the journey, as well as appropriately sealed duty-free purchases with proof of purchase. Approved CT checkpoints may allow further exceptions. Follow the information provided by the airport concerned.
Dangerous substances
Dangerous goods: Fireworks, explosives, pepper spray and flammable fuels must not go in hand luggage. Many dangerous items are also prohibited in checked baggage. Do not simply move them into your suitcase; check your airline’s dangerous goods list.
What should definitely be in your hand luggage?
In addition to the basics, there are some must-haves that you should definitely pack in your hand luggage:
Important documents
Your passport, visa, boarding pass, and other travel documents should always be within easy reach. A separate document holder or small bag for them can be very useful.
Technical devices and chargers
Keep your smartphone, laptop and charging cables protected and accessible. If your cabin bag is taken at the gate to be carried in the hold, remove power banks, spare lithium batteries and electronic devices first and follow your airline’s instructions.
Headphones
Long flights can quickly become boring, so a good pair of headphones is worth its weight in gold—especially noise-canceling models to reduce aircraft noise.
Neck support and sleep mask
For comfort on long-haul flights, neck rests and sleep masks are essential. They help you relax better and maybe even sleep during the flight.
Small snacks and water
A small snack and an empty water bottle are useful companions. After security, refill the bottle at a drinking-water station if one is available, or buy a drink in the secure area. Liquid restrictions may apply again if you pass through another checkpoint during a connection.
Hygiene and personal needs
Keep tissues and the toiletries you personally need within easy reach. Liquid hand sanitiser is subject to the applicable liquid and dangerous goods rules. Check any specific health requirements of your airline and destination before departure.
