Hand baggage

Only a limited quantity of fluids are allowed in hand baggage due to safety requirements at European airports. Only liquids of no more than 100 ml each and 1 litre in total are permitted at security control. Passengers must pack their liquids in accordance with the guidelines in a transparent, resealable 1-litre bag. Only one bag per passenger is permitted. This should be be placed on top of your cabin baggage so that it can be quickly placed in the security tray for the control. 

These include pastes, lotions, creams, foam, mixtures of liquids and solids (aerosols), as well as other substances that are liquid, viscous, gelatinous, creamy or similar in consistency at room temperature.

If in doubt, the control staff at the airport determine what you are allowed to take with you.

IATA permits the carriage of powerbanks with a maximum total energy output of 100 Wh in hand baggage. Up to 20 powerbanks per person may be carried, which are intended exclusively for the passenger's personal use.

Things get more complicated for powerbanks with a rated power between 100 Wh and 160 Wh: According to IATA, no more than two powerbanks per person may be taken on board, but many airlines require them to be registered in advance. Please check with your airline in advance.

Powerbanks with a rated power of more than 160 Wh are not allowed on the plane. The rated power of your powerbank should be listed on the device. Most powerbanks have a capacity of 10,000 mAh, which corresponds to a rated power of about 37 Wh.

Note: We recommend that you check thoroughly before you travel to avoid surprises at the security control and during your flight. More and more frequently, airlines are tightening their regulations to prevent powerbanks from posing a risk. Therefore, make sure above all that the rated power of your powerbank is indicated on the device, otherwise you will most likely be denied to take it with you.

Liquid medicines (e.g. insulin) or liquid special food (e.g. baby food or other special dietary nutrition) required during the flight are exceptions to this rule. Such a need must be documented in the form of a doctor’s certificate if necessary. Any customs provisions must be taken into account when taking medicines, regardless of the rules concerning liquids.

Liquids in sealed bags from duty-free sales purchased at an airport or on board are also exceptions. The security bags (“STEB”) must be tamper-proof, unopened, and undamaged. The items and the receipt must also be stored in a correspondingly certified security bag. These items are controlled separately.

The following items are not permitted in hand baggage:

• Lithium batteries or accumulators over 100 watt-hours (Wh)
• Petrol lighters and windproof lighters as well as refill cartridges (even on the person and in hold baggage). A gas lighter is permitted per passenger, provided it is carried on the person. Transportation of such items in hand or hold baggage is not permitted. Lighters discovered in baggage will be disposed of.
• Pressurised containers such as hairspray, etc.
• Knives with a blade longer than 6 cm
• Nail polish remover
• Scissors with a blade longer than 6 cm
• Ski poles
• Matches
• Walking sticks
• Hiking sticks

A list of all forbidden objects can be found here.

All liquids must be taken out of the hand baggage and shown separately during security controls. To avoid delays, it is therefore recommended to take out all liquids from your hand baggage before reaching the security controls.

We recommend handing fluids over in travel baggage if possible. Other regulations, such as hazardous goods regulations, should be observed. The less hand baggage you take onto a flight, the less stress you will have with the air security controls. Staff at the airport will be happy to help you with any questions or concerns.

These special requirements for carrying liquids in hand baggage apply across the European Union. Please ensure you are aware of the requirements in your destination or transit country before travelling. The information provided here is a simplified summary and no liability is assumed. Legally binding information can be found in the legal texts.