If you’ve ever had your bag pulled aside during a security screening, it may not be random, your hand luggage could be the reason. Indian airports enforce strict cabin baggage rules similar to international standards, and failing to follow them can lead to delays or confiscated items. To make air travel smoother, here’s a detailed guide on what not to pack in your carry-on and what you can bring instead.
What Counts as Cabin Baggage?
Cabin baggage, often called hand luggage or a carry-on bag, refers to the bag you are permitted to take inside the aircraft. It keeps your essentials, documents, medications, gadgets, and valuables, close at hand and saves time at baggage claim. However, to ensure in-flight safety, several items are strictly banned from cabin bags at Indian airports.
Items You Should Never Carry in Hand Luggage
1. Sharp Objects
Knives, scissors, blades, razors, and even nail cutters are prohibited. Anything that can be perceived as a weapon will be seized by airport security. These grooming tools should always go in checked luggage to avoid delays.
2. Liquids Over 100ml
Liquids such as water, shampoo, lotion, sauce, perfume, or pickles exceeding 100ml are not allowed through security, regardless of whether the container is sealed. To stay compliant, use travel-size bottles under 100ml and place them in a clear, resealable pouch.
3. Lighters and Matchboxes
Smokers often forget about this rule, but carrying a lighter or matchbox in your bag or pocket is a big no. These are considered fire hazards and will be confiscated during screening.
4. Power Banks Over 160Wh
Power banks are allowed only in hand luggage, but those exceeding 160 watt-hours are banned. Always check your power bank’s label for wattage before travel, as oversized batteries can be confiscated.
5. Tools and Equipment
Hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, or any other tools are treated as potential weapons. Even small ones must go in checked baggage.
6. Sports and Fitness Gear
Items such as bats, rackets, dumbbells, and skipping ropes are not allowed in cabin bags due to their potential misuse. Pack all such gear in your main luggage.
7. E-Cigarettes and Vapes
Indian airports have a zero-tolerance policy toward e-cigarettes and vaping devices. These are banned both in hand and checked luggage and may even attract penalties.
8. Sprays and Aerosols
Pressurised cans, like deodorant sprays or insect repellents, are restricted. Only small travel-size bottles (under 100ml) are permitted in transparent bags.
What You Can Carry in Cabin Baggage
While restrictions apply, passengers are allowed several essential items:
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Essentials: Clothes, basic toiletries under 100ml, and prescribed medicines (preferably with prescriptions).
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Electronics: Phones, laptops, tablets, and cameras are permitted but must be screened separately.
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Documents and Valuables: Keep passports, IDs, jewellery, and cash in your carry-on for safety.
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Food: Dry snacks like sandwiches, nuts, or biscuits are allowed. Avoid gravies, pickles, or sauces over 100ml.
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Baby Food and Milk: Permitted in reasonable amounts, even if exceeding the liquid limit, subject to additional screening.
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Others: Small handbags, books, overcoats, umbrellas, and limited duty-free items are all acceptable.
Power Banks, Perfumes, and Jewellery: What to Remember
Perfumes under 100ml are permitted in resealable bags. Power banks must always be kept in cabin baggage, never checked in. Jewellery is safest in hand luggage, though travellers carrying large amounts for international travel may need to declare them at customs.
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Packing Smart: Six Quick Tips for a Hassle-Free Flight
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Check airline rules for baggage size and weight.
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Pack essentials only, including documents, electronics, and medications.
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Follow the 100ml liquid rule using clear pouches.
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Wear bulky items to save space.
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Organise compartments for quick access during screening.
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Leave room for souvenirs to avoid overpacking.