What can go in carry-on luggage? The complete checklist for air travel 2026

Carry-on luggage on planes is subject to strict security regulations. The most important rules: liquids only in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent 1-liter bag. Standard dimensions for carry-on luggage: 55 × 40 × 20 cm for most airlines. Dangerous items such as knives with blades longer than 6 cm, scissors, and tools are prohibited.

Carry-on Luggage Regulations 2026: An Overview of Key Information

Carry-on luggage regulations have become even stricter in 2026. Airlines are checking size, weight, and contents much more rigorously than in previous years. Passengers who do not comply with the regulations may face fees of up to 80 euros. This comprehensive guide will show you exactly what you need to consider.

1. Carry-on Luggage Dimensions and Weight

Standard Carry-on Luggage Dimensions

Standard carry-on luggage dimensions are based on IATA recommendations but vary by airline:

Important Notes on Measurement

•      Dimensions are measured including wheels, handles, and outer pockets

•      Airlines use special measuring gauges (sizers) at the gate

•      Exceeding limits may result in fees of 46-80 Euros

•      Softshell bags are easier to compress than hard-shell suitcases

2. Liquids in Carry-on Luggage: The 100 ml Rule

The liquids rule remains in effect at most airports in 2026, although some have already installed new CT scanners.

The Basic Rules

•      Maximum 100 ml per container

•      All containers in a transparent, resealable 1-liter bag

•      One bag per person

•      The bag must be completely sealed

•      The maximum fill quantity printed on the container is decisive, not the actual content

What Counts as a Liquid?

More than you think! The following products are subject to the liquid rule:

Exceptions to the Liquid Rule

•      Medication: Liquid medication may be carried in larger quantities if needed during the journey. A doctor's note is recommended.

•      Baby Food: Baby milk, water, and pureed food are allowed in the necessary quantity.

•      Duty-Free Purchases: Liquids purchased after the security check are allowed but must remain in a sealed bag.

New CT Scanners: Relaxations at Some Airports

At selected airports with state-of-the-art CT technology, the rules have been relaxed:

•      Frankfurt Terminal 3: Up to 2 liters allowed from spring 2026

•      Munich Terminal 2: Partially up to 2 liters possible

•      Rome Fiumicino: Up to 2 liters per container

•      Milan Linate & Malpensa T1: Up to 2 liters possible

⚠ Important: Regulations vary by terminal and security lane. The strictest rules apply during stopovers. Safe tip: Stick to the 100 ml rule.

3. Prohibited Items in Carry-on Luggage

For safety reasons, the following items are strictly prohibited in carry-on luggage:

Weapons and Weapon-like Objects

•      Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks

•      Toy pistols and replicas

•      Pepper spray, tasers, and stunning devices

•      Crossbows, harpoons, and slingshots

Sharp and pointed objects

•      Knives and scissors with blades over 6 cm

•      Utility knives and razor blades (loose)

•      Axes, swords, and machetes

•      Pointed nail files (metal)

Tools

•      Crowbars, drills, and saws

•      Screwdrivers over 6 cm in length

•      Blowtorches and cordless saws

•      Crowbars and heavy hammers

Sports equipment (potential blunt weapons)

•      Golf clubs and baseball bats

•      Tennis rackets and hockey sticks

•      Skis, ski poles, and hiking poles

•      Skateboards and penny boards (airline-dependent)

Dangerous substances

•      Flammable liquids (gasoline, lighter fluid)

•      Explosives and explosive devices

•      Chemical and toxic substances

•      Gases and camping gas cartridges

•      Gas and storm lighters

4. What is allowed in carry-on baggage? Permitted items

You can easily carry these items in your hand luggage:

Electronic devices

•      Laptop, tablet, and e-reader

•      Smartphone and smartwatch

•      Digital camera and photo equipment

•      Electric toothbrush

•      E-cigarettes (may not be used on board)

Hygiene and personal care items

•      Razors: Disposable razors and electric shavers allowed

•      Nail scissors: Blades under 6 cm allowed

•      Nail clippers: Allowed without problems

•      Hair straighteners, curling irons, hair dryers: Allowed (may not be used on board)

Lighters and matches

•      One disposable lighter (carried on the person, not in the luggage)

•      One box of matches (carried on the person)

•      Prohibited: Gasoline lighters, storm lighters, lighter fluid refills

Food

•      Solid foods (bread, fruit, biscuits, chocolate)

•      Baby food in the required quantity

•      Note: Liquid foods are subject to the 100 ml rule. Import restrictions may apply for flights outside the EU.

5. Power banks and batteries: Important special regulations 2026

The regulations for power banks were tightened in 2026. Airlines are enforcing them much more strictly.

Basic rules for power banks

•      Only allowed in carry-on baggage, never in checked baggage

•      Up to 100 watt-hours (Wh): Allowed without problems

•      100-160 Wh: Airline approval required

•      Over 160 Wh: Prohibited

Stricter rules for Lufthansa Group

Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines and Eurowings have additional rules:

•      Maximum 2 power banks per person

•      May not be used or charged during the flight

•      Do not stow in the overhead compartment, but keep in the seating area

•      Approval for 100-160 Wh via Lufthansa Service Center

Convert mAh to Wh

Many power banks only state mAh. Here's how to convert:

Formula: Wh = (mAh × Voltage) ÷ 1000

Example: 20,000 mAh × 3.7 V ÷ 1000 = 74 Wh (allowed)

6. Complete Carry-on Checklist

This comprehensive checklist will help you remember everything:

Documents (absolutely essential)

☑ Passport / ID Card

☑ Flight tickets / Boarding pass

☑ Visa (if required)

☑ Travel health insurance

☑ Hotel and rental car bookings

☑ Credit cards and cash

☑ Vaccination certificate (if needed)

Medication and Health

☑ Prescription medication (with prescription/certificate)

☑ Painkillers and headache tablets

☑ Travel first aid kit (band-aids, disinfectant)

☑ Glasses / contact lenses with cleaning solution

☑ Earplugs and sleep mask

Electronics

☑ Smartphone and charging cable

☑ Laptop / Tablet

☑ Headphones (noise-cancelling recommended)

☑ Power bank (max. 100 Wh)

☑ Camera and memory cards

☑ E-reader

Hygiene and Cosmetics (1-liter bag!)

☑ Toothbrush and toothpaste (max. 100 ml)

☑ Deodorant (max. 100 ml)

☑ Face cream and hand cream (max. 100 ml each)

☑ Lip balm

☑ Perfume (max. 100 ml)

☑ Hairbrush / comb

☑ Make-up (liquid products max. 100 ml)

Clothing and Comfort

☑ Jacket / sweater (planes are often cool)

☑ Warm socks

☑ Change of underwear (in case of lost luggage)

☑ Scarf / neckerchief

☑ Sunglasses

Miscellaneous

☑ Empty water bottle (fill after security check)

☑ Snacks (solid, not liquid)

☑ Pen and notebook

☑ Book / magazine

☑ Chewing gum (for ear pressure)

☑ Travel pillow (inflatable)

With Baby/Toddler

☑ Baby food (allowed in needed quantity)

☑ Diapers and wet wipes

☑ Change of clothes for the child

☑ Favorite toy

☑ Pacifier and bottles

7. Practical Packing Tips for 2026

Before Packing

•      Check airline regulations: Each airline has different size and weight limits

•      Measure your luggage: Including wheels, handles and external pockets

•      Weigh your suitcase: A luggage scale saves stress at the airport

•      Prepare your liquids bag: Place it at the top of your carry-on for easy access

Smart Packing Techniques

•      Roll instead of fold: Clothes roll up more compactly and wrinkle less

•      Pack heavy items at the bottom

•      Use shoes as storage space for socks

•      Use packing cubes for better organization

•      Wear the heaviest shoes during the flight

At the Airport

•      Keep liquids bag handy: Speeds up the security check

•      Present electronics separately: Remove laptop and tablet from the bag

•      Take off jacket and belt beforehand

•      After security: refill water bottle at the water dispenser

8. New EU Regulations for 2026

The EU plans more uniform carry-on baggage regulations, which are to be implemented during 2026:

•      Free carry-on baggage: Passengers should be entitled to one free carry-on item plus one personal item

•      Minimum dimensions: Establishment of minimum dimensions to avoid arbitrary restrictions

•      Transparent fees: Unexpected costs at the gate should be avoided

•      Status: Legislative process underway, implementation no earlier than mid-2026

9. Avoid Common Mistakes

10. Special cases: medication, babies, pets

Medication

•      Liquid medication: May be carried in larger quantities

•      Doctor's certificate: Recommended, especially for international flights

•      Syringes and insulin: Allowed with proof

•      Storage in original packaging with label

Traveling with baby/toddler

•      Baby food: Unlimited quantity allowed (needed for duration of trip)

•      Stroller: Depending on airline, either to the gate or as checked baggage

•      Baby carrier: Allowed in addition to hand luggage

•      Car seat: Allowed free of charge in addition

Pets in the cabin

•      Small pets (dog, cat) up to approx. 8 kg often allowed

•      Carrier counts as hand luggage

•      Advance notification to the airline required

•      Additional fees between 40-70 Euros

Conclusion: Relaxed through security control

The carry-on baggage regulations for 2026 may seem complex, but with the right preparation, you'll get through security control stress-free. The most important points summarized:

With this comprehensive checklist, you are perfectly prepared for your flight in 2026. Have a good flight!