Travelling light saves time and often money too. To make sure nothing ends up in the bin at security, it is worth knowing the rules. Some apply across the EU, others are set by each airline. If you are used to flying from the UK or elsewhere, most of this will feel familiar, but a few details differ.
How big can hand luggage be?
There is no single standard size. It depends on the fare you book. With many airlines a cabin case may measure about 55 × 40 × 23 cm and weigh between 7 and 10 kg. A small item such as a handbag or laptop backpack is often allowed on top.
The cheapest fare often includes only this personal item, around 40 × 30 × 20 cm. It has to fit under the seat in front of you. For a trolley in the cabin you then pay extra, and the fee at the airport is usually much higher than when you book.
Liquids: the 100 millilitre rule
Liquids may only be carried in containers of up to 100 ml. All containers go together into one clear, resealable bag holding no more than one litre. Each person may take one bag, and it is shown separately at security.
More things count as liquids than you might think: toothpaste, sun cream, shower gel, mascara and lip balm in gel form, but also honey, mustard or yoghurt. What matters is the size of the container. A half-empty 200 ml tube is therefore not allowed.
Some airports have new scanners that allow larger amounts. Do not rely on it: if the old rule applies at the airport you fly home from, you will have to leave behind anything too large.
Power banks, batteries and electronics
Power banks and spare batteries always go in your hand luggage, never in your checked bag. If one catches fire, it can be put out quickly in the cabin, but not in the hold.
The limit is set in watt-hours, which you will find printed on the battery:
| Capacity | Hand luggage | Checked bag |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 100 Wh (most power banks) | allowed | not allowed |
| 100 to 160 Wh | only with the airline’s approval | not allowed |
| Over 160 Wh | not allowed | not allowed |
More and more airlines now ban using power banks on board or charging devices with them. Some also require them to be kept within reach at your seat and not in the overhead locker. So charge your phone and tablet before you fly.
Laptops and cameras are fine. At older security lanes you have to take larger devices out of your bag and put them in a separate tray. E-cigarettes are only allowed in hand luggage and may not be used on board.
Medicines and baby food
Medicines and baby food are an exception to the 100 ml rule. You may take as much as you need for the journey. Show these items separately at security. For liquid medicines or syringes, a letter from your doctor helps, ideally in English.
Important medicines should always be in your hand luggage. If your suitcase goes missing, you still have them with you.
What is not allowed in hand luggage
Banned in the cabin are, for example, weapons, tools and anything that could be used as a weapon. For everyday items these rules apply:
- Knives and scissors with a blade over 6 cm stay at home or go in the checked bag.
- Lighters: one per person, carried on you. It may not go in your checked bag.
- Aerosols such as hairspray or deodorant count as liquids and are only allowed up to 100 ml.
- Sports equipment such as baseball bats or walking poles travels in the hold.
If in doubt, check the website of your departure airport. It lists what is allowed through security, usually in English too.
Getting through security quickly
Pack the liquids bag and large devices right at the top. Put your jacket and belt in a tray and empty your pockets while you are still in the queue. If your boarding pass is on your phone, turn up the brightness beforehand.
Allow plenty of time in the school holidays. At large airports the longest queues form in the morning between five and eight, so half an hour of extra time is worth it.
flug-123.de editorial team, updated 9 November 2026. We review our guides regularly. Rules can change. If in doubt, the details in your booking apply.
