Hand luggage rules on planes

In short: In hand luggage the airline’s size and weight limits apply as well as EU security rules for liquids: containers up to 100 ml in a transparent bag of no more than one litre.

In more detail: Rules can vary slightly by airport and country. New scanners allow more liquids at some airports, so always check current information.

In detail

• Size and weight: Usually about 55 x 40 x 20 cm and 8 to 10 kg; budget airlines are stricter. Check with the carrier before departure.
• Liquids: At most 100 ml per container, all in one transparent resealable bag (max. 1 l).
• Prohibited: Weapons, sharp objects, flammable substances, lighters in quantity, sprays in large containers.
• Power banks and batteries: Must go in hand luggage, not the checked bag (fire risk).
• Important items in hand luggage: Documents, medication, valuables, a change of clothes.
• Electronics: Laptops and tablets are often scanned separately (packliste-fuer-den-urlaub).