Packing a carry-on for a flight looks simple until you reach the security belt with a full-size shampoo bottle, a power bank of unknown capacity and a bag that is two centimetres too deep. The rules on what you can take on board are strict, and not knowing them is one of the most common reasons for stress at the airport. This guide is updated for the 2026/27 travel season and covers size and weight limits, liquids, electronics, medicines, food, alcohol, documents and the differences between countries.
Some rules are close to universal, but many countries and airlines add their own restrictions, especially for liquids, electronics, medicines and food. What passes the check in one country can be stopped in another, so it pays to read the rules of your airline and your destination before you pack.
Universal rules for carry-on baggage
Whatever your destination and airline, a few basic rules apply at most airports. Treat them as a starting point and then adjust to the specific carrier, because local regulations and airline policies can always add restrictions.
Dimensions and weight
The most common carry-on size limit is around 55 × 40 × 20 cm, which lets a suitcase fit in the overhead locker of most aircraft. Some airlines are stricter and some allow slightly larger bags. Weight limits usually fall between 7 and 10 kg, although 5 kg and 12 kg both exist, depending on the carrier and the fare. Dimensions always include wheels, handles and any protruding parts.
Even a small excess can mean checking the bag into the hold and paying for it. That is why a case built for the cabin is worth more than a larger bag you have to squeeze. A case with a low empty weight also leaves more of your allowance for what you actually pack.
Number of pieces
The number of pieces depends mainly on the fare. The simplest fare usually allows one piece, while more expensive fares and higher classes often allow two. The usual split is:
- a main carry-on (cabin suitcase or larger backpack),
- a smaller personal bag (handbag, city backpack, laptop bag) that fits under the seat in front of you.
Airlines increasingly check the personal bag strictly at boarding. Trying to carry several bags to get around the rules often ends with an extra fee. For a deeper look at costs, see our guide on how to avoid baggage fees.
Preparing for the security check
The security check is where delays happen, and a little preparation at the bag level makes the whole process faster for you and for everyone behind you.
Electronics
Laptops, tablets, cameras and game consoles usually have to come out and travel in a separate tray, because they need a closer X-ray look. Phones, headphones and small power banks can often stay in the bag, but staff may ask for them in case of doubt.
Liquids
Liquids go in a transparent, resealable bag of up to 1 litre. Each container may hold no more than 100 ml, even if it is only partly filled. The bag comes out of your luggage and goes on the belt separately.
Your own check
You pass through a metal detector or body scanner. Take off your belt, watch, metal jewellery and any jacket, coat or thick hoodie. In many countries shoes with a thick sole come off too, so choose a travel outfit that is easy to remove.
Which Peli case suits which trip
If your carry-on regularly holds a laptop, camera or other equipment you cannot afford to damage, the case itself becomes part of your airport strategy. The models below come from the Peli range, with dimensions and weights taken from the product pages.
| Model | Size and weight | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Peli Air 1535 TRVL | 55.8 × 35.5 × 22.8 cm, 4.7 kg | Hard-shell cabin suitcase with two TSA-approved locks for business trips and camera kit |
| Peli Air 1535 | Cabin-size case, IP67 | Gear that needs a sealed, foam-fitted or TrekPak interior |
| Peli ATX HC22 | 55.9 × 35.6 × 23.1 cm, 4.8 kg, 30 L | 3 to 5 day trips with clothes and electronics |
| Peli Aegis HY22 | 36.6 × 26.9 × 55.9 cm, 3.32 kg, 47 L | Soft rolling duffel when you need more volume in the cabin |
| Peli Aegis PX18 | 27 × 16 × 46 cm, 1.22 kg | Personal bag with a laptop compartment |
| Peli Aegis PX25 | 25 L backpack | Daily commute and carry-on for business travel |
| Peli ATX HC30 | 76.2 × 50.8 × 30.7 cm, 9.93 kg, 90 L | Check-in case for long trips and delicate items |
For more on choosing luggage that survives years of travel, read how to buy a travel suitcase that lasts for years.
Liquids in carry-on baggage
Liquids are the category most often confiscated at security, mainly because of oversize containers or incorrect packing.
The 100 ml rule
At most airports every liquid must be in a container of at most 100 ml. What counts is the capacity printed on the container, not how much is left inside. All containers go together in one transparent resealable bag of up to 1 litre, which must be easy to reach because it comes out before the check.
The liquids category covers more than drinks:
- cosmetics in liquid and semi-liquid form,
- gels, pastes and creams,
- aerosols,
- perfumes,
- food of a liquid or creamy consistency.
Creams, toothpaste, shower gel and spray or gel deodorants count as liquids too. Solid products such as bar soap and stick deodorant do not.
How to cut down on liquids
- Use travel-size miniatures or cosmetic samples that sit comfortably under 100 ml.
- Decant favourite products into tight, labelled travel containers and keep them in the resealable bag.
- Carry an empty bottle and fill it after security.
- Buy bulky items at your destination.
Medical liquids
Liquids needed for medical reasons, such as liquid medicines, syrups, insulin or contact lens solution, can often exceed 100 ml if they are necessary during the journey. Declare them at the check and be ready to show a prescription or a doctor's note. The final decision belongs to the security staff.
Duty-free liquids
Liquids bought in duty-free after the security check may exceed 100 ml if they are sealed in a tamper-evident bag (STEB). Keep the receipt inside, do not open the bag before the end of the journey and remember that on connecting flights a new security check may apply. An open or damaged bag can lead to confiscation at the next airport.
Electronics in carry-on baggage
Electronics belong in the cabin, not in the hold. That protects valuable devices from damage and theft, and it follows safety rules for lithium batteries.
What comes out at security
Staff most often ask for these to be placed in a separate tray:
- laptops,
- tablets,
- e-book readers,
- cameras,
- game consoles.
Some airports use modern scanners that let you leave these items in the bag. This varies even within one country, so follow the instructions on site.
Power banks and lithium batteries
Power banks and spare lithium batteries are allowed only in carry-on baggage. Most airlines accept power banks up to 100 Wh, roughly 27,000 mAh, and larger ones need the airline's consent. Protect the contacts against a short circuit by keeping the battery in its original packaging or a dedicated case, and make sure the power bank cannot switch on by accident. Airline policies on using power banks during the flight differ, so check the carrier's current rules before you travel.
Packing laptops, headphones and cables
- Keep laptops and tablets in a padded compartment that is easy to open at the belt. A backpack with a quick-access laptop section, such as the Aegis PX18, helps here.
- Store headphones in a case and small devices in an organiser.
- Roll cables, fasten them with ties and keep chargers in one fixed pocket.
- Switch devices off or to flight mode, secure your data with passwords and backups, and never leave electronics unattended.
Medicines and medical items
Medicines should always travel in the cabin, so you have them in case of delays or lost baggage.
Prescription and over-the-counter medicines
Tablets and capsules for personal use usually have no quantity limit. Liquid medicines follow the liquids rules unless they are essential for health reasons, and even common products such as nose drops or cough syrup count as liquids. Keep medicines in their original packaging with the name and dosage visible.
Documents for larger amounts
If you carry liquid medicines above 100 ml, declare them before scanning. It helps to have:
- a prescription or a copy,
- a doctor's certificate, preferably in English,
- a document confirming that you need the medicine.
Inhalers, insulin and medical equipment
Inhalers, insulin, glucometers, insulin pumps and similar devices are allowed in carry-on baggage and should not go in the hold, where low temperatures and rough handling can damage them. Cooling cases for insulin are accepted by most airlines. Syringes, needles and nebulisers often get extra inspection, so tell the staff calmly what you are carrying.
Organising medicines
Give medicines their own pocket or toiletry bag, separate solid from liquid ones, split them into daily portions and keep the paperwork with them. Take a small spare supply but avoid carrying excessive amounts, which can raise questions.
Travel documents and valuables
Documents, cash and valuables always stay with you in the cabin.
- Passport or ID card: required depending on your destination, and for travel outside the EU usually a passport with sufficient validity. You show it at check-in, security, the border and boarding, so keep it in a separate closable pocket. Keep paper and electronic copies as well.
- Boarding pass and confirmations: paper or in the airline app. Save offline copies of bookings and accommodation confirmations in case of technical problems.
- Cash and cards: split cards between different pockets and check cash declaration limits for your destination.
- Jewellery and watches: keep them in a closable case or pocket.
- Medical paperwork: original certificates and prescriptions, together with your travel documents, in one orderly place.
If your bag is lost or delayed despite good preparation, our guide on how to file a claim for lost luggage explains the steps.
Food in carry-on baggage
Most solid food can go in the cabin. Liquid, semi-liquid and creamy products are treated as liquids and fall under the 100 ml limit.
What counts as liquid food
- yogurts and milk desserts,
- spreads and pâtés,
- honey, jams and chocolate spreads,
- sauces, soups and dips.
Safe snacks for the flight
Biscuits, cereal and protein bars, nuts, dried fruit and crackers rarely cause trouble. Choose well-packed products without a strong smell.
Fruit, vegetables and border rules
Within the EU, carrying fruit and vegetables is usually not a problem. The United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand apply very strict rules on fresh plant products, and undeclared items can lead to confiscation or a penalty. Eat them before landing or leave them at home. Keep food for personal use, because large quantities attract attention from border services.
Food for children
Formula milk, baby food and drinks for a child can usually exceed 100 ml if needed during the journey. Keep them easy to reach and declare them at the check.
Alcohol and drinks
Alcohol is a liquid, so the 100 ml limit applies to wine, beer and spirits bought before security. A partly emptied bottle over 100 ml will still be stopped, while miniatures up to 100 ml are allowed if they fit in the liquids bag.
Duty-free alcohol
Alcohol bought in duty-free after the check may exceed 100 ml in a sealed bag. Keep the bag sealed with the receipt inside. On connecting flights a repeat check may take open or damaged bags. Some countries also set quantity limits on alcohol imports, regardless of whether it travels in the cabin or the hold.
Drinking on board
Buying alcohol in duty-free does not mean you can drink it on the plane. Most airlines forbid consuming your own alcohol on board, and breaking this rule can lead to a reprimand or, in serious cases, refusal of further carriage. Only alcohol served by the crew may be consumed.
Rules in selected countries and regions
The basics are similar worldwide, but local interpretation and extra restrictions differ.
United States (TSA)
The TSA strictly enforces the 100 ml rule and closely inspects electronics. It allows food on board, but US border services can confiscate products that are not permitted to enter the country, especially fresh fruit, vegetables and animal products.
European Union
EU airports share common rules: a 100 ml limit per container, one liquids bag of up to 1 litre and similar procedures for electronics. Individual airports with modern scanners may allow you to leave electronics or liquids in the bag, so rules can differ even inside one country.
United Kingdom
The UK kept the 100 ml limit and uses very thorough checks, with extra questions possible. Allow more time on international flights.
Canada, Australia and New Zealand
Bringing food on board is usually fine, but entry into these countries is tightly controlled. Fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, dairy and home-made food are the most frequently checked items, and penalties for not declaring food can be high. The safest approach is to avoid carrying food to these destinations.
Middle East (for example Dubai)
Expect thorough checks, special attention to electronics and a restrictive approach to alcohol, with local cultural rules in Muslim countries.
Asia (for example Japan)
Checks are rigorous but predictable and well organised. Pay attention to local rules on medicines, because some substances permitted in Europe may be restricted.
Where to confirm the current rules
- your airline's website,
- the official website of your departure and transfer airports,
- aviation security authorities such as the TSA,
- embassies and customs offices.
If something does get taken at the airport, our article on what gets confiscated most often at European airports shows what to avoid.
Tips on packing
- Use a checklist. Cover documents, medicines, electronics, liquids and snacks so nothing is forgotten.
- Use organisers and compression bags. They keep categories separate and can cut the volume of clothes by up to half.
- Pack by category. All liquids in one transparent bag, electronics in one organiser, medicines and documents in an easy pocket, snacks in a closable container.
- Be minimal. Start with documents and medicines, then valuable electronics, basic cosmetics and snacks.
- Match your airline. Check the official limits, weigh the bag after packing and adjust to your fare. A small extra bag or backpack, if your airline permits it, takes the overflow.
- Put security items on top. Electronics, the liquids bag and travel documents should be reachable without unpacking.
For more ideas on avoiding costly mistakes, read 10 packing mistakes that cost you money, and if your trip is to a warm destination see carry-on luggage for holidays in a hot country.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard carry-on size?
Around 55 × 40 × 20 cm is the most common limit, with a weight limit between 7 and 10 kg. Always check your own airline, because both numbers vary.
Can I bring a power bank in my carry-on?
Yes, power banks must travel in the cabin, not in checked baggage. Most airlines accept up to 100 Wh, about 27,000 mAh, and larger ones need the airline's approval.
How much liquid can I take?
Containers of up to 100 ml each, all together in one transparent resealable bag of up to 1 litre. Medical liquids and baby food are usual exceptions, and duty-free liquids are allowed in a sealed bag.
Can I bring food through security?
Solid food is generally fine, while liquid or creamy food is limited to 100 ml. Check the import rules of your destination, especially for fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and dairy.
Summary
Know the size and weight limits your fare allows, keep liquids to 100 ml per container in one 1 litre bag, keep electronics reachable and carry medicines in original packaging with documents. Pack food and alcohol with the destination rules in mind, keep documents in one orderly pocket, and check the current rules of your airline and airport before each trip. A cabin case or bag that fits the limits is the best place to start.
