In your hand luggage you can take clothes, electronics, solid food and liquids in containers of up to 100 ml, all in one resealable 1-litre clear bag; knives, tools and dangerous items stay out. That is the general rule at airports in the European Union. Some airports with new scanners allow larger containers, but rules can change at short notice, so always check your departure airport's website, including for the return leg.
Liquids in hand luggage: the 100 ml rule
- Each container can hold up to 100 ml: what counts is the size printed on it, not how full it is.
- All containers go in a single clear, resealable bag of about 1 litre, one per passenger.
- At security you take the bag out of your luggage unless staff tell you otherwise.
- Liquids also include gels, creams, pastes, sprays, toothpaste, yoghurt, jam and soft cheese.
Liquid medicines and baby food or special dietary items you need during the journey are exempt: you can carry more than 100 ml, but you may be asked to show them or a prescription. Liquids bought in duty free after security are allowed in the shop's sealed bag with the receipt; if you have a connection, do not open it before your last flight.
What you can and cannot take
| Item | Hand luggage | Hold |
|---|---|---|
| Liquids up to 100 ml in the 1-litre bag | Yes | Yes |
| Liquids over 100 ml (except medicines and baby food) | No, unless the airport allows it | Yes |
| Solid food (sandwiches, fruit, biscuits) | Yes | Yes |
| Phone, tablet, laptop | Yes, recommended | Not recommended |
| Power banks and spare lithium batteries | Yes, required | No |
| Knives, long-bladed scissors, tools | No | Yes, well packed |
| Weapons, explosives, fireworks, flammable gases | No | No |
Airports and airlines publish the full list of banned items. For borderline items such as small scissors or tiny tools, security staff have the final say: if in doubt, put them in the hold. For electronics, read our guide to travelling with electronic devices.
Size and weight: set by the airline
Security rules are the same for everyone, but each airline sets its own size and weight limits for hand luggage, and they change often. Many low-cost carriers only include a small under-seat bag and charge for a cabin trolley. Check the current rules before you fly: see our guides for Ryanair, Vueling and Wizz Air, and our comparison of hand luggage and checked bags.
How to pack your hand luggage for a quick security check
- Pack your liquids bag at home and keep it at the top.
- Keep your laptop and tablet easy to reach: many airports still ask you to take them out, except where new scanners do not.
- Empty your pockets and take off belt and jacket before you reach the belt.
- Keep documents, medicines and valuables with you: if your trolley is sent to the hold at the gate, take them out first.
- Check your return airport: being allowed larger liquids in Dublin or London does not mean the same applies on the way back.
If your flight goes wrong
Even with perfect packing, your flight can be delayed or cancelled. If you reached your destination 3 hours or more late, your flight was cancelled with less than 14 days' notice or you were denied boarding, you may be owed €250, €400 or €600 per passenger. With DelayFlight24 you can check for free in 2 minutes: you pay nothing upfront and our fee is 25% + VAT only if you get compensated. The rules are on our delayed flight page.
Frequently asked questions about hand luggage rules
How much liquid can I take in hand luggage?
As a rule, containers of up to 100 ml each, all in one clear resealable 1-litre bag. Some airports with new scanners allow more: check their website.
Can I take a bottle of water through security?
Only if it is 100 ml or less, unless the airport allows more. You can bring an empty bottle and fill it after security.
Do liquid medicines count towards the 100 ml limit?
No. Medicines you need during the journey are allowed above 100 ml; keep them separate and bring the prescription if you have one.
Can I take food in my hand luggage?
Yes, solid food is allowed. Spreads, sauces, yoghurt and jam count as liquids.
Does a power bank go in hand luggage?
Yes, always: power banks and spare lithium batteries are not allowed in the hold.
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Article updated on 22/10/2026 by the DelayFlight24 editorial team.