Flight Prohibited items

Prohibited Items Quick-Reference Table

Navigating security is easier when you know exactly where your gear needs to live. Use this table as a general guide for international flights (ICAO standards).

Item Category	Carry-On Bag	Checked Bag	Important Notes
Liquids, Gels, Aerosols	YES Max 100ml per item	YES No limit (within reason)	Must fit in 1L clear resealable bag for carry-on.
Sharp Objects (Knives, etc.)	NO Forbidden	YES Must be sheathed	Small safety razors and round-ended scissors (<6cm) usually okay.
Lighters / Matches	YES One per person	NO Strictly Forbidden	Must be kept on your person (pocket), not in the bag. No "Blue Flame" lighters.
Spare Lithium Batteries	YES Mandatory	NO Strictly Forbidden	Includes power banks. Terminals should be taped to prevent short circuits.
E-Cigarettes / Vapes	YES Mandatory	NO Strictly Forbidden	Cannot be used or charged on board.
Tools (Wrenches, Drills)	NO Forbidden	YES Permitted	Tools longer than 7 inches (18cm) are usually banned from cabins.
Self-Defense Sprays	NO Forbidden	NO Forbidden	Pepper spray and mace are banned on almost all international flights.
Flammable Solids/Liquids	NO Forbidden	NO Forbidden	Includes camping stove fuel, strike-anywhere matches, and paint thinners.

The Battery Rule (The 100Wh Limit)

Experienced adventurers often carry high-capacity gear. Note these specific limits for Lithium-Ion batteries:

• Under 100Wh (Watt-hours): Most laptops, phones, and power banks. No airline approval needed. (Carry-on only).
• 100Wh to 160Wh: High-capacity professional camera batteries or large laptop power banks. Requires prior airline approval and is usually limited to 2 spares per person.
• Over 160Wh: Strictly forbidden on passenger aircraft (requires cargo shipping).

The "Grey Area" Items

• Hiking Poles: These are frequently confiscated in carry-on because they are viewed as "blunt weapons." Always check them or secure them to your checked luggage.
• Tent Pegs: Metal tent pegs must be checked. Plastic pegs are sometimes allowed, but it is not worth the risk.
• Drones: The drone itself is fine in carry-on, but the batteries must be removed and carried in a fire-proof "LiPo bag" to be extra safe.

Note to Travellers: Always check the specific regulations of your transit country (e.g., TSA in the USA, CATSA in Canada,CAA in the UK or EASA in Europe) as rules can vary slightly by jurisdiction.