Have you booked a holiday? Before jet-setting to an exciting destination, it’s important to know the restricted items on aeroplanes you can’t carry on board. These travel restrictions are here to keep everyone safe while you’re in transit to your destination.
By packing smart for your next trip, you can avoid adding prohibited items to your checked baggage. Remember, whether it’s your first time on a plane or you’re a seasoned traveller, restrictions can change from time to time. That’s why it’s always worth refreshing your memory on prohibited and restricted items, so you can fly with confidence.
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This page was last updated on: 25 February 2020
To understand restrictions or bans on items on aeroplanes, it’s important to note the difference between carry-on and checked baggage.
Carry-on baggage (also known as hand luggage or cabin baggage) is the small bag/s you can bring on board in the passenger section of the plane. On the other hand, checked baggage (or “hold luggage”) is stored away in the hold of the plane during your flight.
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There are two categories of items subject to carry-on baggage restrictions: |
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Prohibited Items: |
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Restricted Items:
These are items or substances that may be allowed under certain conditions (e.g. a 100 ml toothpaste tube is allowed on board, but a 200 ml tube wouldn’t be). |
An aircraft in flight is subject to severe atmospheric pressure. We’re talking up to 75 kPa, acceleration and vibration of 1G to 8G, and extreme temperatures ranging from minus 40°C to over 55°C.
Under these conditions, certain otherwise harmless items can become unpredictable and even dangerous.
Some items are prohibited, as they could seriously hurt people, and some are restricted. While some restricted items may not seem dangerous, they can behave unpredictably at high altitudes.
To make packing your bags easier, we’ve broken down the prohibited items to leave at home, plus the ones you may be able to bring with restrictions.
Prohibited items for carry-on baggage are goods that have the potential to risk the safety of yourself and others. If you have prohibited items in your carry-on luggage, you’ll likely need to throw them out at customs or you won’t be able to board your plane.
In some instances, you may be able to pack prohibited carry-on items in your checked baggage. If in doubt, always contact your airline for clarification. Here are some prohibited items for carry-on baggage to avoid when packing for your trip:
According to the Australian Government's Department on Home Affairs website, objects with sharp edges or points that could injure a person are prohibited.
Here are some items that may be prohibited:
Examples of household flammable goods include:
When travelling by aircraft, there are some items and subtances that could be a risk to the health and safety of others, property or the environment, including:
No surprises here that all weapons and restraints are prohibited in carry-on luggage aboard a plane, including:
Many airlines do allow certain restricted items in your checked/hold luggage, especially sporting equipment, so check with them if you need to bring anything in the above list. Be sure to check with your airline for any restrictions on weight and size, and that your goods are securely packed.
Surprisingly, some firearms may be permitted in checked baggage. You must get airline approval and adhere to any relevant requirements, such as holding a valid firearms licence.
Read the full list of items you cannot take on a plane on the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs' website.
While most of the prohibited items are obvious things like weapons, there are some everyday electronic items that could cause problems onboard a flight. These devices, called ‘recalled devices’ are cause for concern because a company has realised there is a problem with one of their devices and has issued a directive around the device (this could be the device being returned for repaired, or simply being returned for refund).
It’s important to keep a note of recalled devices before you travel. One such example of a common recalled devices is the faulty 15-inch MacBook Pro – sold from 2015 to 2017. Find out if your device is safe on Apple's website.
Some airlines also have policies around devices that impede access to seats and aisles in the aircraft. These could be, but are not limited to, devices that attach to seats and devices that are inserted between seats.
If you’re in doubt, ask your travel agent or airline. Read the Australian Government’s fact sheet (PDF) to learn what to expect in the airport security screening process.
Here is a list of items you can take onboard in carry-on luggage – with restrictions.
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Aerosols, liquids and gels |
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Inorganic powders (not consisting of or derived from living matter)
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Food and drinks |
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Alcohol (duty free) |
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Medication/medical |
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Battery powered devices |
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Utensils and grooming products |
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Miscellaneous |
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Flammable goods |
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We haven’t listed every item, but this list gives you an idea of the main restricted items on aeroplanes. The final say on what items are allowed will always rest with the airline and security screening officers.
To have the latest info around prohibited and restricted items, the Australian Government’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority has a very useful Dangerous Goods app. Simply search for an item, such as lithium battery, and it will bring up the relevant conditions.
Prohibited items are the same for domestic flights as international flights. Checked baggage for international and domestic flights are also the same. However, there are some variations for carry-on baggage with domestic flights.
If you’re flying on a domestic flight within Australia, there are no restrictions on how many gels, aerosols, powders and liquids you can bring onboard with you. (Although, all aerosols must have a fitted cap or locking device).
If your domestic flight connects to an international flight, be mindful that restrictions will apply. For example, if you are flying from Melbourne to London, with a stopover in Sydney, your first leg of the flight may not have restrictions on gels, aerosols, powders and liquids, but your leg from Sydney to London will.
If you’re purchasing duty free items to take onboard, you must keep them in the sealed bag you received at the time of purchase. Any broken seals or removed items could mean they’ll fall subject to liquid, powder, aerosol and gel restriction – which includes all your alcohol, perfume and cosmetics.
Be careful to always declare what you have and to not go over your duty-free limits.
Adult limits (per person):
Also, be mindful that if you’ve got a layover in another international airport (e.g. Singapore), that country may have its own restrictions you’ll need to follow.
Buying duty free items in the final leg of your journey is recommended, as some duty free items will not be allowed – even if they are in the sealed duty free plastic bag.
For example, if you purchase duty free items from Delhi on a flight to Sydney via Singapore, the authorities in Singapore can decide to not accept items based on their restrictions.
When packing for your holiday in Australia or abroad, always remember to check with your travel agent or airline if you’re unsure about any items.
Learn more about taking duty free items on a plane on the Australian Government's TravelSECURE web page.
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