EU Cabin Regulations
The rules regarding what you can take on a plane as hand luggage may vary slightly from one airline and country to another. While we can give you general guidelines, please also check with your airline every time before you fly.
All flights departing from airports in Switzerland and the European Union are under the EU regulations for hand baggage. Hand baggage will be screened when going through airport security.
Amount of Hand Luggage
Depending on your airline or the specific ticket type you have purchased, you may be able to bring one or more items on board with you. The dimensions and weight restrictions vary from airline to airline. It is important to double-check your carrier’s specific requirements before you set off to the airport, as excess hand luggage can incur costly charges.
Liquids
You are allowed to take liquids, gels, creams, and pastes with a maximum of 100ml in each container (a 200 ml container half-full is not permitted.) These containers must be placed in a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag of 20cm x 20cm which must be sealed shut. Some freezer bags with zip-fasteners may be appropriate.
During security screening, the bag of liquids must be taken out of your hand luggage and passed through the scanner separately. The plastic bag must fit in your hand luggage.
What is classed as a liquid?
Any liquid or substances of a similar consistency such as lotions, gels, pastes. This would include products such as toothpaste, aerosols, shaving foam, hairspray or cologne.
Liquid containers must be packed into a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag.
Medication and baby foods
With an infant, you are allowed to transport sterilised water, baby milk, powdered milk, and baby food as required for your flight. It is permitted to exceed the limit on liquids. They do not need to fit in the plastic bag. Passengers must present these items at security, separated from the other hand luggage.
Liquid medicines are permitted as required for your flight. They should be ready for inspection by airport security but don’t need to be in the plastic bag.
Duty free goods
Duty-free goods, bought on the day of the flight in a store following the main security check point are allowed. They must have proof of purchase, date and place of sale and be in a transparent bag sealed by the sales outlet.
Electronic devices & clothing
Electronic devices such as tablets, phones and laptops need to be screened separately. Items of clothing such as coats, jackets, metal belts and metal objects in pockets will be required to be removed and screened during the security check.
Prohibited items
The list below of prohibited articles for hand baggage is not all-inclusive. Common sense would dictate what items are not allowed on board. Below is a summary of EU prohibited items.
The following items should only be in checked baggage:
- Razor blades
- Cutlery
- Knitting needles
- Scissors and syringes (except certified medical purposes)
- Toy guns
- Catapults and toys that could be used as a weapon
- Sports and leisure equipment that could be used as a weapon
The following substances are not permitted on board:
- Explosives, ammunition or weapons of any kind as well as blunt or pointed objects.
- Radioactive material
- Compressed gases
- Caustic and corrosive
- Magnetising substances
- Flammable or toxic substances, Lighters filled with lighter fluid.
The following articles are allowed but only in cabin hand luggage:
Individual lithium rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries as spare cells for portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, cameras or watches etc. Check with your airline for specifics. Short-circuits must be prevented and you are obligated to individually protect spare batteries.
Further information
For more information on upcoming changes to the hand luggage regulations: “The Future of Airport Security: CT Scanners Set to Simplify Air Travel“.
