What items can you take on the plane and which are prohibited?

Air travel promises memorable experiences, but packing your luggage can sometimes raise difficult questions. Many passengers try to understand exactly which items are allowed on board, what the list of prohibited products includes, and how to avoid unpleasant surprises at the security checkpoint. Whether you are flying for the first time or returning after a break, well-organized information helps you save time at the airport and enjoy your journey without stress.

Below you will find a practical list with 7 essential rules, examples, and tips for any passenger who wants to prepare their carry-on luggage quickly. Go through each point and discover which items are accepted, which rules apply, and what you can do if you encounter problems at boarding.

1. What is allowed in carry-on luggage: Wizz Air rules and dimensions

Carry-on luggage refers to any bag, backpack, or small suitcase that you take with you into the aircraft cabin. This luggage can be stored under the seat or in the overhead compartment. Wizz Air sets the following limits for free carry-on luggage: 40 × 30 × 20 cm in size and a maximum weight of 10 kg. If you need an additional suitcase, you can opt for a cabin trolley bag (55 × 40 × 23 cm) for an extra fee.

In your carry-on luggage, you can pack clothes, documents, books, small electronic devices (phone, laptop, tablet), personal hygiene products, packaged food, and medication. For medication, keep the prescription at hand if the treatment includes prescription-only substances.
👉 More useful details are available in the dedicated guide on carrying pills on a plane.

2. Liquids, creams, gels, and aerosols – the 100 ml limit and how to avoid confiscation

All liquids carried on board are subject to a strict rule: containers must not exceed 100 ml each, regardless of whether they contain water, toothpaste, perfume, or shower gel. Place all containers in a single transparent, resealable bag (maximum 1 liter, maximum 20 × 20 cm) and present it separately at security control.

For example, if you want to carry a 200 ml perfume or shampoo bottle, it is prohibited, even if the bottle is only half full. However, you may take two 50 ml containers in the same transparent bag.
👉 Find out more details in the article about liquids on planes and applicable exceptions.

Liquid medications and baby formula may exceed the 100 ml limit, but they must be presented separately at security control, together with a prescription or medical proof. Inspectors may request additional checks or may ask you to dispose of the container if the required documents are missing.

3. Items that are strictly prohibited in carry-on luggage

There is a clear list of items that are not allowed in the aircraft cabin. This list is designed to protect the safety of all passengers:

• Firearms, ammunition, and explosives of any kind (from guns to firecrackers or fireworks).

• Compressed gases or toxic substances, even in small quantities – for example, pepper spray or pressurized containers.

• Sharp or blunt objects (knives, pocket knives, scissors with blades longer than 6 cm, large screwdrivers).

• Flammable products: gasoline, fuel, quick-ignition matches.

• Pyrotechnic materials, radioactive, corrosive, or poisonous substances.

• Drugs and substances prohibited by law.

If you forget a small camping knife or a self-defense spray in your carry-on luggage, security staff will ask you to surrender them at the checkpoint. Any attempt to conceal these products will lead to confiscation and may result in additional penalties.

Regarding cosmetic products, aerosol deodorants are accepted only if they comply with liquid rules, do not exceed the 100 ml limit, and are placed in the special transparent bag during security checks.

4. Batteries, electronics, and devices on board – important rules

Electronic equipment is an essential part of carry-on luggage, but certain strict restrictions apply:

Lithium-ion batteries in phones, tablets, and laptops are allowed in carry-on luggage only if they do not exceed 100 Wh (sometimes up to 160 Wh with prior notification). Spare batteries and power banks must be individually packed and carried only in the cabin, never in checked baggage.
👉 For specific details, consult the article about external batteries and power banks on planes before your flight.

Electronic cigarettes and vape devices must be carried exclusively in carry-on luggage, switched off and properly stored. Their use during the flight is prohibited.

All large electronic devices (laptops, tablets) must be removed separately at security control for X-ray screening.

5. Bulky items: specific rules for drones, hoverboards, and other equipment

Bulky equipment comes with particular rules that every passenger should be aware of before flying.

Drones may be transported only with staff approval and only if the batteries are removed, individually packed, and switched off. Batteries must be carried exclusively in carry-on luggage, never in checked baggage.

Hoverboards, electric bicycles, or electric scooters are prohibited due to the risks associated with large lithium-ion batteries. Some airlines may allow their transport only as special baggage or with detachable batteries, following strict procedures.

6. Problems at security control or denied boarding? Steps to follow

If a problem arises at security control with one of the items in your luggage:

• Calmly listen to the explanations provided by security staff and ask what options are available.

• If you are carrying a prohibited item, you usually have two options: either surrender it for confiscation or, if the airport allows, store it in a paid locker or send it via courier.

• For items of high monetary or sentimental value, discuss in advance with flight staff whether they can be transferred to checked baggage, if regulations allow.

If you are denied boarding due to luggage issues or for any other reason, you can request explanations and guidance. In certain situations, airlines grant compensation, for example between EUR 250 and EUR 600, depending on flight distance and the reason for the incident.

👉 Learn more about passenger rights and denied boarding compensation on dedicated passenger support platforms.

7. Follow the rules, stay organized, and relax throughout your journey

Preparing your luggage in advance makes the difference between a relaxed start and stressful moments at the airport. Use the official guides of the airline you are flying with and always check the latest updates regarding permitted or prohibited items.

For an efficient process, follow a few steps:

• Check the list of permitted and prohibited items at least one day before departure.

• Measure and weigh your luggage at home – for Wizz Air, the 40 × 30 × 20 cm and 10 kg limits for small carry-on luggage are strictly enforced.

• Place liquids and electronics in a separate compartment to present them quickly at security control.

• Keep documents within easy reach and avoid carrying anything that might raise suspicion.

• Empty your pockets and luggage of loose items (coins, keys, large water bottles) before reaching the security gate.

At the security checkpoint, cooperate with staff, answer questions honestly, and do not attempt to hide prohibited items. If you have doubts, ask without hesitation. An open and relaxed attitude makes your flight more comfortable and helps you avoid unnecessary stress.

Even if it seems difficult at first to remember all these rules, you will notice that each flight helps you become more efficient. Being informed and prepared is the simplest way to ensure peace of mind and safety while traveling.