What can you take in your carry-on? Liquids, power banks and banned items (2026)
There is nothing worse than having to hand over your brand-new perfume or your power bank at security. What can you take in your carry-on, and what has to stay behind? In this guide we set out the 2026 rules clearly: liquids (the 100ml rule), power banks (new rules since 2026), banned items, and handy packing tips so you sail through the checkpoint.
Liquids: the 100ml rule
The basic rule in the EU is still the familiar 100ml rule:
- Liquids are allowed in containers of no more than 100 ml each.
- All bottles together in one transparent, resealable bag of no more than 1 liter.
- One bag per passenger; take it out of your bag separately at the checkpoint.
"Liquids" also covers gels, pastes and creams: think toothpaste, roll-on deodorant, liquid make-up, sunscreen and perfume. Exceptions: medication and baby food may be carried in larger quantities if you need them during the trip (bring proof or a prescription if you can).
Please note - new scanners: a growing number of European airports have modern CT scanners and allow up to 2 liters of liquid there (including Rome, Milan, Dublin and a handful of airports in Poland and Italy). But it is a patchwork: not every airport (or every security lane) has the technology. So always assume the 100ml rule applies, unless your airport explicitly says otherwise.
Power banks: the new rules (2026)
Since the start of 2026, stricter, globally aligned rules for power banks (IATA) have been in force. The key points:
- A power bank is allowed in your carry-on only - never in your checked baggage.
- Up to 100 Wh (roughly 27,000 mAh): simply allowed. Most travel power banks (10,000-20,000 mAh) sit comfortably below that.
- 100-160 Wh: only with the airline's permission, usually a maximum of 2 units.
- Above 160 Wh: not allowed on board.
- Many airlines now ban charging during the flight and want you to keep the power bank within reach (not in the overhead locker).
So keep your power bank within arm's reach in your backpack - in a bag with a well-thought-out layout you will find it in seconds.
What is NOT allowed in carry-on baggage?
A number of items have to go in your checked baggage, or cannot be brought at all:
- Sharp objects such as knives and scissors with a long or sharp point (short scissors are often fine - rules vary).
- Tools (screwdrivers, drills and the like) above a certain length.
- Flammable substances, fireworks and gas canisters.
- Liquids over 100 ml (outside the scanner exception).
Not sure about a specific item? Check your airport's or airline's website - they keep up-to-date lists.
Through security in no time with a smartly organized bag
The Lundholm Underseater opens like a suitcase, with a separate laptop compartment, bottle pocket and zippered pockets - your liquids bag and power bank right where you need them. Fits free of charge under the seat in front of you.
EUR 49.95 EUR 64.95
Bags and leather goods ship within the EU only. Jewelry ships worldwide.
Handy packing tips for a quick trip through the checkpoint
Put your liquids bag and laptop on top or in a separate compartment, so you can pull them out quickly. Only fill your water bottle after security (empty gets through the checkpoint, full does not). Keep your power bank within reach. And do not overstuff your bag, so it stays neatly within the carry-on size limit.
Frequently asked questions
How much liquid can you take in carry-on baggage?
Liquids in containers of no more than 100 ml each, together in one transparent, resealable bag of no more than 1 liter. At airports with new CT scanners up to 2 liters is sometimes allowed, but that is not the case everywhere - assume the 100ml rule unless you are told otherwise.
Does the 100ml rule still apply in 2026?
Yes, the 100ml rule is still the EU standard. A number of airports with modern scanners allow up to 2 liters, but the rollout is uneven. So stick to the 100ml rule unless your airport explicitly says otherwise.
Can you take a power bank on a plane in 2026?
Yes, but in your carry-on only - never in checked baggage. Up to 100 Wh (around 27,000 mAh) with no fuss; 100-160 Wh only with the airline's permission (max. 2). Above 160 Wh is not allowed. Many airlines ban charging during the flight.
Can a power bank go in checked baggage?
No. Power banks (lithium batteries) must always travel in your carry-on and are not allowed in the hold, for fire safety reasons.
Can I take water through security?
A filled bottle over 100 ml will not get through the checkpoint. Bring an empty water bottle and fill it after security - the Underseater has a separate bottle pocket for exactly that.
Can I take scissors or a knife in my carry-on?
Knives and scissors with a long or sharp point are not allowed in carry-on baggage; those belong in your checked baggage. Small scissors are sometimes permitted, but the rules differ per airport - check in advance if in doubt.
Can my laptop go in my carry-on?
Yes. In fact, your laptop belongs in your carry-on. At security you usually have to place it separately in a tray - a bag with its own laptop compartment (like the Underseater) makes that quick and easy.
Love, the Lundholm team
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