Traveller’s guide: What you cannot carry in your cabin bag but can do in your check in luggage
We have all been there when our cabin bags hold up the line during security checks, and you are called to the side to explain why a bottle or a pair of scissors is sitting in your hand luggage. Here are five things you should avoid putting in your cabin bag, all of which can be sent through check-in bags without any trouble at all.
1. Liquids and gels above 100ml
The rule is simple but easy to forget. Liquids and gels must be in containers of 100 ml or less, all fitting into one clear one-litre bag. What trips people up are items that do not feel like liquids at first glance. Peanut butter, jams, thick creams, oversized perfume bottles, and full-size aerosols are common troublemakers. Airport security is straightforward. If something breaks the rules, there is no discussion. Once flagged, it is gone. Jellies, honey, and even cold drinks can be stopped. If it feels risky, send it into your check-in bag.
2. Alcohol
Alcohol is an easy no for cabin bags on domestic flights. If you plan to travel with bottles, roll them into clothes and place them in your checked-in luggage instead. Most airlines allow up to five litres per passenger, provided it is packed correctly and sealed. Security will stop alcohol at the cabin checkpoint without discussion, even if the bottle is unopened. Breakage is the bigger risk in the hold, so padding matters. Use soft clothing as cushioning and secure the cap tightly. Lock your checked-in bag properly to avoid leaks and unpleasant surprises on arrival at home.
3. Spices
Spices can catch you off guard at airport security. I was recently held up because of sambhar masala. An impulse buy on the way to the airport, neatly packed and sealed, yet pulled straight out of my cabin bag. There was no option to move it into check in luggage as boarding had already started, so my favourite masala stayed behind. Security was very clear in their explanation. All spices are restricted in cabin bags, even when sealed in proper boxes or packets. Powders raise screening concerns and are treated strictly. If you are carrying spices, place them in check in bags from the start.
4. Anything sharp or with a razor edge
Anything sharp or fitted with a blade is an instant red flag at security. I once felt very clever travelling with only a cabin suitcase, planning to skip baggage wait time entirely. That confidence disappeared fast when my face razor showed up in my vanity pouch. Security stopped me, and I had to do the quiet walk back to the check-in counter to hand over my suitcase. Even tiny blades count, no matter how harmless they seem to you. Razors, cutters, and small grooming tools all fall into this category. Always double-check your cabin bag before leaving home to avoid delays and embarrassment.
5. Toy guns, skulls, etc
Toy guns and novelty items can sound harmless, but airports do not see them that way. Travelling with two boys taught me this quickly. Toy guns, water pistols, Nerf-style toys, and similar items are not allowed in cabin bags and must go into checked-in luggage. One time, a Hot Wheels car with a special edition skull detail was pulled out during screening. After a full meltdown, my son was allowed to carry it only after being told to check it in properly next time. Lesson learnt the hard way. Always filter kids’ toys before flying to avoid delays and drama at security.
When in doubt, check it out and place the item in your check-in bag. Cabin bags work best for essentials, documents, expensive jewellery, and electronics, while the hold is meant for everything else. A little planning before you leave home can save time, money, and stress at the airport.
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