Carry-on Restrictions Guide: What You Can and Can’t Bring on Board

Packing for a flight can be challenging if you are unsure about what items are permitted in your carry-on or checked luggage. From liquids and electronics to snacks and souvenirs, airline and airport security regulations may differ depending on your destination. This concise guide outlines the essentials of what you can and cannot bring on board, helping you avoid delays, additional charges, or having items confiscated at security checkpoints. Whether you are travelling domestically within Malaysia or internationally, understanding the rules before you pack will make your journey smoother and stress-free.

What Can You Bring as Carry-On Essentials?

✅ Everyday Items Allowed

Most common items you may need are permitted in your carry-on luggage. These include:

• Nail clippers and tweezers
• Small scissors (with blades shorter than 4 inches)
• Disposable and cartridge razors
• Compact umbrellas
• One butane lighter per person (only one allowed)
• Mobility aids such as wheelchairs, crutches, canes, or CPAP machines
• Medications (ensure they are properly labelled)
• Baby food and breast milk (in reasonable quantities)
• Electronic devices like laptops, tablets, phones, and power banks (with capacity under 100Wh)

🚫 Items Not Allowed in Your Carry-On (2025 Update):

For security reasons, the following items are prohibited in carry-on bags:

• Any type of knives, including pocket knives and multi-tools
• Tools longer than 7 inches, such as hammers or drills
• Open razor blades (box cutters and loose blades are not permitted)
• Corkscrews that include a blade
• Self-defence items like pepper spray, stun guns, or brass knuckles
• Toy or replica weapons, especially those resembling real firearms
• Fireworks, flammable paints, or any explosive materials

Who Needs to Know About Electronics and Batteries?

📱 Electronics You Can Bring

You are allowed to carry these devices in your hand luggage without any issues:

• Laptops, tablets, and e-readers
• Mobile phones and MP3 players
• Hair dryers and hair straighteners
• Battery-powered electric shavers
• Other small personal electronics you use daily

🔋 Battery Rules to Remember

Batteries come with specific regulations, so keep these points in mind:

• Spare lithium batteries (such as extras for laptops, cameras, or power banks) must be kept in your carry-on and never in checked baggage.
• Lithium-ion batteries should not exceed 100Wh. Batteries between 101Wh and 160Wh generally require airline approval beforehand.
• Lithium metal batteries must not contain more than 2 grams of lithium each.
• For smart luggage with built-in lithium batteries, you may only bring it if the battery is removable. Remove the battery before boarding and carry it with you in your hand luggage.

What Are the Restrictions on Medications and Medical Equipment?

💊 Bringing Medications On Board

You are permitted to carry the following medications and medical items in your hand luggage:

• Tablets and capsules — your regular medications are allowed
• Liquid medicines, provided they are in containers of 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less
• Hypodermic syringes — ensure you have supporting medical documents and inform security officers before boarding
• Inhalers — remember to declare these to the security personnel during screening

What Food Can You Bring on a Plane?

🍽️ Solid Foods – Allowed in Carry-On

You may bring most solid snacks and foods in your hand luggage, such as:

• Sandwiches, nuts, and dried fruits
• Hard cheeses
• Biscuits and cookies
• Granola bars and crackers
• Fresh fruits (be sure to check import regulations if travelling internationally)

Remember, these are permitted only if they are solid and not liquids or spreads.

❌ Restricted Food Items – Over 100 ml (Not Allowed in Carry-On)

Certain foods are not allowed in your carry-on because they are liquid or creamy, including:

• Soups and sauces
• Yogurt and soft or creamy cheeses
• Jams, honey, and syrups
• Liquid chocolate and spreads
• Dips such as hummus, salsa, or peanut butter

What Are the Restrictions on Sports Equipment and Tools?

❌ Items Not Allowed in Hand Luggage (2025 Update)

For safety reasons, certain heavy or blunt sports equipment are prohibited in your carry-on. These include:

• Baseball bats
• Snooker cues
• Cricket bats
• Golf clubs
• Darts
• Hiking poles
• Ice axes

🏸 Permitted Sports Equipment in Carry-On

The following sports items are allowed in your hand luggage:

• Tennis rackets
• Fishing rods
• Sports parachutes (ensure they are packed separately from other carry-on items)

What Can You Bring When Travelling with Children?

When travelling with young children, there are special allowances to accommodate their needs:

• Baby food and milk, including expressed breast milk, are allowed without issue
• Sterile bottled water to keep your child hydrated
• Child safety seats — ensure you check with your airline in advance regarding the size and approval for use on the flight

What Liquids Can You Bring Under the Rule?

• Each liquid must be in a container of 100 ml (3.4 oz) or less.
• All your small bottles and tubes should fit into one clear, resealable plastic bag.
• You are allowed only one such bag per person.
• At the security checkpoint, remember to take out this bag and present it separately for screening.

What Are the Airline-Specific Carry-On Policies?

When preparing for your flight, it is important to note that hand luggage allowances differ between airlines. Here is a quick guide to the most popular airlines for travellers from Malaysia, including size and weight limits for carry-on bags:

Important Notes for Malaysian Travellers

• Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and Malindo Air allow carry-on bags weighing up to 7 kg with size limits around 56 x 36 x 23 cm. Overweight or oversized bags may incur additional fees.
• Low-cost carriers like AirAsia strictly enforce carry-on weight limits, so be sure to weigh your bag before arriving at the airport.
• For international flights, airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines have similar size restrictions, but always confirm the weight allowance according to your travel class (economy, business, etc.).
• Carry-on allowances generally do not include personal items like handbags or laptop bags, but check your airline’s specific policies to avoid surprises.

What Are the Additional Prohibited Items?

For everyone’s safety and legal reasons, the following items are strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage:

• Explosives and flammable materials, including fireworks
• Chemicals and toxic substances such as acids or peroxides
• Ammunition
• Self-defence items like pepper spray or stun guns

Final Tips for a Smooth Security Experience

A little preparation goes a long way in making your time at the airport hassle-free. Here are some simple tips to help you move through security quickly and with less stress:

• Arrive Early: Allow plenty of time, especially when travelling with children. Avoid rushing through security for a smoother experience.
• Pack Liquids Wisely: Place all liquids in a clear, resealable plastic bag and keep it easily accessible in your carry-on.
• Use Organisers: Suitcase organisers help keep your belongings tidy and can speed up security checks if your bag is inspected.
• Prepare Your Electronics: Remove laptops, tablets, and e-readers from your bag and place them in separate trays during screening.
• Declare Medications & Baby Items: Inform security officers about any medications or baby liquids exceeding 100 ml (3.4 oz) to save time and avoid complications.