Air travel has become one of the most convenient ways to explore the world. Whether for work, leisure or family commitments. While flying is exciting, it also comes with its own set of rules and regulations, particularly concerning items not allowed in hand luggage in India. Indian airports, like those worldwide, follow strict security protocols to ensure the safety of all passengers. Yet many travellers, especially first-time flyers, often find themselves confused or caught off guard at security checks because of items packed in their cabin bags.
The concept of items in hand luggage that are restricted in India may seem inconvenient at first. Still, it plays an important role in maintaining smooth airport operations. And ensuring the safety of everyone on board. Everyday objects, such as scissors and sharp tools, can be seemingly harmless, but they can also pose risks, as can certain liquids or electronic devices. The list of prohibited things is more extensive than most travellers realise. Some of the hand luggage restrictions in India are based on safety concerns, while others are linked to international aviation standards, customs regulations, and health considerations.
Understanding these rules is not only about compliance but also about ensuring a stress-free journey. Nobody wants the embarrassment of being stopped at security or having valuable belongings discarded at the checkpoint. By familiarising yourself with these cabin baggage guidelines in India, you can pack smarter, save time, and travel with greater confidence.
In this blog, we will explore in detail the items that cannot be carried in your hand luggage at Indian airports. Whether you are a frequent flyer or someone preparing for your very first flight, this guide will help you avoid common mistakes. Think of it as a traveller's checklist designed to keep your journey safe, smooth and hassle-free right from the moment you step into the terminal.
11 Items You Cannot Carry in Your Luggage at Indian Airports
Want to know what not to carry in cabin baggage in India? To help you prepare, we explain which items are restricted or banned. Check if there are any limitations for your items.
1. Sharp Objects
Objects such as knives, scissors, blades, nail clippers, and razors are strictly prohibited in cabin baggage, as they pose a potential threat to passenger safety. Even miniature foldable versions of these items are not allowed. If you need them for travel, pack them securely in your checked-in luggage. Keeping these out of the Indian airport baggage rules for hand luggage prevents delays at security and ensures smooth clearance.
2. Flammable or Explosive Items
Any material that can easily catch fire or explode is not permitted in hand luggage. This includes matches, lighters, fireworks, kerosene, fuels, paints and aerosol sprays. These items can pose significant risks during flight due to variations in cabin pressure and temperature. For safety reasons, such items should not be carried at all, neither in the cabin nor in checked baggage, as these items are prohibited items in the Delhi airport hand luggage.
3. Liquids over 100 ml
Indian airports follow international guidelines that restrict the carrying of liquids exceeding 100ml in hand luggage. This includes water bottles, perfumes, shampoos, gels and lotions. Smaller bottles under the above-mentioned quantity are allowed but must be placed in a single, transparent, resealable zip-lock bag for screening purposes. According to DGCA India, the hand luggage guidelines are used to prevent the misuse of liquids for unsafe purposes and also help speed up the security process for travellers.
4. Firearms and Ammunition
All types of guns, pistols, rifles, ammunition and even top or replica firearms are banned in cabin baggage. Firearms are considered a significant security risk and cannot be brought inside the passenger cabin under any circumstances. If you are a licensed firearm holder, such items must be declared, packed and checked in accordance with the following carry-on restrictions in Indian airline and government regulations. Look-alike items are also prohibited to avoid confusion.
5. Sporting Devices
Items such as cricket bats, hockey sticks, golf clubs, and baseball bats are not permitted in hand luggage. Because they can be used as potential weapons. These items are even considered dangerous in confined cabin spaces. Travellers should pack sporting equipment carefully in checked baggage instead. If you are travelling for tournaments or sports-related purposes, it's best to confirm packing needs and banned items in hand baggage in Indian airports beforehand to avoid issues during security checks.
6. Tools
Construction or repair tools, such as hammers, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, drills, and saws, are not permitted in cabin luggage. These objects can be dangerous if misused inside the aircraft. Since many of these tools are heavy or sharp, they are allowed only in checked baggage when properly packaged and secured. If you must carry them as per Indian airport security rules for cabin baggage for work or relocation, ensure they are declared and securely packed for safe handling.
7. Chemicals and Toxic Substances
Hazardous chemicals like bleach, chlorine, acids, insecticides, epoxides and poisons are completely banned from both cabin and checked baggage. These substances can be harmful to passengers who emit toxic fumes or damage other luggage. Even small amounts are considered unsafe. If you need chemical-based items for medical or professional usage. Please check the airline's specific cabin baggage guidelines in India for alternatives. Always avoid carrying liquids or powdered chemicals to ensure flight safety.
8. Certain Electronic Equipment
Not all electronics are allowed in hand luggage. Devices such as high-capacity power banks, which exceed airline watt-hour limits. Large spare lithium batteries are banned due to fire hazards. Smaller approved electronic devices, such as phones and laptops, are permitted to carry power banks or batteries to avoid confiscation at security checkpoints and re-check before carrying any banned items in hand luggage in Indian airports. Safe packing ensures smooth clearance.
9. Self Defence Items
Pepper sprays, tear gas canisters, stun guns, tasers, and martial arts weapons like nunchaku or batons. These are not allowed or misused inside the aircraft. Security regulations strictly prohibit such items to maintain peace and safety during travel, and also adhere to hand luggage restrictions in India. Tourists should avoid carrying them altogether. If essential, transport them legally and safely through permitted channels in checked baggage.
10. Other Prohibited Items
Some of the unusual items include dry ice, strong industrial magnets, and compressed gases such as propane or butane. These cannot be carried in hand luggage. These items pose risks of leakage, explosion or interference with aircraft systems. Some airlines may permit limited dry ice for food preservation or medical purposes, but approval is required in advance. Always check with your airline and carry-on restrictions in India prior to carrying such items to avoid last-minute complications at the airport.
11. Gases
Compressed gases, such as propane and butane, as well as oxygen cylinders and other pressurised containers, are strictly prohibited in both the cabin and checked baggage at Indian airports. These gases are among the top items that cannot be carried in hand luggage in India, as they pose a severe risk of explosion, leakage, or fire. Gas cylinders are banned for safety reasons. If medical oxygen is required, passengers must obtain proper approval and follow the airline's specific guidelines.
Tips for Travellers: How to Pack Smart and Avoid Trouble at Security
1. Check Airline and Airport Guidelines Before Packing
Every airline has slightly different rules, especially for international flights. Visit the official website of your airline or the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security for the latest list of prohibited items as per DGCA.
2. Use Checked-in Baggage for Risky Items
Sharp objects, such as scissors, razors, or spotting equipment, should always be placed in checked luggage. If you're unsure about an item, pack it in the check-in bag instead of taking the risk of it being damaged in your cabin bag.
3. Follow the 100 ml Liquid Rule
Keep toiletries, such as shampoo, perfume, lotion, or sanitiser, in bottles with a capacity of 100 ml or less. Check if liquids are allowed in hand luggage in India. Please place them in a transparent, resealable zip-lock bag to facilitate smoother security checks.
4. Be Careful With Electronics
Carry power banks and spare lithium batteries in your hand luggage only, within the permitted watt-hour limits. Avoid hoverboards or oversized batteries, as they may be subject to confiscation by authorities. Keep laptops and tablets easily accessible for separate screening as per Indian airport baggage rules for hand luggage.
5. Avoid Carrying Food or Drinks in Large Quantities
Sealed water bottles and liquid foods may be rejected at security. Buy your drinks after clearing security checks to avoid issues.
6. Think twice about "Everyday items"
Items like nail clippers, matches, or pocket knives may seem harmless, but they can cause delays at checkpoints. Therefore, it's essential to verify that sharp objects in hand luggage are permitted according to Indian rules. Always double-check these before travelling.
7. Label and Organise Bags
Keep medicines in their original packaging, along with prescriptions, if possible. This avoids unnecessary questioning at security counters.
8. Arrive early to Avoid Stress
Packing mistakes happen. Reaching the airport early gives you time to shift or discard prohibited items in your hand luggage in India without missing your flight.
Cabin Baggage Guidelines in India
1. Weight and Size Limit
- Most dramatic airlines allow one cabin bag up to 7 kg.
- Dimensions- generally 55cm x 35cm x 25cm
- In addition, passengers are usually permitted one personal item
2. Security Restrictions
- According to the Indian airport cabin baggage Liquids limit, gases and aerosols must be in containers of 100 ml or less, packed in a clear, resealable plastic bag.
- Total liquid quantity must not exceed 1 litre.
- Sharp objects, flammable items and weapons are strictly prohibited.
3. Electronics
- Laptops, tablets, power banks and cameras are allowed in cabin baggage.
- Power banks are not permitted in checked baggage; they must be carried in hand luggage.
- All electronic devices must be removed during security checks. Please check if electronics are allowed in cabin baggage in India.
4. Duty Free Allowance (International Flights)
- Duty-free liquor and perfumes are permitted for purchase at the airport, provided they are appropriately packed and within the specified limits.
- Must follow the liquid rule if connecting flights are involved.
5. Special Allowances
- Passengers with infants may carry baby food, milk, and essential medicines in cabin baggage.
- Medicine in Indian luggage, as per India guidelines, in liquid form above a certain limit, is allowed if supported by a doctor's prescription.
6. Extra Items Often Permitted
- Overcoat or blanket
- Umbrella or walking stick
- Reading material
- Food items/snacks are allowed in cabin baggage in India
- Infant carrying basket or stroller