Carry-on · checklist
The most useful carry-on checklist is not the longest one. It separates the things you really do not want to lose access to from the rules that must be checked for the airline and airports on your actual itinerary.
Carry-on size and weight are not universal. IATA explicitly notes that allowances can vary by airline, cabin class and aircraft type. The operating airline's conditions therefore matter more than a generic chart copied from the web.
The short checklistPassport/ID, boarding documents and any required travel documents are easy to reach.Essential medication is in the cabin bag, with documentation where required.Phone, wallet/payment method, keys and important valuables stay under your control rather than in checked baggage.Power banks and spare lithium batteries are in cabin baggage and protected against short circuit.If your cabin bag is taken at the gate for loading in the hold, remove power banks, spare lithium batteries and lithium-battery devices that must remain with you before you hand it over.Liquids are packed for the security rules that apply at the airports on your route.You checked the exact carry-on size and weight for your fare.You checked separately whether a personal item is included and what its limits are.You have the basics for the first 24 hours if checked baggage is delayed.Sharp objects, tools, sports equipment and unusual batteries were checked against official rules.
Liquids when departing through EU securityAs of September 7, 2026, the European Commission states the general EU security rule as liquids, aerosols and gels in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in one transparent resealable bag with a capacity of up to one liter. There are specific exemptions, including items needed for medical purposes or special dietary requirements.That is an EU security rule, not a promise that every airport in the world uses identical procedures. If you connect outside the EU or carry an unusual item, check the official information for the relevant airport.
Power banks and spare batteriesIATA says spare lithium batteries and power banks belong in carry-on baggage, not checked baggage. Terminals should be protected against short circuit, for example by using the original packaging, a protective case or suitable insulation.If staff ask you at the gate to surrender your cabin bag for loading in the hold, do not automatically leave the power bank or other lithium devices inside. IATA tells passengers to remove them and keep them with them; also follow the operating airline's specific instructions.Larger batteries have extra restrictions. IATA says batteries up to 100 Wh are generally allowed in carry-on baggage, while 100–160 Wh may require airline approval. For unusual equipment, check the Wh rating and the airline's rules in advance.
Pack by consequence, not by categoryIf the item is unavailable for 24 hours…How to think about itThe trip may become impossible or unsafeDocuments, essential medication, phone and payment method stay with you.Replacement is difficult or expensiveValuables, small electronics and irreplaceable items generally belong in cabin baggage.The trip becomes very uncomfortableA change of clothes, basic toiletries and a charger can help if checked baggage is delayed.Replacement is easyLower priority when space or weight is tight.This works better than a list of 70 “must-have” items because it adapts to the length, climate and purpose of the trip.
A five-minute check before leaving homeOpen the booking and confirm which airline actually operates the flight.Check the cabin-bag and personal-item limits for your fare.Review official security information for the departure airport and, where relevant, transfer airports.Check power banks and spare batteries: where they must travel and what their capacity is.Put travel documents and medication somewhere reachable without unpacking the whole bag.If an official rule conflicts with this page, follow the official rule. The airline, airport and relevant authorities control the actual journey.
SourcesIATA — Passenger Baggage RulesIATA — Safe Travel with Lithium BatteriesEuropean Commission — Liquids, aerosols and gelsChecked September 8, 2026. Rules can change; verify the exact itinerary before travel.
