Day 5: Hand luggage before departure – packing liquids and power banks correctly
Vanessa is a fictional character created by Reiseblase. Her stories are made up – we check facts, rules and advice against official sources.
This morning, a customer was standing in front of my desk, still quite worked up: at the airport, she’d had to throw her almost full tube of sun cream in the bin. “But it was brand new!” she said.
I sit in the travel agency and hear stories like this all the time. They’re almost always about the same two things: liquids and batteries. Yet both can be sorted out in five minutes.
Here are this week’s stories – followed by my checklist to ensure your hand luggage gets through security without any hassle on your next autumn holiday.
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A young man told me that he’d quite naturally packed his power bank into his checked-in suitcase. At check-in, he was asked to take it out again. Fortunately, there was still enough time.
A couple flying to Tenerife had taken three large bottles of shower gel with them because it was so expensive at the hotel. The bottles were left at the airport. Since then, the two of them have been packing travel-size bottles.
My checklist for hand luggage
The following points apply to flights departing from an airport in the EU. Individual airlines may have additional or stricter rules.
- Liquids: Creams, gels, drinks and toothpaste must be placed in a transparent plastic bag with a capacity of no more than 1 litre. Each individual container must not exceed 100 ml. (1)
- Medicines and baby food are exempt from the 100 ml limit. (1)
- Duty-free: Liquids purchased at the airport or on board may be taken on board provided they remain in the sealed security bag with a red border, together with the receipt. Do not open the bag until you reach your destination. If you have a connecting flight, please inform the security staff. (1)
- Sharp objects such as corkscrews or scissors belong in your checked luggage. (1)
- Power banks and spare batteries: pack them in your hand luggage, not in your suitcase. Each battery should be individually protected against short circuits. (2) (3)
- Capacity: Batteries under 100 Wh are generally not a problem; for those between 100 and 160 Wh, you’ll need to get your airline’s approval in advance. (2)
- During the flight: Only charge devices using the in-flight power supply at your seat; do not use a power bank. (2)
- Damaged or overheated batteries can catch fire – leave them at home. (2)
- Each airline sets its own rules on the size and number of items of hand luggage – check your booking details beforehand. (1)
My takeaway: setting aside ten minutes before you start packing will save you time and hassle at the airport. Put your liquids bag at the top of your bag so it’s easy to reach, pack your power bank in your hand luggage, and check your airline’s rules. And whilst you’re on the subject of mobile phones: you can find out how mobile data works abroad in our guide: eSIM on holiday (advertisement)
See you tomorrow,
Vanessa
Please note: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Rules can change – please check the latest official information before you travel.
Sources
- European Union: Gepäckbeschränkungen (as at 16 June 2026; accessed on 15 October 2026)
- European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA): Lithium Batteries in Aviation: Powering the Future, and Managing the Risks (published on 1 July 2025, updated on 22 July 2025; accessed on 15 October 2026)
- European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA): Dangerous goods when flying – Why some items might be dangerous on board of an airplane (published on 10 November 2023, updated on 13 December 2023; accessed on 15 October 2026)
