From liquids and snacks to batteries and vapes, the rules of what you can and can’t bring on the plane with you are constantly changing. Sometimes, you’re able to pack things in checked-luggage only, and other times, it needs to be with your person.

Of course, each airline has its own regulations, too, so keep in mind that this information is general. But, we’ll also dive into what some airlines, or routes, also ban on board.

Can’t keep up? We get it.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller, or it’s your first time on a plane, here’s what you need to be aware of before boarding.

Domestic flights in Australia tend to be a bit more lax than other countries, but there are still a few things to be aware of when packing your bag.

There are no restrictions on how much liquid, aerosols or gels you bring onto the plane with you. We’re one of the few places this rule stands. So, feel free to bring back a bottle of wine from that South Australian vineyard, or a nice whisky from Tasmania… Just don’t open it in-flight!

Keep in mind that if you’re connecting in another Australian city to an international flight, you won’t be able to bring items more than 100ml onto your international leg. So, it’s probably best to pack those in your checked luggage.

Have a preferred protein powder or are sensitive to laundry soaps? You’ll be able to bring as much as you’d like of any preferred powders aboard a domestic flight.

Strict rules apply to weapons, and what can be interpreted as a weapon for domestic flights in Australia. This includes the obvious, such as knives, guns and explosives, but also limits things like blue-flame lighters and flammable paint.

One of the latest items to be limited includes lithium batteries, including the power banks that use them, as the danger of in-flight fires have become greater.

Power banks need to be less than 100Wh to be allowed onboard without approval from the airline. If yours is 100-160Wh, you may still be able to bring it; you’ll just need to check with your airline. Anything larger than 160Wh won’t be allowed on the plane.

Because each airline’s rules change a bit, we recommend contacting them in advance in case you need to leave it at home altogether. You can ask at the time of check-in when there’s still time to put your power bank into checked luggage (if it’s allowed in there), but if you can’t check it you risk losing it.

You’re staying within the country so surely bringing an apple from the Woolies in New South Wales over to Adelaide with you is fine? Spoiler: It’s not. 

Australia’s states can be quite strict about what goes in and out to prevent any harmful pests or diseases that may be present in one area, but not the other.

Restrictions change from state to state, so it’s best to just leave any fruits and vegetables at home.

Like produce, regulations change from state to state and it’s best to check with the local government, or avoid bringing any animal products across if you don’t need to. 

Although they’re okay on domestic flights, you won’t be able to take liquids, aerosols or gels that are more than 100ml through security. So, if you have them in your bag from home… It’s best to check them or chuck them.

You can, however, usually bring aboard items that you’ve purchased after security, including duty free items like cosmetics and drinks.

If your items from home are less than 100ml (or 100g if your items are labelled as such), then you’re good to go! You’ll just need to keep them in a transparent bag for security checks. It’s important to note that it’s the container size that matters, and not so much the contents within it. For example, if you have a 300ml bottle of shampoo with just 75ml left, it will still be considered over the limit.

Laundry powder, powdered deodorant or talcum powder, whatever you’re considering bringing aboard, you’ll need to make sure it’s within limits.

The total weight of non-organic powders brought on board needs to be less than 350ml or 350g. Like liquids, it’s the size of the container, not the amount of powder itself. If you want to bring organic powders, which includes baby formula, coffee and protein powder, there aren’t any restrictions.

Sharp weapons and firearms are strictly prohibited from entering the aircraft cabin as it could endanger anyone on board the aircraft.

This includes sharp objects like knives, razors, meat cutters, ice crushers, including scissors brought in airplane baggage with blades longer than 4cm.

While weapons can be interpreted in many ways, what’s included here is generally arrows, slingshots, pepper spray, airsoft guns as well as, toy and replica weapons.

So, are body and facial care items like eyebrow tweezers, razors, manicure and pedicure kits, and even nail clippers allowed on planes? It turns out the answer is no. You'll need to check these items in your checked baggage.

Rules for power banks and batteries are generally the same for both domestic and international flights. Not all types of power banks are prohibited on board aircraft, you may not be able to charge or use it while on board

Here, rules change depending on whether you’re flying into Australia or out of Australia.

Considering there isn’t refrigeration available onboard, you probably won’t want to bring any fresh animal products aboard an international flight… But even if you wanted to, sorry, you probably can’t. 

Airlines themselves may also have regulations that limit or prohibit animal products, such as cheese and milk.

If you’re not sure, Australian Border Force does have a list of what you can and can’t bring into the country.