What You Can and Can’t Bring on a Plane: 20 Prohibited Items That Airlines Don’t Approve

Wondering what you can and can't bring on a plane? Let’s check it out! Here are 20 prohibited items that airlines don’t approve of save yourself.
Traveloka TH
10 Mar 2025 - 3 min read

Traveling by plane has become easier and more convenient every day. But did you know there are strict regulations regarding prohibited items on board? To avoid wasting time, make sure to check your bag before you fly. Some items are strictly prohibited, and if you bring them, they could be confiscated or worse, you might face a fine. What are these forbidden items? Today, Traveloka presents a list of 20 items that are not allowed on planes, so you can avoid any hassle at the airport and sail through security smoothly.

20 Prohibited Items That Airlines Don’t Approve

Here’s the list of 20 items you can’t bring on a plane:

Sharp Objects and Weapons

1. Pocket knives, kitchen knives, scissors

Whether it's a beloved kitchen knife or a fruit peeler, never carry sharp objects on board. They must be checked into the cargo hold instead! These items are considered dangerous and could cause harm, so don’t risk having them seized at security.

2. Razor blades

Razor blades without handles are also prohibited. However, razors with handles and the blade attached are allowed. It's always best to double-check with your airline to avoid surprises.

3. Cutters and folding knives

Small cutters or multipurpose folding knives are prohibited because they can easily be used as weapons. If you need to carry them, check them in with your luggage.

4. Batons, baseball bats, golf clubs

Sports equipment like baseball bats and golf clubs are not allowed because they could be used to cause harm. To avoid issues, check these items into the cargo hold.

5. Guns and toy guns

No matter if it’s a real gun, BB gun, or even a toy gun, these are all prohibited! Even a toy gun can cause panic. Always check these into your luggage.

Flammable Objects and Dangerous Items

6. Lighters, gas canisters

You can carry one lighter, but it shouldn’t have additional fuel or spare fluid. Gas canisters and refillable lighters are prohibited due to the risk of explosion.

7. Pepper spray or self-defense sprays

Though intended for self-defense, pepper spray and similar items are banned because they are weapons and could cause harm or panic.

8. Fireworks or firecrackers

Fireworks and firecrackers are highly flammable and could explode during the flight. Don’t risk bringing these on board, even if they are for celebration purposes.

9. Lithium batteries beyond allowed limits

Power banks are allowed, but they must not exceed 32,000 mAh. However, they should never be checked into the hold, as they can pose safety risks if damaged. Always check with the airline for specific rules.

10. Gasoline, paint, and hazardous chemicals

Highly flammable materials like gasoline, paint, and toxic chemicals are strictly prohibited. These items could endanger everyone aboard.

Liquids Beyond Allowed Amounts

11. Perfume, lotion, gel, cream, and spray

Any liquid must be in containers of 100 ml or less and placed in a clear, resealable plastic bag not exceeding 1 liter. Larger quantities need to be checked in.

12. Drinks, water, fruit juice

Any liquids purchased before security must be disposed of. If you want to carry drinks, buy them after passing security.

13. Sauces, pastes, honey

Any liquid or semi-liquid food, such as sauces, pastes, or honey, falls under the same rules as other liquids. If it exceeds 100 ml, it must be checked in.

Unusual Items You Can't Bring

14. Drills, hammers, screwdrivers

Tools like drills, hammers, and screwdrivers are considered dangerous and should be checked in.

15. Stun guns or electric shock devices

Though intended for self-defense, stun guns are prohibited because they can harm others and disrupt flight safety.

16. Strong magnets

High-powered magnets may interfere with the aircraft's electronics, so these should be checked with your luggage as well.

Certain Foods

17. Durian

The “king of fruits” is often banned on flights because of its pungent smell, which can disturb other passengers. Check it into your luggage if you must bring it.

18. Strong-smelling foods like fermented shrimp paste or stinky fruit

Foods with a strong odor, like fermented shrimp paste or certain fruits, are not allowed due to the discomfort they can cause to other passengers.

19. Thick, liquid foods like curry or soup

Any food that is a liquid or semi-liquid over 100 ml, such as soup or curry, should be checked into the hold.

Illegal Items

20. Anything illegal

This includes drugs, illegal weapons, or any other items that are prohibited by law. Being caught with these items can lead to severe legal consequences.

💡 Tips to Breeze Through Security

If you’re unsure whether an item is allowed, check your airline's website or ask airport staff in advance.

✔️ Liquids must be in containers of 100 ml or less, packed in a clear, resealable bag.

✔️ When in doubt, check your items into the cargo hold for safety.

✔️ Always verify the rules for the specific airline you’re flying with, as they may vary.

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Discover flight with Traveloka

Fri, 23 May 2025

VietJet Air

Bangkok (BKK) to Tokyo (HND)

Start from THB 4,353.96

Wed, 28 May 2025

Skymark Airlines

Sapporo (CTS) to Tokyo (HND)

Start from THB 1,966.84

Sat, 24 May 2025

China Southern Airlines

Chiang Mai (CNX) to Tokyo (HND)

Start from THB 5,558.31

In This Article

• Here’s the list of 20 items you can’t bring on a plane:
• Sharp Objects and Weapons
• Flammable Objects and Dangerous Items
• Liquids Beyond Allowed Amounts
• Unusual Items You Can't Bring
• Certain Foods
• Illegal Items
• 💡 Tips to Breeze Through Security

Flights Featured in This Article

Fri, 23 May 2025
VietJet Air
Bangkok (BKK) to Tokyo (HND)
Start from THB 4,353.96
Book Now
Wed, 28 May 2025
Skymark Airlines
Sapporo (CTS) to Tokyo (HND)
Start from THB 1,966.84
Book Now
Sat, 24 May 2025
China Southern Airlines
Chiang Mai (CNX) to Tokyo (HND)
Start from THB 5,558.31
Book Now
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