What you can and cannot take in your carry-on bag

What you can and cannot take in your carry-on luggage is a very common question! Even frequent travelers sometimes have doubts! Some rules are absolute, while others vary according to the airline and the country of origin/destination. Below, I’ve put together a list to help you on your next trip!

To avoid surprises at check-in or when your suitcase goes through the x-ray and you go through the metal detector, pay attention to the rules below about what you cannot take in your carry-on luggage and pack your bag in advance!

What you cannot take in your carry-on luggage

Firearms

I'll start the list with an obvious item, which I know no one doubts, but that needs to be mentioned. It is forbidden to take any type of firearm, whether it's a replica or a toy. Pepper sprays are also prohibited, as well as slingshots and air guns.

Aerosol deodorant

The second item on the list is one of the most questioned when it comes to whether you can or cannot take it in your carry-on luggage.

The Brazilian National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) allows the transport of aerosol deodorant as long as it respects the maximum amount, which is 4 bottles per passenger, and each one must not exceed 300ml. As a rule, they are not allowed on international flights. When in doubt, contact your airline directly.

Sharp, cutting, or piercing objects

Such items must be placed in checked baggage. If you try to take any of them in your carry-on luggage, it will be detected during the x-ray and you will have to discard it. So, if you don’t want to lose any items in this category, pack them in your checked suitcase.

Sharp or cutting objects include: razors or razor blades; nail clippers; knitting and crochet needles; syringes and needles; knives and forks; scissors; pocket knives; scalpels; corkscrews. Although they are considered sharp objects, high-heeled shoes are allowed in carry-on luggage.

Pocket knives cannot be taken in carry-on luggage.

Containers with a capacity over 100ml

This rule applies only to international flights. So, if you're traveling within Brazil, you can ignore it.

Pay attention to the fact that the CONTAINER cannot have a capacity greater than 100ml. It doesn’t matter if the bottle is 300ml but only has 50ml of liquid inside. Oh, and this rule also applies to water bottles, ok?

For empty containers, the rule does not apply.

Sports equipment

Some sports equipment such as skateboards, surfboards, sticks, bicycles, and other large items must be checked. However, tennis rackets, deflated balls, and ski accessories can be carried in hand luggage.

Flammable and toxic liquids

In the flammable and toxic category, there are some obvious items and others not so much. For example, you cannot carry chlorine, poison, liquid bleach, explosives, fireworks, gunpowder, matchboxes, animal repellents in aerosol, among other items, in your carry-on.

If you're still unsure whether a specific item can be taken in your luggage, ask the airline staff during check-in before checking your bag. If you're traveling with carry-on luggage only, it's a good idea to contact the airline before your departure date.

Below are some useful phone numbers:

Azul – 4003 1118 (for capitals and metropolitan regions); 0800 887 1118 (other areas)

Gol – 0800 704 0465 (Customer Service) 

Latam – 4002-5700 (for capitals); 0800 570 5700 (other areas)

 Air France – 4003-9955 (for capitals and metropolitan regions); 0800 888 9955 (other areas) 

British Airways – 0800 761 0885 (for reservations and information) 

Iberia – +55 11 3956-5999 

TAP – 0800 727 2347 (Customer Service)

What you can take in your carry-on luggage

Documents and valuables

I'm only including this item on the list to remind you that you SHOULD carry these in your hand luggage. Do not leave cameras, tablets, laptops, jewelry, cash, or personal documents in checked luggage.

Personal and valuable items should always be kept within sight.

Small umbrellas and umbrellas without sharp tips

A common doubt is about whether umbrellas can be taken on board. These items are allowed, as long as they have no sharp tips and are small in size.

Hair dryers and flat irons

Beauty items can be transported in carry-on luggage, as long as they are not sharp, such as nail clippers.

Electronic cigarettes

According to ANAC, https://www.anac.gov.br/home, they must be transported in carry-on baggage. For international flights, check with the airline.

Medication

It is permitted, as long as accompanied by a medical prescription and in a quantity necessary for use during the flight.

Medications can go in carry-on luggage.

Personal hygiene products and cosmetics

For domestic flights, you can carry a wide range of personal hygiene and beauty items in your carry-on luggage (like perfumes, creams, shampoos), and there’s no need to worry about the size of the containers. However, for international flights, you must follow the 100ml rule we mentioned earlier.

Baby bottles and packaged baby food

Parents or guardians are allowed to bring baby bottles and packaged baby food in carry-on luggage so the child can eat during the flight.

Food

No need to worry, you can bring cookies, chocolate, or snacks to munch on during the flight. You’re allowed to carry several types of food as long as they are properly packed.

All set! Now you know what you can and can’t bring in your carry-on luggage! Still have questions? Leave a comment below and I’ll try to help you out.

Kisses and see you next time!