What can I carry on a plane?
Last reviewed 16 October 2026. General guidance based on international airline rules. Your airline and the airports you fly through have the final say, so check their websites if you are unsure.
Power banks
- Hand carry only. Power banks and spare lithium batteries are not allowed in checked baggage.
- Up to 100 Wh: allowed. Most phone power banks are well under this. A 20,000 mAh power bank at 3.7 V is about 74 Wh.
- 100 to 160 Wh: usually allowed only with the airline's approval, and at most two.
- Over 160 Wh: not allowed on passenger flights.
- Some airlines, including Emirates, do not let you use or charge a power bank during the flight. Keep it switched off in your bag.
To work out Wh: mAh × volts ÷ 1,000. The rating is usually printed on the power bank.
Perfume, attar and other liquids
- In hand carry: each bottle up to 100 ml, all together in one clear, resealable bag of about 1 litre. This covers perfume, attar, creams, toothpaste and drinks.
- In checked baggage: larger bottles are fine. Wrap them well so they do not break.
- Duty free: liquids bought after security are allowed in a sealed duty-free bag with the receipt. If you change planes, keep the bag sealed until your final airport.
- Zamzam water has its own rules. See the Zamzam rules by airline.
Vapes, e-cigarettes, cigarettes and lighters
- Vapes and e-cigarettes: hand carry only, never in checked baggage, and you cannot use them on the plane.
- Cigarettes: allowed, but you cannot smoke on board. Your destination may limit how many you can bring in duty free.
- Lighters: rules differ by airline and airport. Many allow one small lighter carried on you, never in checked bags.
Medicines
- Keep medicines you need during the journey in your hand carry, in their original packaging.
- Carry a copy of your prescription. Some countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, control certain medicines that are sold freely in Pakistan, so check before you travel.
- Liquid medicines over 100 ml are usually allowed in hand carry if you need them on the flight. Tell security.
Mangoes, food, shilajit and herbal products
- Airlines generally allow food in checked baggage. The question is whether your destination lets it in.
- Many countries, including the UK and EU countries, restrict fresh fruit, plants, meat and dairy brought by travellers. Check the destination's customs rules before you pack mangoes or homemade food.
- Herbal products such as shilajit can be restricted in some countries. Keep them in their original packaging and check the destination's rules.
How much hand carry can I take?
Most airlines allow one cabin bag of about 7 kg in economy, plus a small personal item. Sizes and weights differ by airline and fare. See baggage allowance by airline and what 1PC, 2PC and 30 kg mean.