Unsafe and Restricted Items

Unsafe and restricted articles

While packing your bags, ensure that you only carry what is considered safe for air travel. Be it in your carry-on or checked-in baggage, such hazardous items may pose a threat to you, other passengers and crew onboard. To make it easier for you, here is a quick guide to the list of items that are unsafe for flight travel. If you are carrying any of these items, do inform the security-check personnel and discard them as per the instructions given to you.

Alcoholic beverages

Carry on: No

Check In: Yes

A person can carry a total net quantity of 5 l / 169 oz of alcohol.
Please note that the bottle should be in original retail packaging, and the receptacle should not exceed 5 l/ 169 oz. Additionally, the alcohol content by volume should be between 24% and 70%.

Liquid, Aerosol and Gels (LAGs) may include but not limited to water, liquid content, creams, lotions, cosmetics, oils, perfumes, deodorants and other sprays, gels, shaving foam, toothpaste, lip gloss, lip balm or any item of similar consistency at room temperature.

Below are the regulations for carrying LAGs when travelling with us:

  1. Each LAG must be in containers of 100 ml or less, or its equivalent in other volumetric measurements. Please note, LAGs in containers larger than 100 ml will not be accepted even if they are partially filled. 
  2. All containers must be carried in a 1 litre transparent re-sealable bag.
  3. The containers should fit comfortably and completely in the transparent re-sealable bag.
  4. You will have to present the proof of purchase and the transparent re-sealable bag carrying the containers with the LAGs separately when requested for screening at security checkpoints.
  5. LAGs, of any volume, that have been purchased at the retail outlets/ vending machines at the airport or on board an aircraft will not be permitted through screening at security checkpoints unless they are carried in Security Tamper-Evident Bag (STEB).
  6. If you are travelling from an international destination to India, you are required to transfer any LAGs exceeding the allowed quantities (as mentioned above), purchased from retail outlets or vending machines at foreign airports or onboard aircraft, to your checked baggage prior to the security screening process at Indian airports.
  7. Exceptions to the above regulations are permissible for domestic passengers as per the following:
    1. Medical needs
      • Medicines with a total volume exceeding 100 ml, whether prescribed by a doctor or acquired over the counter, may be acceptable if it is essential to be carried during the journey and the amount to be carried is no more than is necessary for the journey.
      • Substances that are not medicines but are used for medical purposes are permitted, such as ice.
      • A proof of authenticity is required to be presented for the LAG is requested. The name on the label of prescription medication should match the name on the boarding pass. In the case of over the-counter medication, the quantity of medication should be just enough for the duration of the journey. In the case of prescribed medication, the passenger should be able to produce a note from the doctor.
    2. Dietary specifications
      If you have specific dietary restrictions, for example, lactose- or gluten-intolerance, you are allowed to carry your prescribed food. Although, at the screening point, if the quantity of the food is deemed excessive you will not be allowed to carry the full quantity.
    3. Infant/ Baby food
      Baby food or baby products like wet wipes, milk or juice, sterilised water, and meals in liquid, gel or paste form are permissible provided they are deemed just enough for the duration of the journey.

ⓘ 

Permitted as per LAG policy for international transfer passengers. The quantity of duty-free alcohol that can be purchased and carried depends on the duty-free regulations at the airport.

Spillable batteries

Prohibited

Spare batteries

Carry On: Yes

Check In: No

i. Batteries or fuel cells, including lithium batteries, non-spillable batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and dry batteries, not exceeding a Watt-hour rating of 100 Wh.

No more than two spare batteries per person may be carried.

Batteries up to 100 Wh

i. Lithium metal batteries: The lithium metal content must not exceed 2 g.

Lithium-ion batteries: The Watt-hour rating must not exceed 100 Wh.

ii. Passengers can carry batteries emptied from their electronic equipment. In addition, each person can carry a maximum of two spare batteries.

Batteries exceeding 100 Wh

i. Batteries with a Watt-hour rating exceeding 100 Wh but not exceeding 160 Wh are permitted for consumer electronic devices and Portable Medical Electronic Devices (PMED). Lithium metal batteries with content exceeding 2 g but not exceeding 8 g are permitted for PMED only. A maximum of two spare batteries is allowed in carry-on baggage only. These batteries must be individually protected to prevent short circuits.

Non-spillable batteries

The batteries must be 12 V or less and the rating should not exceed 100 Wh. Each person is allowed a maximum of 2 spare batteries

Baggage with installed lithium batteries and non-removable batteries exceeding 0.3 g lithium metal or 2.7 Wh

Prohibited

E-cigarettes, including e-cigars, e-pipes, other personal vaporizers, all forms of Electronic Nicotine Delivery System (ENDS), Heat Not Burn Products, e-hookah and the like devices.

Prohibited

Drones/ UAVs/ RPAS (weighing up to 2 kg/ 4 lb, in switched-off condition and packed appropriately)

Allowed on both

Drones, weighing more than 2 kg/ 4 lb

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

For more details, scroll to the end of the page.

Laptops or computers (containing Lithium batteries, Lithium metal content must not exceed 2 g and the Watt-hour rating, not exceeding 100 Wh) (Ref IATA table 2.3.A and 2.3.5.8.4 for details)

Carry On: Yes

Check In: Yes

ⓘ 

To carry your laptop as check-in baggage, you are requested to remove the battery from it. The battery will have to be carried in your cabin baggage. This is applicable for all flights departing India.

Battery-powered wheelchairs or other similar mobility devices with lithium-ion batteries where the design of the mobility aid does not provide adequate protection for the battery(ies).

Carry On: Yes

Check In: No

Maximum one spare battery not exceeding 300 Wh or two spare batteries not exceeding 160 Wh is allowed.

Battery-powered wheelchairs or other similar mobility devices with non-spillable wet batteries, and nickel-metal hydride batteries (dry batteries).

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

One spare non-spillable battery or two spare nickel-metal hydride batteries or dry batteries can be carried.

Battery powered wheelchairs or other similar mobility devices with spillable batteries are forbidden on Air India flights.

Prohibited

Hoverboard/Segway

Prohibited

Chlorine for pools and spas

Prohibited

Liquid bleach

Prohibited

Dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid)

Allowed on both

A quantity not exceeding 2.5 kg/5.5 lb per person is allowed when used to pack perishables which are not subject to DG Regulations in checked-in or carry-on baggage, provided the baggage (package) permits the release of carbon dioxide gas.

Note: Checked-in baggage must be marked "dry ice" or "carbon dioxide, solid" and with the net weight of dry ice or an indication that there is 2.5 kg/5.5 lb  or less dry ice.

Wax, except sealing wax

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Hair curlers containing hydrocarbon gas

Prohibited

Avalanche rescue backpack

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Only one such backpack containing cartridges of compressed gas in Div. 2.2 can be carried per person. It can also be equipped with a pyrotechnic trigger mechanism containing no more than 200 mg net of Div. 1.4 S.

Note: The backpack must be packed in such a manner that it cannot be accidentally activated. The airbags within the backpacks must be fitted with pressure relief valves.

Gas cartridges, small, non-flammable containing carbon dioxide or other suitable gas in Division 2.2

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

There should be no more than two self-inflating personal safety devices per passenger, each fitted with no more than two small cartridges. These devices must be intended to be worn by a person, such as a life jacket or vest. Additionally, up to two spare small cartridges per device are allowed. A maximum of four cartridges with up to 50 ml/1 oz water capacity for other devices is permitted.

Note: 50 ml is equivalent to 28 g.

Gas cylinders, non-flammable, non-toxic, worn for the operation of mechanical limbs/prosthetic of passenger with reduced mobility.

Allowed on both

Compressed gas cylinders (including fire extinguishers)

Prohibited

Air mattress with built-in pump

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Disabling devices such as mace, pepper spray, and others containing an irritant or incapacitating substance

Prohibited

Electroshock weapons (e.g. tasers) containing dangerous goods such as explosives, compressed gases

Prohibited

Tear gas

Prohibited

Stun guns/ shocking device

Prohibited

Capsicum spray

Prohibited

Animal repellent spray

Prohibited

Acid spray

Prohibited

Aerosol (except for personal care or toiletries in limited quantities)

Prohibited

For aerosols present in personal care or toiletries, the total net quantity must not exceed 2 l/67 oz or 2 kg/4 lb and net quantity of each single article must not exceed 0.5 kg or 0.5 l. Additionally, the release valves on the aerosol must be protected by a cap or other suitable means to prevent inadvertent release of the content.

Note: LAG restrictions will apply to items in carry-on baggage.

Camphor

Prohibited

Gun lighters

Prohibited

Gas torch

Prohibited

Lighters

Prohibited

Lighter fluid

Prohibited

Turpentine and paint thinner

Prohibited

Printer cartridge

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Cattle products

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Heat producing articles such as underwater torches (diving lamps) and soldering irons are allowed without batteries.

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Copra (dried coconut)

Prohibited

Coconut crushed (dry coconut)

Prohibited

All spices in powder/physical form including chilly

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Coconut

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Coconut crushed (green tissue)

Allowed on both

Ghee (clarified butter)/cooking oil

Allowed on both

Note: Allowed in cabin baggage as per LAG restrictions. As checked-in baggage, the quantity is limited to 5 kg/l per passenger.

Pickle

Allowed on both

Note: Chilly pickle is only allowed in check-in baggage.

Fuels (including cooking fuels and any flammable liquid fuel)

Prohibited

Gasoline

Prohibited

Camping stoves and fuel containers that can contain flammable liquid fuel, without fuel and in original company packaging, unopened.

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Internal combustion or fuel cell engines

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Radio isotopic cardiac pacemakers or other devices, including those powered by lithium batteries, implanted into a person or fitted externally.

Allowed only on person

Specimens, non-infectious packed with small quantities of flammable liquid (must meet A 180)

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Thermometer or barometer, mercury filled in a leakproof container and carried by an authorised representative of IMD (with a specific authorisation letter) not more than the dimension of carry-on baggage as permitted in the cabin.

Carry On: Yes

Check In: No

Thermometer, medical or clinical, which contains mercury, one per person for personal use, when in its protective case.

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Diabetes-related supplies/equipment

Allowed on both

This includes insulin and insulin-loaded dispensing products, vials or boxes of individual vials, jet injectors, pens, infusers, preloaded syringes, an unlimited number of unused syringes (when accompanied by insulin), lancets, blood glucose meters, blood glucose meter test strips, insulin pumps, and insulin pump supplies.

Note: These can be carried only after inspection to ensure prohibited items are not concealed.

Medication and special needs devices: Braille notetaker, slate and stylus, augmentation devices (allowed in carry-on baggage once they have been inspected to ensure that prohibited items are not concealed).

Allowed on both

Nitroglycerine pills or spray for medical use (if properly marked with a professionally printed label identifying the medication or manufacturer's name or pharmaceutical label).

Allowed on both

Oxygen or air, gaseous cylinders are required only for medical needs. The cylinder must not exceed 5 kg/11 lb gross weight (consent of aircraft operator required).

Prohibited

Ⓘ We may provide oxygen/gaseous cylinders for medical needs subject to advance agreement. Please refer to the oxygen masks and cylinders policies for more information.

Artificial skeleton bones (for research by the medical fraternity with an authorisation letter).

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Ropes/luggage chain

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Cello tape/measuring /masking tape

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Camera equipment/undeveloped film

Allowed on both

Cremation urns

Allowed on both

Cuticle cutters (nail cutters without knife), bottle openers

Allowed on both

Eyelash curlers (manual only)

Allowed on both

Nail clippers without knife

Allowed on both

Nail files

Allowed on both

Personal care or toiletries with aerosols in limited quantities (such as hairsprays and deodorants)

Allowed on both

Steel/metallic cutlery without a sharp edge

Allowed on both

Umbrellas-Foldable

Allowed on both

Note:Allowed in carry-on baggage, subject to clearance by the security.

Umbrellas with sharp edges

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Walking canes

Allowed on both

Note: Allowed in carry-on baggage, subject to clearance by the security screener.

Wooden staff by religious heads

Allowed on both

Security-type attache cases, cash boxes, cash bags, and others, containing dangerous goods, such as lithium batteries and pyrotechnic materials

Prohibited

Camcorders

Carry On: Yes

Check In: Yes

ⓘ   Camcorders are allowed in checked baggage without battery.

Mobile phones

Allowed on both

Note: Devices in checked baggage must be switched off and protected from damage.

Pagers

Allowed on both

Note: The maximum battery capacity permitted is 160 Wh. Devices placed in checked baggage must be completely switched off and protected from damage.

Talcum powder

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Satellite phones & GPS devices without authorisation from BSNL, MHA or DoT.

Prohibited

Satellite handsets provided by INMARSAT (ISAT phone - with authorisations from BSNL only. Carriage of multiple handsets requires multiple authorisations).

Allowed on both

Note: The maximum battery capacity permitted is 160 Wh. Devices placed in checked baggage must be completely switched off and protected from damage.

Other than BSNL-authorised Satellite handsets and GPS devices – Carriage in India is permitted with specific authorisation from DoT or MHA only (in switched-off condition).

Allowed on both

Note:

  • As per Sec 42(3) (d) of The Telecommunication Act 2003, possession of radio equipment in Indian Territory without authorization is punishable. Department of Telecom (DoT), Govt. of India have issued a "Sui Generis" licence to Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) for providing Global Satellite Phone Service with M/s Inmarsat. Hence, the use of INMARSAT satellite handsets (ISAT Phones) provided by BSNL are permitted in India. Customers availing this service are required to produce authorization of the handset from BSNL.
  • Use / Possession of other satellite phone service and GPS devices which are capable of receiving or sending communication directly to satellites is unlawful in Indian Territory, unless specific permission is obtained from Department of Telecommunication (DoT)/ Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Govt. of India. 
  • Passengers desirous to carry satellite phone/ GPS device may obtain permission through Saral Sanchar Portal of DoT well in advance. 
  • Aircraft (Carriage of Dangerous Goods) Rules, 2003 as amended from time to time shall be applicable while transporting duly authorized satellite phone/ GPS device by air. 
  • Passenger carrying satellite phone/ GPS device without valid authorisation will not be allowed to travel and will be handed over to the local police for further necessary action.

Chemical Agent Monitoring Equipment, when carried by staff members of the organisation for the prohibition of chemical weapons on official travel

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Permeation devices

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Axes and hatchets

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Box cutters

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Cigar cutters

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Knives (any length and type except round-bladed, butter, and plastic cutlery having no sharp edge)

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Meat cleaver

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Razor-type blades such as box cutters, utility knives, razor blades not in a cartridge, but excluding safety razors.

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Scissors

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Sword and throwing stars

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Note: Any sharp objects in checked-in baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.

Kirpan

Allowed on both

The blade length must not exceed 15.2 cm/6 in, and the total length including the handle must not exceed 22.8 cm/9 in.

Note: Not allowed on the domestic leg of international flight or on international flights.

Safety razors (including disposable razors)

Allowed on both

Sabers

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Tweezers

Allowed on both

Fishing rods

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Sporting goods like baseball bats, bows and arrows, cricket bats, golf clubs, hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, pool cues, ski poles, spear guns

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Sports (inflatable balls) like footballs, basket balls (only in deflated state)

Allowed on both

Sports (soft balls) like tennis balls, table tennis balls

Allowed on both

Sports rackets/racquets like badminton, tennis, squash (properly packed)

Allowed on both

Starter pistol

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Corkscrews

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Crowbars

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Drills (including cordless portables power drills)

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Glue gun

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Hammers

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Ice axes/ice picks

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Knitting and crochet needles

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Saws (including cordless portable power saws)

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Screwdrivers (except those in eyeglass repair kits)

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Tools (including but not limited to wrenches and pliers)

Carry On: No

Checked In: Yes

Wrenches and pliers

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Eyeglass repair tools (including screw drivers small)

Allowed on both

Prosthetic device tools and appliances, including Allen key/wrench, pull sleeves used to put on or remove prosthetic devices if carried by the individual with the prosthetic device or his or her companion.

Allowed on both

Allen keys with equipment

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Realistic replicas of explosives and incendiaries

Prohibited

Realistic replicas of firearms

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Realistic replicas of reptiles and insects (like snakes, scorpions, lizards, frogs, spiders, and so on).

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Toy weapons (if not realistic replicas)

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Toy gun and spray guns of different colour and shape

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Toy transformer robots

Allowed on both

Blasting caps

Prohibited

Dynamite

Prohibited

Firearms artfully concealed

Prohibited

Fireworks/fire crackers/party poppers/bang snaps

Prohibited

Flare guns

Prohibited

Flare (in any form)

Prohibited

Hand grenades

Prohibited

Plastic explosives

Prohibited

Black jacks

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Compressed air guns/air guns

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Firearms (Bonafide passengers and sports personnel)

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

1.Bonafide regular passengers are allowed to carry one licenced revolver, pistol, or shotgun and fifty cartridges.

2.Sports persons are permitted to carry one licenced revolver, pistol, or shotgun and fifty cartridges.

Here are some additional regulations for sports personnels:

a. Travel within India

If you are travelling domestically for a sporting event or for training purposes, please follow the below mentioned guidelines: 

  • The firearm must be unloaded and carried in a hard sided container which must be locked.
  • Ammunition must be securely packed in fibre, wood, metal boxes, or in packaging designed specially to carry it.
  • Note: Black powder and percussion caps used with black powder type firearms are not permitted either as carry-on or check-in baggage.

In addition to the above, you can carry more than one licenced weapon and more than fifty cartridges, not exceeding 5 kg/ 2 lb under the following rules:

  • You have a photo ID issued by the government or by the sponsoring sports club.  
  • You have a Bonafide for the carriage of arms and ammunition, presented as a written document, issued by the President or Secretary of the sport’s club sponsoring you for the event.

b. If you are travelling internationally, you need to comply with the regulations of the country you are visiting in addition to the regulations mentioned under 2a – Travel within India. 

c. If you are travelling from an international destination to India, you are required to comply with local regulations of the international country, transiting country/countries (if applicable), and of India.

3.As per the extant rules, you are required to declare the carriage of authorised/ licenced weapon(s) & ammunition before security check of check-in/ registered baggage.

Kubatons

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Parts of guns and firearms

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Pellet guns

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Knuckles (made of any material)

Carry On: No

Check In: Yes

Harpoon gun

Prohibited

Fuses

Prohibited

Mines and other explosive military stores

Prohibited

Smoke-generating canisters and cartridges

Prohibited

Carriage of drones

Domestic flights

  • Carriage of drones on domestic flights is governed by the regulations set by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and Drone Rules 2021.
  • Nano, micro and small drones weighing up to 2kg/4 lb can be carried as carry-on baggage and checked-in baggage unless the partner airline policy specifies otherwise.
  • Drones with battery capacity up to 160 Wh are allowed as checked-in baggage. Only two spare batteries are permitted for large drones with a battery capacity between 100 Wh and 160 Wh. 
  • All drones must be in switched-off condition and packed appropriately. 
  • Batteries, including spare ones, must be packed as carry-on baggage. If the drone is carried as checked-in baggage, the batteries must be removed and carried as carry-on baggage. Nano drones with Li batteries can only be accepted as carry-on baggage.
  • Drones with a battery capacity of over 160 Wh cannot be taken as either cabin or checked-in baggage. They are allowed only as cargo shipments subject to obtaining prior approval.

International flights

The carriage of drones on international flights is subject to the drone carriage policy of the country concerned.

Apple Inc.’s official advisory on carrying MacBook Pro laptops

Old generation 15 in MacBook Pro laptops sold between Sep 2015 and Feb 2017 cannot be carried onboard due to an overheating issue of the battery while in use. Check Apple’s support website using your laptop’s serial number to know whether your MacBook Pro falls under this category. You can also visit the DGCA website for more information.

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