What can I take in my carry on? Your packing questions answered

What you can carry with you on a plane from Australia isn’t always straightforward.

Some of us have had the experience of getting pulled aside in the airport security line for something mundane, like a pair of manicure scissors. So to fly in line with the rules, here we’ll cover everything you need to know about carry-on rules for Australian flights.

Domestic versus international travel carry on allowances

Rules differ across airlines and countries

Domestic flights and international flights have different rules when it comes to what’s allowed on board. You might be excited to hear that on domestic flights, there’s no limit to the amount of powders, liquids, gels, and aerosols you can tuck into your carry-on baggage as long as it meets the weight and size limit of the airline’s carry-on restrictions.

However, if you’re travelling on a domestic flight that is transiting through an international terminal, you’ll likely be subjected to international carry-on restrictions.

On international flights, passengers travelling in and out of Australia must adhere to strict liquid, gel and aerosol measurement rules.

An airplane waiting to be boarded

What are the powder, aerosol or gel restrictions for carry-on luggage?

Limits apply depending on the material

All liquids, aerosols and gels must be placed in containers 100ml/100g or less. These containers must fit into one transparent and re-sealable plastic bag, limited to one per person. The bag’s perimeter cannot measure more than 80cm in total. If a container is only half filled but capable of carrying more than 100ml/100g, it will not be allowed.

The aviation industry chooses to differentiate between inorganic and organic powders. Inorganic powders (like sand, foot powder, salt) must not exceed 350g or 350ml per person. There are no weight restrictions for organic powders – powders derived from living matter (including coffee and powdered milk). Most powder cosmetics fall into the organic category. Downsize your powder containers as much as possible to fall under the 350g threshold. Containers are included in the total weight.

There are a few items that are exempt when it comes to carry-on restrictions including baby formula, medical items and medications. You may need a doctor’s note for medical items, and the name on prescription medication must match the name of the traveller’s boarding pass. A more complete list of exempt items can be found on the Australian Border Force website.

A brown duffel bag

Prohibited items in Australian carry-on luggage

What not to pack

Items classed as “dangerous goods” are not allowed to come on board an aircraft in a traveller’s carry-on bag. These include any items or substances that could pose a threat to other passengers. While some items, like knives and guns, are obvious no-gos, there are many others you might not be aware of. Below we list some of the prohibited items for carry-on luggage.

Flammable items

Including items with flammable ingredients

This not only includes petrol, butane, and gas but also items with flammable ingredients such as fuel or petrol-based paint, spray paint, insect repellent, and vehicle batteries. This also extends to flares, gunpowder, fireworks, party poppers, sparklers, lighters, and matches.

A box of colourful matches

Potential weapons

The obvious and not-so-obvious

Items you can't take in your carry-on include obvious weapons like firearms and ammunition, but also any items with sharp edges or points. We’re talking axes, manicure scissors, darts, ice skates, metal cutlery, open razors or utility knives. This also extends to any blunt items, like bats, hockey or lacrosse sticks or golf clubs.

Chemicals and toxic substances

Calling all decorators and cleaners

Any harmful chemicals will not be allowed in carry-on such as paint stripper, hydrogen peroxide, bleach, oven cleaner and chlorine. This also includes mercury-containing instruments like thermometers, switches and barometers.

Tools

Any tools will need to be checked into the hold

Power tools and hand tools are not permitted in carry-on luggage, and this also includes cable ties as they could be used as handcuffs.

tools

Unlikely items that are also prohibited

There are items that you may not consider to be dangerous

Australian airport carry-on restrictions include any items that could be used as a weapon. For example, manicure scissors and corkscrews should not be packed in carry-on bags due to their sharp points. And large liquids over 100ml, such as body lotions and drinks, will be confiscated. Always check the Department of Home Affairs website before travelling.

Can I Pack That?

Download the Dangerous Goods Government app

Still confused? To help avoid situations where you must discard items at the airport, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority has created an app and website called Can I Pack That? to give additional clarification before you travel.

Can I Pack That? 
A person placing a passport into a bag

What size baggage is considered a carry-on in Australia?

Make sure you bring the right sized bag

Every airline sets its own standard when it comes to what they allow passengers to carry onto the plane. Carry-on allowances can even vary in one airline depending on the size of the aircraft, your cabin class, and your route. Carry-on weight allowance for most major airlines servicing Australia ranges from 7kg to 14kg on average.

Bulky items, like musical instruments or sporting gear, are often allowed as a carry-on if they don’t exceed the weight and total size limits for carry-on luggage of the airline. If you’re bringing an extra-large item, like a cello, you might be able to carry it on if you’ve purchased an extra seat. For more information, take a look at our guide to carry-on allowances which includes the information you need about carry-on restrictions and rules in Australia.

A black suit case resting against a white wall

Frequently asked questions about carry-on baggage

If the item has a jelly-like substance, it will most likely be considered a gel. According to the Australian Border Force, foods like honey, Vegemite, jam, peanut butter, and soft cheese are considered gels.

Makeup items like pressed powder, powder eye shadow, eyeliner and compacts can all be brought in your carry-on without restrictions. For liquid or gel items like foundation and mascara, you will need to stick to the 100ml rule.

Metal cutlery is not permitted in carry-on luggage, as it could be used as a weapon. If you really want to bring your own cutlery to use on the plane, you can bring a plastic knife and a fork that has square or round ended prongs and a handle that is also round ended and non-detachable.

Most airlines allow passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item. As a general rule, a carry-on bag will be able to fit in the overhead bin above your seat while your personal item should fit underneath the seat in front of you. If you exceed these general guidelines, or pack items that are too heavy, you might be forced to check the larger bag and possibly pay a fee. It’s best to check with the airline directly as to what you can bring on your specific flight.

Yes, you can bring an empty reusable water bottle through security and then fill it up in the airport. If the bottle is over 100ml in size and has any liquid in it, you will be asked to pour it away or it will be confiscated. So, ensure that it’s completely empty when you reach security.

If your carry-on bag is too big or heavy you may be asked to check it into the hold. There could also be a fee associated with this, so it’s best to only travel with your permitted carry-on. If you are asked to check your oversized carry-on, make sure you take out any essential items, such as medications, so you have them on your person.

In many cases, your duty-free purchases will count as a personal item, within reason. However, some airlines see duty-free bags as an additional carry-on bag, so it’s best to check with your chosen airline before making those airport purchases.

If you’re travelling with a disability, you’ll usually be permitted to bring mobility aids on board in addition to your carry-on allowance. Once again, check with your specific airline before you travel as they might need to be made aware to ensure you’re able to board safely.

Yes, you can bring aerosols on a plane — but there are restrictions. In carry-on luggage, aerosols must be 100ml or less and fit within your liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) bag. In checked baggage, most personal aerosols (like deodorant, hairspray or shaving cream) are allowed, provided they’re for personal use and have a protective cap. Aerosols used as weapons (such as pepper spray) are not permitted in either carry-on or checked bags.

In Australia, liquid rules depend on whether you’re flying domestic or international:

  • Domestic flights: There are no limits on liquids, aerosols or gels in carry-on baggage.

  • International flights (or domestic flights departing from an international terminal): Liquids, aerosols and gels must be in containers of 100 ml or less, placed in a single transparent, resealable bag.

Now you know everything about carry-on allowances, what’s permitted, and what you’re not allowed to pack, you can book your flight with confidence. For the latest official travel advice, check Smartraveller.gov.au.

Looking for the cheapest flights? Skyscanner helps you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your trip.