Prohibited Items in Hand Baggage (India)
Last updated: 6 Jul 2026Reviewed by Ms. Rubab Nizami, Lead AVSEC Faculty
In short
In India, hand baggage cannot contain sharp objects (knives, blades, large scissors), liquids over 100ml per container, flammable items, lighters (banned entirely), firearms and ammunition, or blunt weapons like bats. Many of these may still travel in checked baggage.
- Sharp objects
- Not in cabin
- Liquids
- ≤100ml per container
- Lighters
- Banned entirely in India
- Power banks
- Cabin only, within Wh limits
What items are banned from hand baggage in India?
Banned from the cabin are sharp objects, liquids over 100ml, flammable substances, lighters, firearms and ammunition, self-defence sprays, and blunt weapons such as bats. Lighters are unusual — India bans them from cabin, checked baggage and the person alike.
| Item | Cabin | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Knife / blade | No | Yes (wrapped) |
| Liquids > 100ml | No | Yes |
| Lighter | No | No |
| Power bank | Yes (limits) | No |
| Firearm | No | With licence only |
| Cricket bat | No | Yes |
Can prohibited cabin items go in checked baggage?
Many can. Knives, large scissors, tools and sports equipment are fine in checked baggage if packed safely. But dangerous goods such as lighters, flammable liquids and gases are banned from checked baggage too.
At a glance
- No sharp objects, liquids over 100ml, flammables or blunt weapons in the cabin.
- Lighters are banned entirely in India.
- Power banks and spare batteries: cabin only.
- Many banned cabin items can go in checked baggage.
Quick answers
Are lighters allowed in checked baggage in India?
No. Lighters are banned from cabin, checked baggage and the person in India.
Can I carry a power bank in hand baggage?
Yes — power banks must be in cabin baggage, within watt-hour limits, never in checked.