Backpacks are generally allowed on planes unless they exceed size/weight limits, contain prohibited items like large liquids, sharp objects (knives, tools, large scissors), firearms, explosives, flammable materials, or are "smart bags" with non-removable, high-capacity batteries, which must be in carry-on and sometimes checked. Specific restrictions vary by airline (TSA rules apply in the US), so always check your airline's guidelines for size (e.g., ~22x14x9 inches) and weight.
Comments Section Yes you can, you're allowed a carry on and personal bag like a backpack or purse. Each airline will have its own weight and dimensional limits, which you can look up ahead of time, but the norm is to allow one small bag that fits under your seat and one medium bag that fits in the overhead container.
Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.
In Australia, prohibited carry-on items include weapons (knives, replica firearms, martial arts gear), explosives, flammable substances, disabling sprays (mace, pepper spray), and large quantities of liquids/powders on international flights; while household items like nail clippers and small scissors (blades <6cm) are often allowed, sharp tools, sporting goods, and most aerosols must go in checked luggage, with specific restrictions on liquids/powders for international travel. Always check with your airline and the Australian Border Force (ABF) website for specific rules, especially for powders on international flights.
You can't pack explosives, firearms (unless declared and packed correctly), flammable liquids/solids (like gasoline, lighter fluid, large aerosols), strong acids/bleach, disabling sprays (pepper spray), large quantities of alcohol (>70% ABV), spare lithium batteries, or hoverboards in checked luggage due to safety risks; instead, keep essentials like medication, electronics, and valuables in your carry-on.
The most confiscated items at airports are usually everyday items people forget about, primarily oversized liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs), along with knives, sharp objects (like scissors, multi-tools), and lighters, due to carry-on restrictions, with firearms also frequently found in checked bags despite strict rules. Batteries (especially lithium) are also common, needing to be in carry-ons, and even items like protein powder can be flagged for extra screening.
Portable chargers or power banks containing a lithium ion battery must be packed in carry-on bags. Spare lithium batteries, which include both power banks and phone chargers, are prohibited in checked luggage.
Charging cables (USB cords) and plug-in power adapters for phones do not contain batteries or hazardous components, so they are allowed in both cabin hand luggage and checked baggage.
Yes, for budget airlines like Jetstar, a handbag (or personal item like a laptop bag) is generally included in the 7kg carry-on allowance, meaning the total weight of both your main carry-on and your small item must not exceed 7kg. Some full-service airlines, like Air New Zealand, offer a 7kg allowance for Economy but often permit an additional small personal item (like a handbag) on top of that, depending on your fare and status, but always check your specific airline's rules.
Toiletry and medicinal articles
Permitted as carry-on or checked baggage. Toiletry and medicinal articles include aerosols such as hair sprays and deodorants, flammable liquids such as hand sanitiser, perfumes and medicines containing alcohol are permitted.
We recommend packing all liquids, gels, and aerosols that are over 3.4 oz or 100 ml in your checked baggage, even if they are in a secure, tamper-evident bag. Liquids more than 3.4 oz or 100 ml not in a secure, tamper-evident bag must be packed in checked baggage.
You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.
The "45-minute rule" refers to a productivity technique of working intensely for 45 minutes, followed by a 10-15 minute break, leveraging the brain's natural focus cycles (ultradian rhythms) to prevent burnout and boost efficiency, though it can also refer to airline check-in deadlines or corporate onboarding targets. The work/rest pattern helps maintain concentration, while the airport rule requires check-in 45 mins pre-flight for domestic flights.
You can also take one small personal item such as a handbag, laptop bag or backpack, as long as it fits under the seat in front of you (maximum 40 x 30 x 20 cm).
The 1-2-3-4-5-6 Packing Rule is a travel guideline for packing light, suggesting: 1 hat, 2 pairs of shoes, 3 bottoms (pants/skirts), 4 tops, 5 pairs of socks, and 6 pairs of underwear, which provides enough versatile outfits for about a week or two, especially if you plan to do laundry or mix and match. It's a flexible framework to avoid overpacking, focusing on core items for mix-and-match outfits.
(WZTV) — Travelers in the new year should be ready for tighter enforcement of carry-on luggage rules, and a new option for those without a standard ID. Most airlines now limit carry-on bags to 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 9 inches deep, wheels and handles included.
You can't bring sharp objects (knives, scissors over 4in), weapons, most tools (hammers, drills), firearms, explosives, flammable liquids/aerosols, large lithium batteries, disabling sprays (pepper spray), or large quantities of liquids (over 100ml) in your carry-on; most hazardous materials and large sporting goods are also banned due to security risks, requiring them to be checked.
All airlines have both size and weight restrictions for carry-on luggage. It's unlikely your carry-on bag will be weighed at the airport, but it does happen. More often you'll be asked to measure it. If your bag is too big, you'll likely have to check it.
Medically required liquids will be subject to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container. You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened. You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage.
Empty water bottles can be taken through security in hand luggage. The following information is based on the current edition of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air.
Liquids, gels and aerosols
You may have to take them out at airport security so they can be screened separately. Baby formula, milk (including breast milk), baby food, juice and liquid/gel medications larger than 3.4 ounces may be allowed on board, but they will have to be screened separately.
Charging cables and plug-in adapters don't contain lithium batteries, so they're permitted in both carry-on and checked bags. Most travelers prefer hand luggage for easy access during layovers or flights. Just pack them neatly to avoid delays during security screening.
Types of chargers not allowed on a plane
Other than the 100Wh/27,000mAh rule, the FAA does have some limitations: Power chargers must be for personal use only. Power chargers intended for resale are prohibited. Damaged batteries and chargers are not allowed.
You can't bring sharp objects (knives, scissors over 4in), weapons, most tools (hammers, drills), firearms, explosives, flammable liquids/aerosols, large lithium batteries, disabling sprays (pepper spray), or large quantities of liquids (over 100ml) in your carry-on; most hazardous materials and large sporting goods are also banned due to security risks, requiring them to be checked.