Cabin baggage: power banks, liquids, laptops and umbrellas

Three questions make cabin packing easier: does your bag meet the allowance, where should each item go, and what might you need to remove at security? An item can be allowed in the cabin while still needing particular packaging.

Start with the bag

The published Avia Traffic rules specify 5 kg and 55 × 40 × 20 cm for cabin baggage. Check your ticket's baggage conditions separately rather than assuming every fare includes the same allowance. Our baggage page explains where to look.

Lay everything out before packing. If clothes already fill the bag, finding a laptop or toiletries at the screening belt becomes awkward. Leave these items easy to reach.

What goes where

Power banks: check Wh, not just mAh

The IATA passenger guidance for 2026 specifies a maximum of two power banks, each no greater than 100 Wh. Airlines may apply stricter conditions. Do not bring a higher-capacity model without first checking with your airline.

Labels often show both mAh and Wh. For example, 10,000 mAh at a nominal battery voltage of 3.7 V equals 37 Wh: 10,000 ÷ 1,000 × 3.7. This is a calculation example, not approval for a particular device. Do not substitute the USB output voltage for the battery's nominal voltage.

The IATA update dated 31 March 2026 requires cabin carriage, short-circuit protection and no recharging of power banks from the aircraft's supply. Remove your power bank if your cabin bag is taken into the hold at the gate. Ask the crew about use on board.

Liquids: the container's capacity matters

IATA's general security-screening guidance uses containers of no more than 100 ml, together in one transparent resealable bag of up to 1 litre. A partly empty 200 ml bottle is still a 200 ml container. Check the requirements at your departure and transfer airports in advance.

Look beyond drinking water: creams, gels and toothpaste are easy to overlook. Check separate screening conditions for essential medicines, baby food and Duty Free purchases; do not assume every package qualifies for an exception.

Laptops and umbrellas need different checks

A laptop sleeve with easy access helps at security. Before weighing your baggage, check whether a separate laptop bag counts as another item under your ticket conditions. Follow staff instructions: not every screening lane requires you to remove the computer.

For a full-length umbrella, consider its length, tip and safe stowage. We did not find a clear blanket permission for every umbrella in the airline's public rules reviewed for this article. Send support its dimensions and a photo before travelling instead of assuming umbrellas are always accepted.

Five checks before leaving home

1. Weigh the packed cabin bag and measure it.
2. Check the power bank's label and packaging.
3. Keep the liquids bag easy to remove.
4. Save any confirmed conditions for unusual items.
5. Check your departure time and check-in arrangements.

Still planning the journey? Choose dates on our flight booking page, then check the selected fare's baggage conditions before paying.