If you are flying as a passenger on an aircraft, find out what you can and cannot take as hand baggage or hold baggage before boarding your flight. Products that you may not consider dangerous on the ground may still pose risks in the air. The ICAO Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (ICAO-TI) govern the transport of dangerous goods by air.

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Please note: airlines may deviate from these instructions and implement stricter rules.

Dangerous goods that are never allowed on board

You are not allowed to carry the following dangerous goods in your hand baggage or hold baggage under any circumstances:

  • Explosive substances, such as fireworks, ammunition and emergency signals.
  • Compressed gases, such as gas tanks.
  • Flammable substances, such as paint, methylated spirits, large quantities of aerosols and nail polish remover.
  • Oxidising substances, such as peroxides and bleaching powder.
  • Toxic substances, such as insecticides.
  • Radioactive materials.
  • Corrosive substances, such as battery acid.
  • Magnetic, harmful, pungent and odorous substances.

Dangerous goods allowed on board under certain conditions

You are allowed to carry the following dangerous goods in your hand baggage or hold baggage under certain conditions:

  • Toiletries, such as aerosols and perfumes.
  • Medical articles.
  • Ammunition for shooting sports.
  • A wheelchair with a battery.

You may need to ask for permission from the airline by contacting its customer service, special assistance team or online contact form. The airline will confirm whether the item is allowed and explain any conditions.  

Read more about dangerous goods that you are allowed to carry in your baggage under certain conditions . 

Rules for carrying lithium batteries and power banks

If you want to take lithium batteries or power banks on your flight, the following rules apply: 

  • For lithium batteries and power banks up to 100 watt-hours (Wh) or up to 2 grams of lithium, no airline authorisation is required.
  • For lithium batteries and power banks between 100 Wh and 160 Wh or between 2 grams and 8 grams lithium, authorisation from the airline is required.
  • Lithium batteries and power banks exceeding 160 Wh are never allowed onboard. They must be transported as cargo.

Read more about the transport of lithium batteries by air (in Dutch).

You are allowed to take lithium batteries or power banks only as hand baggage, not as hold baggage. Batteries or devices must not be damaged, defective or recalled.

Additional rules for carrying power banks

The following additional rules apply to power banks on flights:

  • You are allowed to carry up to 2 power banks per person.
  • You are not allowed to charge power banks onboard.
  • You are not allowed to use power banks onboard to charge other devices, such as mobile phones.

Mobility aids powered by lithium batteries

Different rules apply to batteries for mobility aids, such as wheelchairs. If the mobility aid does not offer sufficient protection to the battery:

  • The battery must not exceed 300 Wh.
  • You must remove the battery according to the instructions.
  • You must ensure the battery is protected against damage, for example by storing it in a protective bag or pouch.
  • You must transport the battery in the aircraft cabin.
  • You must protect the battery connections against short circuits.

You are also allowed to carry either 1 spare battery not exceeding 300 Wh or 2 spare batteries each not exceeding 160 Wh. You must hand these over to the cabin crew.  

Please note: you must always request authorisation from your airline in advance.