Airline Rules That Everyone Gets Wrong
Airline rules look simple… until you’re at the airport arguing with a staff member about a charger, a water bottle, or why your “tiny backpack” suddenly counts as a full carry-on.
Most confusion comes from a handful of rules that people think they know — but actually misunderstand.
Here’s a clear, no-nonsense breakdown of the airline rules travelers get wrong the most.
✍️ Ava · November 12, 2025
1. Liquids: It’s Not About Size — It’s About Each Container
Everyone knows about the “100 ml liquid rule,” but most people forget the real details:
✔ Each container must be 100 ml or less
A 120 ml bottle half-full is not allowed.
✔ All liquids must fit into ONE transparent zip bag
Usually 1 liter, roughly 20×20 cm.
✔ The bag must close fully
Stuffing it until it bursts = no.
✔ It applies to gels, creams, pastes, and aerosols
Yes, toothpaste counts.
Yes, hummus counts (don’t ask why — airports treat it like gel).
Common misunderstandings:
“Duty free liquids are always allowed.” → Only if sealed in the official bag.
“Baby food always needs to follow the 100 ml rule.” → Incorrect. Exceptions exist.
2. Power Banks: You Can Bring Them — But Not in Checked Luggage
This rule surprises almost everyone.
✔ You must carry power banks in your hand luggage
They cannot go into checked bags.
Reason: lithium batteries = fire risk.
✔ There’s a capacity limit
Most airlines allow up to 100 Wh without permission
(That’s roughly 27,000 mAh at 3.7V).
✔ Bigger ones need airline approval
Between 100–160 Wh → you need to request approval.
Over 160 Wh → forbidden on all commercial flights.
Common misunderstandings:
“I can put my small battery pack in my suitcase.” → Nope.
“I can charge a power bank during takeoff.” → Not allowed.
3. Cabin Bags: The Size & Weight Rules Are NOT Standard
Quick truth:
There is no universal cabin bag rule. Every airline has its own.
Some allow one personal item.
Some allow one personal item plus one cabin bag.
Some allow a cabin bag only if you buy priority boarding.
Some weigh your bag, some don’t.
Examples:
Ryanair / Wizz Air: Free item = small backpack only.
Turkish Airlines / Emirates: Generous cabin allowance.
European low-cost airlines: 90% of the time you pay for overhead bin space.
Common misunderstandings:
“My bag fits all airline standards.” → No such thing.
“If it fits the sizer, they must allow it.” → Some airlines still charge unless you bought the right fare.
“Cabin bag weight is never checked.” → Japan, Australia, and Middle East airlines check aggressively.
4. Overbooking & Delayed Flight Rights: You Have More Power Than You Think
Most travelers don’t know their compensation rights, especially in Europe.
✔ If your flight is delayed 3+ hours, you may get compensation
Under EC261, depending on distance and airline fault.
✔ If you’re bumped from a flight involuntarily, you must be compensated
This includes cash, hotel stay, food vouchers, and alternative flights.
✔ Weather & ATC delays = no compensation
But you still get care (meals, hotel if needed).
Common misunderstandings:
“If the airline offers a voucher, I must take it.” → No — you can request money.
“I don’t get anything for missed connections.” → If it’s one ticket, they must rebook you.
“I need to argue at the airport.” → No — claims can be filed later.
5. Medications & Medical Items: They Don’t Follow the Liquid Rule
Almost no one knows this:
✔ Essential medication can exceed 100 ml
You may need a prescription or note.
✔ Insulin, inhalers, liquid meds → allowed
They are never restricted like ordinary liquids.
✔ Medical equipment (e.g., CPAP, glucose monitors) doesn’t count toward baggage
These are free, even on low-cost airlines.
Common misunderstandings:
“I must fit medicine into my 100 ml liquid bag.” → False.
“Medical devices count as carry-on.” → Also false.
6. Food: Yes, You Can Bring It — Mostly
✔ Solid food is almost always allowed
Sandwiches, fruit, snacks, pastries.
✔ Liquids and soft foods follow the 100 ml rule
Soup, yogurt, dips, sauces — treated as liquids.
✔ Meat, dairy, or produce may be restricted by destination
Not by airline → by customs (especially Australia, New Zealand, US).
Common misunderstandings:
“Airlines forbid bringing your own food.” → No, airports do. Airlines don’t care.
“Snacks are liquids.” → Not unless they melt.
7. Electronic Devices: The Old Rules Change
✔ You can use your phone in flight mode during takeoff & landing
This has been legal for years.
✔ But you must remove headphones during safety announcements
Most travelers ignore this — airlines don’t.
✔ Laptops must be stored during takeoff/landing
Because they become “projectile risks.”
Common misunderstandings:
“Airplane mode applies only after takeoff.” → No, before taxiing.
“Bluetooth is always forbidden.” → Most airlines allow it now.
The Bottom Line
Most airport stress doesn’t come from delays — it comes from unclear rules.
If you know these basics, you skip 90% of the typical travel hassles:
Liquids are about container size
Power banks stay in your backpack
Cabin bag rules vary wildly
You have real rights during delays
Medicine is treated differently
Food rules depend on destination, not airline
Device rules are not what they used to be
Smart travelers fly calmer.
And calmer flyers start their trip better than everyone else.
✍️ This blog was written by Ava.
