Carrying prohibited items and dangerous goods in your bagagge on Eurowings flights

Prohibited and restricted items in your baggage

Some items may endanger the aircraft’s safety during the flight. Carrying these in your baggage is therefore either completely prohibited or only permitted under certain conditions. Find out about the applicable statutory regulations and contract conditions that must be complied with.

Current information on the carriage of Apple MacBooks

Apple has recalled certain older MacBook Pros because of a battery defect. The MacBooks in question are 15-inch devices that were sold between 2015 and 2017. These may not be taken on board an aircraft without replacing the battery with one provided free of charge by the manufacturer. Here Lufthansa is referring to the safety directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which has been in force since February 2017. This prohibits the transport of lithium batteries that are defective or have been recalled. Our flight attendants have been specifically made aware of and received special training in handling lithium batteries.

Prohibited in both hand and checked baggage

  • Flammable liquids such as alcoholic beverages exceeding 70 % by volume, methylated spirits, solvent-based nail polish removers, petrol-fuelled devices and lighters (new or used), petrol/gasoline (e.g. lighter fluid or white spirit), paints, varnishes, glazes, adhesives etc.

  • Flammable gases such as lighter gas, gas camping stoves, propane cylinders etc.

  • Flammable objects such as strike anywhere matches, gel fuel, grill lighters etc.Toxic substances such as insect sprays, vermin bait, disinfectants etc.

  • Corrosive substances such as irritant gas, drain cleaners, acids, alkalis, acid or alkaline batteries (also those installed in devices), mercury etc.

  • Gas containers such as compressed air cylinders or pressure cylinders for water treatment, also cryogenic liquid gases such as liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen etc.

  • Oxidising substances such as bleaches, liquid oxygen, hardeners for varnishes or adhesives, surface disinfectants etc.

  • Explosive objects such as fireworks, sparklers, airbags, security briefcases with blasting caps etc.

  • Battery-operated vehicles such as e-scooters, e-bikes, balance boards, pedelec bikes, children’s vehicles etc. Battery-operated wheelchairs and other mobility aids are not prohibited.

  • Defective or damaged batteries, including those integrated in devices.

  • Lithium batteries that have not been tested in accordance with the UN Manual of Test and Criteria, part III, subsection 38.3.

  • Infectious (contagious) substances or genetically modified organisms such as medical specimens, cells, bacteria etc.

  • Chemical or technical products such as radioactive substances and devices (e.g. medication, measuring devices), magnetic substances, lithium, gallium, phosphorus, magnesium etc.

List of prohibited articles in accordance with Commission Implementing Regulation 2015/1998

Dangerous goods that are permitted in baggage under certain conditions

Dangerous goods that are permitted in baggage under certain conditions

Power banks, replacement batteries, and loose batteries

  • Not permitted in or as checked baggage

  • Permitted in or as hand baggage in the passenger cabin

  • Transport approval required for batteries over 100 Wh / 2 g LC

Power and quantity restrictions for lithium batteries:

Power restrictions Quantity restrictions Permitted in hand baggage Permitted in checked baggage Transport approval required
Max. 100 Wh
Max. 2 g LC
20 *
Yes
No
No
> 100 Wh to max. 160 Wh
2
Yes
No
Yes
> 2 g LC to max. 8 g LC
2 **
Yes
No
Yes

 

* Quantity restrictions apply to all types of battery, meaning leak-proof wet batteries, dry batteries, gel batteries, and lithium batteries.

** for medical devices only

Transport conditions

Applies to all batteries: the connectors must be individually insulated to prevent short-circuiting. This is possible when transport occurs in the original packaging, when exposed poles are taped over, or when each individual battery is packed inside a separate plastic bag or protective bag.

Power and quantity restrictions for leak-proof wet batteries: 

  • max. 12 V / 100 Wh per battery

  • max. 2 replacement batteries

Please note:

  • Power banks may not be charged on board the plane.

  • Lithium batteries larger than 100 Wh up to max. 160 Wh and heavier than 2 g to max. 8 g LC require transport approval from the airline.

  • Please register power banks and batteries requiring approval by email at assistance@eurowings.com.

Battery-operated devices

Portable electronic devices containing dry-cell batteries, spare batteries and power packs

Description
Devices containing non-rechargeable LR batteries (household batteries) such as torches, remote controls, small travel radios, travel alarm clocks etc.
Airline’s permission
not required
Checked baggage
devices permitted
spare batteries or power packs not permitted
Hand baggage
permitted
Additional information
- Devices must be switched off and protected against unintentional activation
- Devices must be protected from damage, e.g. wrapped in secure packaging
- Batteries and spares must be protected from short-circuiting
- Maximum of 20 spare batteries per person including lithium batteries (maximum lithium content 2 g) and lithium power packs (maximum nominal energy 100 Wh).

Portable electronic devices containing lithium batteries or power packs (PED), spare batteries and power packs including power banks

Description
Devices containing non-rechargeable CR batteries (lithium metal batteries) or rechargeable lithium ion/lithium polymer power packs such as mobile phones, laptop computers, e-book readers, tablet PCs, car keys, electronic toothbrushes, MP3 players, cameras, drones etc.
Airline's permission
required for 100 Wh – 160 Wh power packs
Checked baggage
permitted in the case of devices with batteries containing up to 2 g lithium or power packs up to 100 Wh
not permitted in the case of devices with a nominal energy of more than 100 Wh and up to 160 Wh, spare batteries, and power packs including power banks
Hand baggage
permitted
Additional information
- For the passenger's personal use.
- Devices must be switched off and protected against unintentional activation. An exception to this are baggage trackers (AirTags, Samsung Galaxy Smart Tags) with a button cell and low-power radio function.
- Devices must be protected from damage, e.g. wrapped in secure packaging.
- Batteries and spares must be protected from short-circuiting.
- Maximum of 15 devices per person including portable medical electronic devices.
- Maximum of 20 spare batteries per person including lithium batteries (maximum lithium content 2 g each) and lithium power packs (maximum nominal energy 100 Wh each).
- Maximum of 2 spare power packs with a nominal energy of more than 100 Wh and up to 160 Wh per person.
- Power banks are classified as spare batteries. 

Portable medical electronic devices containing lithium batteries or power packs (PMED), spare batteries and power packs including power banks

Description
Devices containing non-rechargeable CR batteries (lithium metal batteries) or rechargeable lithium ion/lithium polymer power packs such as medical aids, artificial hearts, defibrillators etc.
Airline’s permission
required for power packs with a nominal energy of more than 100 Wh and up to 160 Wh and batteries with a lithium content of more than 2 g and up to 8 g
Checked baggage
permitted in the case of devices with batteries containing up to 2 g lithium or power packs up to 100 Wh
not permitted in the case of devices containing power packs with more than 100 Wh and up to 160 Wh, batteries containing more than 2 g and up to 8 g of lithium, spare batteries and power packs
Hand baggage
permitted
Additional information
- Devices must be switched off and protected against unintentional activation.
- Devices must be protected from damage, e.g. wrapped in secure packaging.
- Batteries and spares must be protected from short-circuiting.
- Maximum of 15 devices per person up to 100 Wh or 2 g lithium content including portable medical electronic devices.
- Maximum of 20 spare batteries per person including lithium batteries (maximum lithium content 2 g) and lithium power packs (maximum nominal energy 100 Wh).
- Maximum of 2 spare power packs with a nominal energy of more than 100 Wh and up to 160 Wh or spare batteries with a lithium content of more than 2 g and up to 8 g.
- Power banks are classified as spare batteries.

E-cigarettes

Description
E-cigarettes and vaping devices (e-cigars, e-pipes) for personal use
Airline’s permission
not required
Checked  baggage
not permitted
Hand baggage
permitted
Additional information
- E-cigarettes must be switched off and protected against unintentional activation. Devices must be protected from damage, e.g. wrapped in secure packaging.
- They may not be used or charged on board.
Remark
Vaping fluids may fulfil the criteria for dangerous goods, in which case they are prohibited.

Wheelchairs and other mobility aids

Description
Electric wheelchairs and other mobility aids for persons with limited mobility, for personal use.
Airline’s permission
required 
Checked baggage
permitted in the case of wheelchairs/mobility aids with installed power packs and leakproof wet-cell batteries (e.g. gel or AGM power packs) that have been removed from the device
Hand baggage
only permitted in the case of lithium power packs that have been removed from the device
Additional information
- Wheelchairs and other mobility aids can be transported with the battery/power pack installed if
a) the wheelchair is completely switched off, i.e. it is disconnected from the power source and cannot be activated accidentally
b) the battery is protected from short-circuiting, and
c) the battery is installed or securely attached to the wheelchair and is protected from damage.
- Removable batteries must be protected from short-circuiting.
- Any leakproof wet-cell battery (e.g. gel or AGM power packs) must be packed in robust, rigid packaging and transported as checked baggage. A maximum of 1 spare battery may be transported per user of a wheelchair or other mobility aid.
- Lithium power packs must have been tested in compliance with the testing requirements in the UN Manual of Test and Criteria, Part III, subsection 38.3 and be transported as hand baggage in a package or bag. If the power packs have to be removed, the wheelchair may only contain 1 power pack with a nominal energy of max. 300 Wh or 2 batteries with a nominal energy of max. 160 Wh. A maximum of 1 spare battery with a nominal energy of up to 300 Wh or 2 batteries with a nominal energy of up to 160 Wh (depending on the wheel chair equipment) may be transported per user of a wheelchair or other mobility aid.
- Wheelchairs and mobility aids containing non-leakproof wet-cell batteries are prohibited.
Remark
The following must be provided when requesting the transport of a wheelchair:
- Medical certificate
- Information on the type of power pack or battery
- Lithium power packs: nominal energy in Wh
- For leakproof wet-cell batteries (e.g. gel or AGM power packs): confirmation that the battery/power pack has been tested and verified leakproof by the manufacturer or that it is a nickel metal hydride (NiMH) or dry-cell battery.
The passenger must guarantee that the battery is removed and packed in suitable materials.

Portable oxygen concentrators (POC)

Description
Portable oxygen devices that concentrate oxygen from the ambient air and run on lithium batteries.
Airline’s permission
required
Checked baggage
permitted
Hand baggage
permitted
Additional information
The additional conditions for “Portable medical electronic devices containing lithium batteries or power packs (PMED), spare batteries and power packs including power banks” apply.
Remark
- For respiratory systems that use air or gaseous oxygen, please see "Oxygen or gas cylinders containing air for medical purposes.”
- Liquid oxygen is prohibited.

Baggage that contains lithium batteries (“smart baggage”)

Description
Items of baggage with additional functions such as baggage tag displays, location data transmission, electronic locks, ability to charge other electronic devices.
Airline’s permission
not required
Checked baggage
permitted provided the batteries or power packs have been removed (does not apply to button cells with a maximum lithium metall of 0.3 g / lithium ion with maximum 2.7 Wh)
Hand baggage
permitted
Additional information
- Installed batteries, power packs or power banks must be removed and transported separately.
- The conditions for “Portable electronic devices containing lithium batteries, spare battery and power packs including power banks” apply to lithium batteries, power packs and power banks that have been removed from the device.
Remark
- Further regulations apply, e.g. to the transmitter function of the item of baggage.
- Items of baggage that can be converted into electric vehicles, e.g. e-scooters, are prohibited.

Heat-generating devices

Description
Devices such as diving lamps or battery-operated soldering devices which if accidentally activated generate so much heat that a fire may break out.
Airline’s permission
required
Checked baggage
not permitted
Hand baggage
permitted
Additional information
- The device must be switched off and protected against unintentional activation.
- The battery or light source must be removed. The conditions for “Portable electronic devices containing lithium batteries, spare battery and power packs including power banks” apply to batteries that have been removed from the device.

Pacemakers

Description
Heart pacemakers and other implanted devices that contain radioactive isotopes or lithium batteries, also external controllers
Airline’s permission
not required, medical certificate must be carried
Checked baggage
not permitted
Hand baggage
not permitted
Carried on the person
permitted

Articles and devices that contain gases

Lighters and matches

Description
Gas lighters or safety matches
Airline’s permission
not required
Checked baggage
not permitted
Hand baggage
not permitted
Carried on the person
permitted
Additional information
1 small box or 1 matchbook containing safety matches or 1 lighter containing liquefied gas per person. Lighters that contain lithium batteries or power packs require a protective cap and must be protected against accidental operation.
Remarks
- Strike anywhere matches are prohibited.
- Lighters with blue flames (piezo lighters) or cigar/pipe lighters are prohibited.
- Spare cartridges containing lighter gas are prohibited.
- Petroleum lighters and other accessories (e.g. spare flints) are prohibited.

Spray cans for cosmetic purposes or sport/home use

Description
Spray cans such as hairspray, room spray, medical ice sprays or spray-on plasters
Airline’s permission
not required
Checked baggage
permitted
Hand baggage
permitted
Additional information
- Each spray can must have a protective cap or locking device to prevent unintentional activation.
- The net content of each spray can may not exceed 0.5 l or 0.5 kg.
Remarks
The content of all spray cans and other medical or cosmetic articles may not exceed 2 l or 2 kg per person in total. (see also “Medicinal and cosmetic articles”)

Oxygen cylinders or gas cylinders containing air for medical purposes

Description
For personal use by passengers with increased oxygen requirements
Airline’s permission
required, medical certificate must be shown
Checked baggage
permitted
Hand baggage
permitted
Additional information
- Gross weight max. 5 kg
- Liquid oxygen systems are prohibited

Gas bottles, e.g. scuba tanks

Description
Compressed air cylinders or pressure cylinders containing an oxygen mixture for diving or gas bottles and gas cylinders for other recreational purposes
Airline’s permission
required, medical certificate must be shown
Checked baggage
permitted
Hand baggage
not permitted
Additional information
Scuba tanks and other gas containers (e.g. as bicycle equipment) must be empty and may only be carried with open valves and without other attachments.

Gas cylinders, e.g. in life jackets or avalanche rescue backpacks

Description
Life jackets or life vests with small gas cartridges filled with a non-flammable, non-toxic gas, e.g. carbon dioxide; avalanche rescue backpacks may also have a pyrotechnic trigger mechanism.
Airline’s permission
required
Checked baggage
permitted
Hand baggage
permitted
Additional information
- Each person may carry 2 rescue device for their personal use.
- Rescue devices may not contain more than 2 cartridges. In the case of life jackets or life vests, 2 spare cartridges may be carried per rescue device.
- Avalanche rescue backpacks may also contain a maximum 200 mg of division 1.4S explosives.

Gas cartridges, non-flammable, non-toxic

Description
Small gas cartridges containing a non-flammable, non-toxic gas used in devices, e.g. CO2 cartridges for air pumps or paintball guns.
Airline’s permission
required
Checked baggage
permitted
Hand baggage
permitted
Additional information
Pressure cylinders for other devices may not have a capacity of more than 50 ml (equivalent to 28 g carbon dioxide, CO2). No more than 4 of these pressure cylinders per person.

Gas cylinders, non-flammable, non-toxic, for artificial limbs

Description
Small gas cartridges containing a non-flammable, non-toxic gas for mechanical prostheses.
Airline’s permission
not required
Checked baggage
permitted
Hand baggage
permitted
Additional information
An appropriate number of spare cartridges required for the duration of the journey is also permitted.

Articles and devices that contain flammable liquids or are flammable

Alcoholic beverages

Description
Alcoholic beverages with an alcohol content exceeding 24 % by volume and containing no more than 70 % by volume
Airline’s permission
not required
Checked baggage
permitted
Hand baggage
permitted
Additional information
Maximum 5 l per person in containers with a maximum capacity of 5 l, as sold by retailers.
Remark
Other regulations apply, e.g. on carrying liquids in hand baggage.

Medicinal and cosmetic articles

Description
Medicinal or cosmetic articles that are not radioactive, including spray cans; e.g. medication or disinfectants that contain alcohol, perfumes, deodorants, hairspray
Airline’s permission
not required
Checked baggage
permitted
Hand baggage
permitted
Additional information
- The net content of each article may not exceed 0.5 l or 0.5 kg.
- The content of all medical or cosmetic articles and spray cans may not exceed 2 l or 2 kg per person in total. (see also spray cans for cosmetic purposes or sport/home use).
- Each spray can must have a protective cap or locking device to prevent unintentional activation.
Remark
Other regulations apply, e.g. on carrying liquids in hand baggage.

Matches and lighters

Description
Gas lighters or safety matches
Airline’s permission
not required
Checked baggage
not permitted
Hand baggage
not permitted
Carried on the person
permitted
Additional information
1 small box or 1 matchbook containing safety matches or 1 lighter containing liquefied gas per person. Lighters that contain lithium batteries or power packs require a protective cap or other form of protection against unintentional activation.
Remark
- Strike anywhere matches are prohibited.
- Lighters with blue flames (piezo lighters) or cigar/pipe lighters are prohibited.
- Spare cartridges containing lighter gas are prohibited.
- Petroleum lighters and other accessories (e.g. spare flints) are prohibited.

Curling irons with gas cartridges

Description
Curling irons with gas cartridges that contain a hydrocarbon gas
Airline’s permission
not required
Checked baggage
not permitted
Hand baggage
not permitted
Additional information
- 1 curling iron per person with a protective cap covering the heating element.
- Refill cartridges are prohibited.
- Use on board is prohibited.
Remark
For curling irons with lithium batteries or power packs, please see “Portable electronic devices containing lithium batteries or power packs (PED), spare batteries and power packs including power banks”

Preparations and specimens, non-infectious (non-contagious) packaged with small quantities of flammable liquid

Description
Preparations or specimens that do not contain pathogens and are conserved in a flammable liquid, e.g. animals or organs for exhibition.
Airline’s permission
not required
Checked baggage
permitted
Hand baggage
permitted
Additional information
The free liquid in the container may not exceed 30 ml. The containers must be sealed so that no liquid can escape. The words “Scientific research specimens, not restricted, SP A180 applies” must be printed on the outside of the packaging.
Remark
Other regulations apply, e.g. on carrying liquids in hand baggage.

Portable electronic devices with fuel cells and replacement cartridges

Description
Fuel cell systems and replacement fuel cartridges for portable electronic devices such as cameras, mobile phones, laptop computers etc.
Airline’s permission
not required
Checked baggage
not permitted
Hand baggage
permitted
Additional information
- Only 2 replacement cartridges per person.
- The fuel cells may only contain flammable liquids, corrosive substances, liquefied flammable gases, substances that react with water or hydrogen in metal hydride.
- Fuel cells may not be refilled on board.
- The following information must be printed on each fuel cell and fuel cell cartridge:
a) Manufacturer’s quality mark with reference to IEC 62282-6-100 Ed.1, Amendment 1
b) Maximum quantity of fuel
c) Type of fuel
d) Approved for carriage in aircraft cabin only (for fuel cells only)
- Fuel cells may not be used solely to charge any power pack in the device.
- Fuel cells may not be used to charge devices that are not in use.
- The following maximum fuel quantities apply:
a) Liquids: 200 ml
b) Solids: 200 g
c) Liquefied gases: 120 ml in non-metallic fuel cells
- 200 ml in metallic fuel cells or fuel cell cartridges
- Hydrogen in metal hydride: 120 ml water capacity
Remark
Other regulations apply, e.g. on carrying liquids in hand baggage.

Other articles and devices

Ammunition (cartridges for weapons)

Description
Securely packaged ammunition for hunting or sport purposes, type UN0012 or UN0014 (division 1.4S)
Airline’s permission
required
Checked baggage
permitted
Hand baggage
not permitted
Additional information
Maximum 5 kg gross weight per person for personal use. Maximum 5 kg ammunition per package.
Remark
The weapon and ammunition must be handed over in separate packages. The weapon may not be loaded. Further regulations apply, e.g. for export.

Dry ice (carbon dioxide, solid)

Description
- Dry ice for refrigerating non-hazardous goods such as medication or perishable items.
- Dry ice is frozen carbon dioxide that turns into gas. It can damage skin or fabric due to its extremely low temperature of approx. -78°C. Carbon dioxide can cause suffocation if released.
Airline’s permission
required
Checked baggage
permitted
Hand baggage
permitted
Additional information
- Max. 2.5 kg dry ice per person.
- Gaseous carbon dioxide must be able to escape from the packaging.
- Checked baggage must be labelled “Dry ice” or “Carbon dioxide, solid” and state the net quantity of filled dry ice.

Insulated packages containing cryogenic liquid nitrogen (dry shippers)

Description
Refrigerated containers with porous material that contains liquid nitrogen and no other dangerous goods (e.g. infectious samples).
Airline’s permission
nicht erforderlich
Checked baggage
permitted
Hand baggage
permitted
Additional information
- Gaseous nitrogen must be able to escape from the packaging.
- No liquid nitrogen may be permitted to escape, regardless of how the container is positioned.

Medical thermometers containing mercury

Description
Clinical or medical thermometer containing mercury, e.g. for measuring body temperature.
Airline’s permission
not required
Checked baggage
permitted
Hand baggage
not permitted
Additional information
1 thermometer per person for personal use.
Remark
For electronic thermometers see “Portable medical electronic devices with lithium batteries or power packs

Permeation tubes/cells

Description
Permeation tubes or cells for calibrating devices used to monitor air quality.
Airline’s permission
not required
Checked baggage
permitted
Hand baggage
not permitted
Additional information
Securely packed in compliance with IATA-DGR regulations, max. 2 ml dangerous goods per tube and max. 30 kg gross weight per package.

Mercury thermometers or barometers transported by a representative of a government meteorological office or official authority

Description
Meteorological thermometer or barometer
Airline’s permission
required
Checked baggage
not permitted
Hand baggage
permitted
Additional information
Securely packed in robust packaging. The thermometer or barometer must be stored in a liquid-tight sealed container made of leakproof and puncture-resistant material that will prevent mercury from escaping regardless of the container's position.

Chemical agent monitoring equipment carried by members of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons

Description
For carrying on official trips.
Airline’s permission
required
Checked baggage
permitted
Hand baggage
permitted