Apart from the obvious questions like “Can you take aerosols or deodorants in your hand luggage?” Can it be a minefield to know what you can and cannot pack in your hand luggage? Skyscanner has recently listed some of the more unusual items which are banned when you are flying from UAE and you should never take in your carry-on luggage. UAE airlines such as Etihad and Emirates have also listed items that passengers cannot bring aboard.
Note that these are separate from the list of items that are prohibited from entering the UAE. While some of these items may still be picked up at check-in, items on the list compiled by Dubai Customs and Airports are not allowed under any circumstances.
1. Powders
On June 30, 2018, the US Transportation Security Administration is upgrading the rules for taking the powder in airplanes. After that date, any powder-like substance with a content of more than 350 ml, approximately the size of a beverage can, should be put in checked baggage and not in carry-on baggage.
2. Smart Luggage
In January 2018, the US Smart Baggage Regulations were issued. They have changed, which makes it even more important to check the rules with a single airline before flying anywhere. Smart-bags use lithium batteries to power GPS location systems, phone chargers, and electronic locks associated with aircraft fires.
3. Baby Food
You must be careful with baby food and contact the competent authority at your destination and departure airport before traveling; otherwise, you may be in trouble. For example, the British government allows you to carry milk powder and cow’s milk in your hand luggage, but your baby must be present. The same applies to baby’s sterilized water, soya milk and baby food.
4. Medicine
You must be careful when taking medicines on an airplane and make sure you think twice before taking it. If you take more than 100 ml of prescribed medicines on board, you should take the prescription. If you are taking medicines to the UAE, make sure that you have reviewed the list of controlled medicines in the UAE.
5. Ten Bottles Of Perfume
No matter how fresh you want to smell on your vacation, you cannot go crazy with the fragrance bottles unless you can pack them in a single transparent plastic bag with a maximum size of 20 x 20 cm, which is very unlikely.
6. Cricket Bat
Not the most discrete of all kinds of weapons you could take with you on an airplane, but still banned. In fact, most sports equipment should not be in hand luggage. The list includes badminton rackets, billiards and (understandably) catapults and harpoons.
7. Fishing Rod
If you plan to catch your dinner on vacation, you will not do it with your own rod (unless you check it into the hold). The same applies to golf clubs and pool cues, which are also prohibited on board.
8. Drill
If you are going home for a renovation project, it doesn’t mean you can take your own tool in your hand luggage. Drills, screwdrivers, wrenches, nails and laser pointers need to be checked.
9. Soup
Even if aviation food is not your cup of tea, you won’t be allowed to enjoy the homemade liquid carrot and coriander soup that you want to carry in your carry-on baggage. The liquid is liquid. If you do not want to have room for a 100ml bottle of soup in your clear plastic bag, do not take it to the airport. The same applies to chutneys and jams.
10. Peroxide
Chemicals and toxic substances are not allowed in airplanes. Fact. This rule covers everything from rat poison, fireworks and dynamite to chlorine, tear gas and gel candles. Electronic cigarettes and vaporizers may be carried in hand luggage by most airlines (but not in the cargo hold). Check the rules before flying.
11. Aerosols
No, we do not mean the kind of hair spray or deodorant, we mean the kind of graffiti – that’s definitely no. But as far as personal hygiene is concerned, you can take your deodorant, hairspray or other aerosols in your carry-on bag when it is 100 ml or less in size and in a 20 x 20 cm clear plastic bag. Be warned that the bag needs to be sealed, so do not overfill it.
12. Tent pegs
We know that the United Arab Emirates offers many great campsites. However, if you want to take your trusted tent on vacation, do not bring it with you in your hand luggage. At most airports, metal tent pegs can not be passed through the security checkpoint. Apparently tent poles are fine!
13. Lighters
In the United States and the United Kingdom, lighters without fuel may have checked-in luggage in the hold. If they contain fuel, you can not put them in the hold but you can carry one on your person (not packed in your carry-on baggage). And you are allowed only one.
14. Needles
You can not knit as Emirates flights do not allow needles in the cabin. Injection needles and syringes are also prohibited unless they are medical reasons. Incidentally, you need a medical certificate for this.
15. Beach Balls
Sure, you’re on vacation, but that doesn’t mean you can take your beach ball and other inflatable items with you. There is, however, a small exception. All you have to do is release the air and you can take it with you.
Prohibited Items In The UAE
Below is a list of items compiled by Dubai Customs that you cannot bring to the UAE under any circumstances.
- All narcotic drugs.
- Gambling tools, machines.
- Ivory and rhinoceros horn.
- Trammel (fishing net with three layers).
- Forged or duplicate currency.
- Any printed material that contradicts Islamic teachings and/or decency, or that deliberately implies immorality or turmoil.
- Cooked and homemade foods.
- Radios, self-defense equipment, sharp-edged knives, and swords.
- Weapons, ammunition and military equipment.
- Fireworks and explosives.
- Trees, plants, and soil
- Used, reconditioned and inlaid tires.
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