Traveling by plane is a convenient way to reach international destinations from Dhaka, Bangladesh. However, airport security measures are in place globally to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew. These regulations dictate a strict list of items that are prohibited from being carried onto an aircraft, either in your carry-on luggage or checked baggage. Understanding these restrictions is crucial to avoid delays, confiscation of your belongings, or even potential legal issues.

The list of prohibited items is extensive and can vary slightly depending on the airline, the departure and arrival airports, and the specific regulations of the countries involved. However, some items are universally banned due to their potential to cause harm or compromise the safety of the aircraft. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the categories of items you cannot take on a plane, keeping in mind the regulations as of May 2025.

1. Explosives and Incendiary Substances:

This category is strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage due to the obvious danger they pose. Examples include:

  • Dynamite, gunpowder, and plastic explosives: These are highly unstable and can be detonated by various factors.
  • Blasting caps, detonators, and fuses: These are used to trigger explosions.
  • Fireworks and flares: These contain explosive materials and are a fire hazard. This includes party poppers and sparklers.
  • Mines, grenades, and other explosive military stores: These are designed for combat and pose a severe threat.
  • Replica or imitation explosive devices: Even if non-functional, these can cause alarm and security incidents.
  • Flammable liquids and solids: These can easily ignite and cause fires. Examples include gasoline, lighter fluid, paint thinner, and some types of matches (non-safety matches are generally prohibited).
  • Aerosols (with some exceptions): While small toiletries like hairspray and deodorant are usually allowed in limited quantities in carry-on (within the 100ml rule), highly flammable aerosols like spray paint or large canisters are prohibited.
  • Fuel and fuel cartridges: Items like camping stove fuel and gas cylinders are not allowed.
  • Self-heating meals (MREs) with a flameless ration heater: These contain chemicals that create heat and are often prohibited due to the potential fire risk.

2. Weapons and Sharp Objects:

Items that can be used to cause serious injury are restricted to checked baggage only, if allowed at all. Many are completely prohibited in the cabin.

  • Firearms: Unless specifically declared to the airline and properly unloaded and packed in a locked, hard-sided container, firearms are generally prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage in many jurisdictions. Ammunition also has strict regulations.
  • Knives (of any length or type, except round-bladed butter knives and plastic cutlery): This includes kitchen knives, hunting knives, Swiss Army knives (unless blades are very short and comply with regulations), and any other knives with a sharp blade or point.
  • Box cutters and utility knives: These are designed for cutting and can be used as weapons.
  • Ice picks and straight razors: These are sharp and dangerous.
  • Axes and hatchets: These are heavy and can cause significant harm.
  • Saws, drills, and other tools that could be used as weapons: These are typically prohibited in carry-on.
  • Hypodermic needles (unless medically necessary with supporting documentation): While essential for some medical conditions, they are otherwise prohibited in carry-on.
  • Scissors (with blades longer than 6 cm): Small, blunt-ended scissors are often permitted in carry-on, but larger ones are not.
  • Metal cutlery (except for round-bladed butter knives): Sharp metal forks and spoons are usually not allowed in carry-on.
  • Martial arts equipment: Items like throwing stars, nunchucks, and brass knuckles are prohibited.
  • Baseball bats, cricket bats, golf clubs, hockey sticks, and similar sporting equipment: These can be used as bludgeoning weapons and are typically restricted to checked baggage.
  • Walking sticks or canes with sharp points: These may be allowed if medically necessary but are subject to inspection.

3. Disabling Devices:

Items designed to incapacitate or stun are strictly prohibited.

  • Stun guns, tasers, and cattle prods: These emit an electric shock.
  • Mace, pepper spray, tear gas, and other incapacitating sprays: These can cause temporary blindness and breathing difficulties.

4. Corrosive and Toxic Substances:

These materials can cause damage to the aircraft or harm passengers and crew.

  • Acids, alkalis, and wet cell batteries (except those in portable electronic devices): These can leak and cause corrosion.
  • Mercury: A toxic heavy metal.
  • Bleach and other corrosive substances: These can cause burns and damage materials.
  • Poisons and toxic substances: This includes insecticides, weed killers, and other hazardous chemicals.
  • Radioactive materials: These pose a health risk and can interfere with aircraft equipment.

5. Other Dangerous Articles:

This category includes items that may not fit neatly into the above categories but still pose a risk.

  • Magnetized materials: Strong magnets can interfere with aircraft navigation systems.
  • Oxidizing materials: Substances like bleaching powder and peroxides can intensify combustion.
  • Items emitting a conspicuous or offensive odor: While not strictly a safety hazard, these can cause discomfort to other passengers.
  • Smart bags with non-removable lithium batteries: Due to the fire risk associated with lithium batteries, smart bags where the battery cannot be removed are often prohibited in checked baggage. The battery must usually be removable and carried in the cabin.

6. Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs) in Carry-on Baggage:

While not entirely prohibited, LAGs in carry-on baggage are subject to strict regulations:

  • Containers must be 100 milliliters (3.4 ounces) or less.
  • All containers must fit into one transparent, resealable plastic bag no larger than 20cm x 20cm (or equivalent) with a total capacity of no more than 1 liter.
  • The bag must be removed from your carry-on baggage and screened separately at the security checkpoint.

Exemptions to the LAGs rule often include:

  • Medications: Essential medications are usually allowed in larger quantities with a doctor’s prescription or supporting documentation.
  • Baby food and breast milk: Reasonable quantities are allowed when traveling with an infant or young child.
  • Duty-free liquids: Liquids purchased at the airport after security screening are usually allowed in sealed, tamper-evident bags with proof of purchase.

7. Electronic Devices with Restrictions:

While most personal electronic devices (PEDs) like phones, laptops, and tablets are allowed, there are some restrictions:

  • Damaged or recalled lithium batteries: These pose a fire risk and are often prohibited.
  • Power banks (spare batteries): Must usually be carried in carry-on baggage only and have specific watt-hour (Wh) limits. They are typically prohibited in checked baggage due to the risk of short-circuiting and fire.
  • Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and vaping devices: Generally must be carried in carry-on baggage and are often prohibited from being used or charged on board.
  • Devices that cannot be completely switched off: Any device that cannot be turned off and might emit signals that could interfere with aircraft systems may be prohibited.

Staying Informed:

Given that regulations can change, it is crucial to:

  • Check the specific rules of your airline and the airports you will be traveling through. Airline websites usually have a list of prohibited items.
  • Consult the website of the aviation security authority in your country (e.g., the Civil Aviation Authority in Bangladesh) and your destination country.
  • If you are unsure about an item, it is always best to leave it at home or pack it in your checked baggage (if permitted).

By understanding and adhering to these regulations, you can help ensure a smooth and safe journey for yourself and all other passengers. Always prioritize safety and when in doubt, err on the side of caution.