Pack for your flight
Follow this packing guide to comply with aviation security requirements and avoid delays or confiscations at airport security checkpoints.
Many everyday items, such as power banks (also known as power packs, mobile batteries or portable chargers), hair sprays, and sharp tools, can be unsafe onboard aircraft because they can start a fire, leak, or injure people.
Some are completely prohibited, while others are allowed only under specific conditions. These items are collectively called ‘dangerous goods’.
Items that are prohibited on all flights
Prohibited items are dangerous goods that are strictly not allowed. This means you cannot hand-carry or pack these items into your checked baggage under any circumstances.
Prohibited items
Item | Examples |
Explosive or flammable items |
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Corrosive substances |
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Toxic and infectious substances | Toxic substances:
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Radioactive material | radioactive materials used for medical treatments |
Disabling devices containing an irritant or incapacitating substance |
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Cases, boxes and bags incorporating dangerous goods |
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Weapons in general | Weapons pose serious safety risks if not properly secured. Strict rules apply to all weapons. To transport them by air, you must:
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Items that must be packed into checked baggage
Some dangerous goods can be safely transported only when stored in the cargo hold.
To bring these items on your trip, pack them properly into your checked baggage follow the rules below. You cannot hand-carry these items under any circumstances.
Sharp objects, bulky items and certain types of sporting equipment
These items could injure others or be used as weapons, so they must be checked in.
Item | Examples |
|---|---|
Sharp objects |
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Sporting equipment |
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Liquids, aerosols and gels in containers of 100mL / 100g or more
These items must be packed into checked baggage, even if the containers are only partially filled, as they can leak or cause pressure build-up during flight.
Item | Examples |
|---|---|
Liquids in personal hygiene products |
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Liquids in food and beverage products |
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Aerosols |
When packing aerosols, you need to follow these rules:
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Ammunition
Ammunition can ignite or explode if not properly stored. Strict rules apply to its transport by air.
If you are intending to transport them by air into or from Singapore, you must:
Get approval from the Singapore Police Force (Airport Police Division) to carry arms and ammunition into or from Singapore as they are classified as ‘controlled items’ under the Singapore law.
Make advance arrangements with your airline to transport them before your flight.
Additionally, you must follow these rules:
Pack only securely packaged cartridges classified as UN 1.4 S (UN0012 or UN0014 only).
Pack a maximum of 5kg (gross weight) of allowed ammunition for personal use – this is the maximum allowed per passenger.
Do not combine your 5kg allowance with another person’s. Each passenger must pack their ammunition separately and use their own allowance.
Wheelchairs or mobility aids powered by lithium-ion batteries
As battery types and designs differ, make advance arrangements with your airline before your flight.
When checking-in powered wheelchairs and mobility aids, follow these rules:
Securely attach the batteries to the wheelchair or mobility aid.
Prevent accidental activation, damage and short circuits by:
disconnecting the battery
taping the exposed terminals of the batteries or covering them with plastic/rubber caps
placing the batteries in a protective container
isolating the electrical circuits
For wheelchairs and mobility aids where the lithium batteries are not sufficiently protected by the device structure (e.g. battery is not installed within a covered casing or battery is not covered by the wheelchair structure):
Remove the batteries following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Hand-carry the removed batteries into the passenger cabin. Check in the wheelchair/mobility aid.
Prevent the batteries from damage and short circuiting by:
taping the exposed terminals of the batteries or covering them with plastic/rubber caps
placing the batteries in a protective container
Ensure the battery does not exceed 300Wh.
If the wheelchair/mobility aid operates with 2 batteries, each should not exceed 160Wh.
Bring only 1 spare battery (up to 300Wh) or 2 spare batteries (up to 160Wh each).
Note: When you make arrangements with your airline to check in your powered wheelchair, you will need to provide information on the type of battery. During check-in, airport staff will verify the battery type.
Wheelchairs or mobility aids powered by spillable batteries
As battery types and designs differ, make advance arrangements with your airline before your flight.
When checking-in powered wheelchairs and mobility aids, follow these rules:
Securely attach the batteries to the wheelchair or mobility aid.
Prevent accidental activation, damage and short circuits by:
disconnecting the battery
taping the exposed terminals of the batteries or covering them with plastic/rubber caps
placing the batteries in a protective container
isolating the electrical circuits
When the wheelchair or mobility aid cannot be loaded into the aircraft in an upright position:
Remove the batteries following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Pack them separately from the wheelchair/mobility aid.
Check in both the wheelchair and the removed batteries.
Note: When you make arrangements with your airline to check in your powered wheelchair or mobility aid, you will need to provide information on the type of battery that powers your wheelchair. During check-in, airport staff will verify the battery type.
Wheelchairs or mobility aids powered by non-spillable wet batteries or other batteries
Wheelchairs or mobility aids may be powered by:
non-spillable wet batteries
alkali-manganese batteries
zinc-carbon batteries
nickel-cadmium batteries
nickel-metal hydride batteries
As battery types and designs differ, make advance arrangements with your airline before your flight.
When checking-in powered wheelchairs and mobility aids, follow these rules:
Securely attach the batteries to the wheelchair or mobility aid.
Prevent accidental activation, damage and short circuits by:
disconnecting the battery
taping the exposed terminals of the batteries or covering them with plastic/rubber caps
placing the batteries in a protective container
isolating the electrical circuits
For wheelchairs and mobility aids where the batteries are not sufficiently protected by the device structure (e.g. battery is not installed within a covered casing or battery is not covered by the wheelchair structure):
Remove the batteries following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Check in both the removed batteries and the wheelchair/mobility aid.
Prevent the batteries from damage and short circuiting by:
taping the exposed terminals of the batteries or covering them with plastic/rubber caps
placing the batteries in a protective container
Ensure that removed batteries are packed or carried in strong, rigid packaging.
Note: When you make arrangements with your airline to check in your wheelchair or mobility aid, you will need to provide information on the type of battery. During check-in, airport staff will verify the battery type.
Small medical or clinical thermometer containing mercury
Mercury is a corrosive and toxic substance that can leak and corrode the aircraft structure or cause harm to others if the thermometer breaks.
Ensure you follow these rules:
Each passenger is allowed to pack only one themometer containing mercury.
Pack the thermometer in a protective casing.
Items that must be hand-carried on board
Spare lithium batteries
When hand-carrying spare lithium batteries, follow these rules:
Lithium batteries type | Rules |
|---|---|
Lithium metal: Lithium-ion: | Allowed.
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Lithium metal: Lithium-ion: | Allowed, subject to airline's approval.
|
Lithium metal: Lithium-ion: | Not allowed. |
Note: To determine the watt-hour of a battery, multiply its voltage by its ampere-hour.
Here are some ways to protect batteries:
keep each battery in its original packaging
tape the exposed terminals of the batteries
store each battery in separate plastic bags / protective pouches
Power banks
Power banks (also known as power packs, mobile batteries or portable chargers) are portable devices primarily designed to supply power to other equipment. They are made up of one or more cells and function as universal external power sources capable of charging multiple devices.
Item | Rules |
|---|---|
Power banks with Watt-hour rating: | Allowed.
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Power banks with Watt-hour rating: | Allowed, subject to airline's approval.
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Power banks with Watt-hour rating: | Not allowed. |
Here are some ways to protect the power banks:
keep each power bank in its original packaging
tape the exposed terminals of the power bank
store each power bank in separate plastic bags / protective pouches
Personal transportation devices
Personal transportation devices can be hand-carried only. They cannot be packed in checked baggage.
Examples of personal transportation devices include:
hover boards
mini Segways
self-balancing wheels (single or multiple)
Note: Many airlines do not allow these devices even when their batteries are within the stated limits. Check with your airline before you bring them on board.
When hand-carrying personal transportation devices, you must ensure that:
The lithium-ion batteries do not exceed 160 Wh.
The device does not switch on by accident. Here are some ways to do so:
completely switch off your device
disconnect or remove the battery
The device is only for personal use.
Note: Luggage that doubles as a personal transport device, such as a motorised suitcase, must follow these same rules.
Electronic cigarettes containing lithium batteries
E-cigarettes can be hand-carried only. They cannot be packed in checked baggage.
Examples of electronic cigarettes include:
e-cigars
e-pipes
other vapor devices containing lithium batteries
When hand-carrying e-cigarettes, follow these rules:
Ensure the batteries are within the limits shown below:
Type of battery | Maximum allowed |
|---|---|
Lithium metal batteries | Up to 2g of lithium content |
Lithium-ion batteries | Up to 100 Wh rating |
Do not recharge your e-cigarette on board any aircraft. It is strictly prohibited.
Make sure your e-cigarette cannot switch on by accident. Here are some ways to prevent unintentional activation:
use a safety cap
completely switch off your e-cigarette
remove the battery
Note: It is illegal to bring in, distribute, sell, or offer for sale e-cigarettes in Singapore. Smoking or vaping is also not allowed on board aircraft when ‘no smoking’ signs are displayed.
Items you are permitted to carry on your person
You can carry the following items in small quantities on your person for personal use, provided that you follow the rules below.
Your airline might have additional requirements. Always check with your airline what is allowed before you board.
Life-sustaining devices
You may carry these life-sustaining devices including those powered by lithium batteries on your person:
radioisotopic cardiac pacemakers
medical device implants
medical devices fitted externally as a result of medical treatment
Small cigarette lighters
Lighters contain flammable fuel that can ignite under certain conditions.
A maximum of 1 lighter is allowed per passenger.
Note: Lighter refills and lithium-battery-powered lighters without a safety cap or means of protection against unintentional activation, are prohibited in carry-on baggage, checked baggage, or on your person.
Small packets of safety matches
Matches can ignite and pose a fire hazard on board.
A maximum of 1 packet of safety matches (e.g. in your pocket) is allowed per passenger.
Note: ‘Strike anywhere’ matches are prohibited in carry-on baggage, checked baggage, or on your person.
Items you are permitted to hand-carry / check in
These items can be hand-carried or packed into your checked baggage provided you follow the rules below.
Small oxygen or air cylinders
These cylinders contain compressed gas, which can pose risks if damaged or leaking.
They can be hand-carried or checked in for medical use by:
passengers who need them
medically trained personnel
Note: Liquid oxygen is prohibited in carry-on baggage, checked baggage, or on your person.
To bring oxygen or air cylinders, you must ensure:
Each cylinder is below 5kg in gross weight.
Cylinders, valves, and regulators are protected to prevent damage or accidental release.
Note: Make arrangements with your airline ahead of time.
Dry ice
Dry ice releases carbon dioxide gas, which can cause pressure build-up if not handled properly.
You can hand-carry or check in dry ice (e.g. to keep food or medicine cold) provided you follow these rules:
Do not exceed the limit. Only 2.5kg of dry ice is allowed per person.
Make sure the gas from the dry ice can escape safely to prevent pressure build-up.
Devices containing lithium batteries
You can hand-carry or pack in your checked baggage devices containing lithium batteries that are for personal or medical use.
Items | Examples |
|---|---|
Portable medical devices |
|
Portable electronic devices |
|
Note: Once lithium batteries are removed from devices, they are considered as spare lithium batteries and can be hand-carried only. For details, refer to the rules for spare lithium batteries.
When hand-carrying devices powered lithium batteries, follow these rules:
Battery type | Rules |
Lithium metal: Lithium-ion: |
|
Lithium metal: Lithium-ion: |
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Lithium metal: Lithium-ion: | You are not allowed to hand-carry or pack them into your checked baggage. |
Portable electronic equipment containing non-spillable batteries and spare non-spillable batteries
You can hand-carry or pack into your checked baggage:
portable electronic equipment powered by non-spillable batteries
spare non-spillable batteries for portable electronic equipment
Examples of non-spillable batteries:
alkali-manganese batteries
zinc-carbon batteries
nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride batteries
Non-spillable batteries are sealed and less likely to leak or cause fires. However, they are still dangerous goods, and you must follow these rules when hand-carrying or packing these items:
Devices with non-spillable batteries | Spare non-spillable batteries |
|---|---|
Can be hand-carried or packed | Can be hand-carried or packed |
Up to 12 volts | Up to 12 volts |
Up to 100Wh rating | Up to 100Wh rating |
Ensure your device does not switch on by accident. Here are some ways:
| Ensure the batteries are protected to prevent short circuits. Here are some ways:
|
Maximum of 2 protected spare batteries are allowed per passenger. |
Aerosol products
Aerosol cans are pressurised and may be flammable.
Examples:
toiletries, such as hair sprays, perfumes, and colognes
non-radioactive medicinal items in aerosol form
common spray products used at home or for sports
Up to 100mL
You may hand-carry or check in aerosol products in containers up to 100ml.
More than 100mL
Liquids, aerosols and gels of more than 100ml must be packed in checked baggage only.
When packing aerosols into your checked baggage, follow these rules:
1. Keep to the maximum allowed:
0.5kg / 0.5L per aerosol item
2kg / 2L of aerosol quantity per person
2. This means you can pack a maximum of 4 aerosol cans of 500mL each.
3. Make sure that the aerosol cans have caps or covers to prevent accidental release.
Luggage equipped with lithium batteries
Luggage equipped with lithium batteries includes smart luggage and motorised ride-on luggage.
You can hand-carry or check in luggage equipped with lithium batteries.
Note: Luggage equipped with lithium batteries that also functions as a personal transportation device must be hand-carried. For details, refer to personal transportation devices.
When hand-carrying or checking in luggage equipped with lithium batteries and that is not a personal transportation device, follow these rules:
Hand-carry | Checked baggage |
Lithium metal: Lithium-ion: | Lithium metal: Lithium-ion: |
Ensure it meets your airline’s size and weight limits, and restrictions imposed by airlines. For example, airlines may require passengers to disable the luggage’s transmitting functions like GPS or Bluetooth. | Remove the lithium battery from the luggage. Once removed, the battery is considered a spare lithium battery and must be hand-carried. For details, refer to the rules for spare lithium batteries. |
Note: Airlines might have additional restrictions. Please consult your airline before your flight.
Contact information
Flight Standards Division
Contact us using the Enquiries & Feedback Form.
