Is It Allowed on a Flight from India? An A-Z of Common Items
Half the questions at an Indian airport are some version of "wait, can I even take this?" Pressure cooker, pickle jar, hair dryer, a bottle of water. The rules are more consistent than they seem once you know the four buckets every item falls into. Below is an A-Z of the things people actually ask about, and exactly where each one goes: your cabin bag, your checked bag, either, or nowhere near the plane.
The three rules that decide most of itLiquids and pastes are capped at 100 ml per container in your cabin bag but travel freely in checked bags. Anything with a flame or a fuel is banned from the whole aircraft. Batteries and power banks are the opposite of what people expect: cabin only, never checked.
The official list, and what is actually on it
Most pages answering this question are somebody's recollection. There is an actual official list, so we went and got it. The CISF — the force that runs security at Indian airports, under the Ministry of Home Affairs — publishes a restricted articles list of items banned from the cabin. We transcribed all 72 numbered items from it on 26 August 2026, added the 22 household items people most often search for, and put the whole thing in one table below.
Two things about that list surprise people, and both matter more than any individual item.
1. It is about the CABIN, not the aircraftThe list's own wording is items "banned for carriage on person/hand baggage". Cricket bats, scissors, tools, hockey sticks — almost everything on it is perfectly legal in your checked bag. Only a handful of things are banned from the aircraft entirely.
2. Your item is probably not on itPressure cooker, electric kettle, hair dryer, induction plate, hair oil, tobacco — the items Indians search for most are not named anywhere on the list. 9 of the rows below are in that category. If it is not on the list, there is no rule against it, and any trouble you have is either the liquids rule, a customs allowance, or an individual screener exercising judgement.
That last point is not us hedging — it is the list's own closing note, quoted exactly:
"The above mentioned are only indicative lists of items. Commonsense, however, shall prevail in assessing whether an object can be used as a weapon for committing any act of unlawful interference with civil aviation operations."
CISF restricted articles list, closing note.
So the list is indicative, and the screener has discretion. That single sentence explains almost every "but my friend carried it last month" story you have heard. It is also why our answer for a pressure cooker is "checked baggage" even though nothing bans it from the cabin.
The full A–Z: 94 items
The items people ask about most are first; the official numbered list follows, alphabetically. Every row shows why the answer is what it is — whether it comes from the official list, the liquids rule, a DGCA circular, Indian statute, customs, or simply from the item not being restricted at all.
| Item | Cabin bag | Checked bag | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol bought at duty freeCustoms, not securityCommonly asked | Limited | Allowed | Bought airside and sealed in a tamper-evident bag, it may be carried in the cabin despite exceeding 100 ml. Keep the receipt inside the sealed bag; a connecting flight in a third country may re-screen it. |
| Baby food and formulaPersonal careCommonly asked | Allowed | Allowed | Also explicitly exempted from the 100 ml rule by CISF item 59. |
| E-cigarette / vapeElectronicsCommonly asked | Banned | Banned | Not a CISF question. E-cigarettes are banned outright in India by statute — the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019 (No. 42 of 2019) bars import, transport and possession for sale. |
| Electric kettleKitchen and householdCommonly asked | Usually OK | Allowed | Not on the CISF restricted list, so there is no security ban on it. What can stop it is the airline: several carriers restrict corded heating appliances in the cabin under their own conditions of carriage. We have not verified a blanket rule and will not claim one. Checked baggage is the reliable answer either way. |
| Hair dryerPersonal careCommonly asked | Allowed | Allowed | Not on the restricted list. Permitted in either bag. |
| Hair oilPersonal careCommonly asked | Limited | Allowed | A liquid, so on an international flight it falls under CISF item 59: 100 ml per container, in the clear bag. A full bottle goes in checked baggage. |
| Induction cooktop / hotplateKitchen and householdCommonly asked | Usually OK | Allowed | Same position as the kettle: absent from the CISF list, so not a security ban, but heating appliances are the kind of item an individual airline may restrict in the cabin. Expect separate X-ray screening if you do carry it. Checked is simpler. |
| Laptop, tablet, camera, phoneElectronicsCommonly asked | Allowed | Allowed | Permitted. Take them out for separate screening. Better in the cabin so you can act if a battery misbehaves. |
| Lighter / matchesPersonal itemsCommonly asked | Banned | Banned | CISF item 01 bans lighters from the cabin, and item 64 bans strike-anywhere matches. Airlines separately ban lighters and lighter fuel from CHECKED baggage too, so the honest answer is: leave them at home. |
| Medicines and inhalersPersonal careCommonly asked | Allowed | Allowed | Explicitly exempted from the 100 ml rule by CISF item 59, provided they are "accompanied by prescription". Carry the prescription. |
| Nail cutterPersonal careCommonly asked | Allowed | Allowed | Not on the restricted list. A nail FILE with a sharp point can be treated as a sharp object. |
| Packed food, dry snacks, sweetsKitchen and householdCommonly asked | Allowed | Allowed | Dry food is not restricted. Anything wet, saucy or paste-like is treated as a liquid under item 59. |
| Perfume / deodorant (liquid or gel)Personal careCommonly asked | Limited | Allowed | Same 100 ml rule. Aerosol deodorants are also subject to airline dangerous-goods limits on pressurised containers. |
| Power bank / spare lithium batteryElectronicsCommonly asked | Allowed | Banned | The inverse of most items: it MUST be in the cabin and is banned from checked baggage. DGCA Dangerous Goods Advisory Circular 01/2025 also directs airlines to tell you not to use or charge one in flight. |
| Pressure cookerKitchen and householdCommonly asked | Usually OK | Allowed | Not named anywhere in CISF's restricted-articles list, so there is no rule banning it. In practice it is the single most-questioned item at Indian screening, because the list ends with a commonsense clause letting the screener judge whether an object could be used as a weapon, and a heavy metal pot with a detachable lid invites that judgement. Put it in checked baggage, empty and clean, and the question never arises. |
| Safety razorPersonal careCommonly asked | Allowed | Allowed | Explicitly carved out: CISF item 08 bans loose razor blades "but excluding safety razors". Loose blades are banned; the razor itself is fine. |
| ScissorsPersonal careCommonly asked | Banned | Allowed | CISF items 02 and 10 both name metal scissors with pointed tips. Round-tipped nail scissors are the usual exception in practice, but the listed ban is on pointed ones. |
| Shampoo, oils, sauces, pickles, gheePersonal careCommonly asked | Limited | Allowed | Anything of "similar consistency" to a liquid, gel or paste counts under item 59. Indian kitchen liquids are the classic case: pickle and ghee are treated as liquids. |
| Sports bat, stick, cue, ski poleSporting GoodsCommonly asked | Banned | Allowed | CISF items 12–20 name cricket bats, baseball bats, hockey sticks, golf clubs, pool cues and ski poles. All banned from the cabin, all fine checked. |
| Tobacco and cigarettesCustoms, not securityCommonly asked | Allowed | Allowed | Not a security question at all — nothing in the CISF list mentions it. It is a CUSTOMS question, governed by the duty-free allowance at the destination, and the allowance differs by country. Check the destination's customs limit, not the airline's. |
| UmbrellaPersonal itemsCommonly asked | Allowed | Allowed | Not on the restricted list. Long, rigid golf umbrellas can attract the commonsense clause; a folding one never does. |
| Water bottle (filled)Kitchen and householdCommonly asked | Banned | — | A filled bottle exceeds 100 ml and will be emptied at screening. An EMPTY bottle is fine — carry it through and fill it after security. |
| AmmunitionGuns and FirearmsCISF #21 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Axes and hatchetsToolsCISF #32 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Baseball BatsSporting GoodsCISF #12 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| BB gunsGuns and FirearmsCISF #22 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Billy ClubsMartial Arts / Self Defense ItemsCISF #41 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Black JacksMartial Arts / Self Defense ItemsCISF #42 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Blasting CapsExplosive MaterialsCISF #52 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Bows and ArrowsSporting GoodsCISF #13 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Box CuttersSharp ObjectsCISF #4 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Brass KnucklesMartial Arts / Self Defense ItemsCISF #43 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Cattle ProdsToolsCISF #33 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Chlorine for Pools and SpasDisabling Chemicals and other Dangerous ItemsCISF #67 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Compressed Air GunsGuns and FirearmsCISF #23 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Compressed Gas Cylinders (including fire extinguishers)Disabling Chemicals and other Dangerous ItemsCISF #68 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Cricket BatsSporting GoodsCISF #14 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| CrowbarsToolsCISF #34 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Drills (including cordless portables power drills)ToolsCISF #36 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| DynamiteExplosive MaterialsCISF #53 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| FirearmsGuns and FirearmsCISF #24 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| FireworksExplosive MaterialsCISF #54 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Flare GunsGuns and FirearmsCISF #25 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Flares (in any form)Explosive MaterialsCISF #55 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Fuels (Including cooking fuels and any flammable liquid fuel)Flammable itemsCISF #60 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Gas TorchesFlammable itemsCISF #62 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| GasolineFlammable itemsCISF #61 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Golf ClubsSporting GoodsCISF #15 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Gun LightersGuns and FirearmsCISF #26 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Gun PowderGuns and FirearmsCISF #27 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| HammersToolsCISF #35 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Hand GrenadesExplosive MaterialsCISF #56 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Hockey SticksSporting GoodsCISF #16 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Ice Axes/ Ice PicksSharp ObjectsCISF #5 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Knives (any length and type except round-bladed, butter, and plastic cutlery)Sharp ObjectsCISF #6 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| KubatonsMartial Arts / Self Defense ItemsCISF #44 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Lacrosse SticksSporting GoodsCISF #17 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Lighter FluidFlammable itemsCISF #63 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| LightersPersonal ItemsCISF #1 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Liquid BleachDisabling Chemicals and other Dangerous ItemsCISF #69 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Liquid/Aerosol/Gel/Paste or items of similar consistency (Allowed separately, in small quantities required for the duration of journey, in one clear transparent re-sealable one liter size plastic bag. Each item should, however, not exceed 100 ml in quantity). Exception : Medicine/inhaler accompanied by prescription and baby food.Flammable itemsCISF #59 | Limited | Usually OK | This is the 100 ml rule, not a ban. CISF permits liquids, gels and pastes in the cabin "in one clear transparent re-sealable one liter size plastic bag", each item "not exceed[ing] 100 ml", with an exception for "Medicine/inhaler accompanied by prescription and baby food". |
| Mace/ Pepper SprayMartial Arts / Self Defense ItemsCISF #45 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Martial Arts WeaponsMartial Arts / Self Defense ItemsCISF #46 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Martial Arts/ Self Defense ItemsMartial Arts / Self Defense ItemsCISF #49 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Meat CleaversSharp ObjectsCISF #7 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Night SticksMartial Arts / Self Defense ItemsCISF #47 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| NunchakusMartial Arts / Self Defense ItemsCISF #48 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Parts of Guns and FirearmsGuns and FirearmsCISF #28 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Pellet GunsGuns and FirearmsCISF #29 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Plastic ExplosivesExplosive MaterialsCISF #57 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Pool CuesSporting GoodsCISF #18 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Razor-Type Blades such as box cutters, utility knives, razor blades not in a cartridge, but excluding safety razorsSharp ObjectsCISF #8 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Realistic replica of toy weaponPersonal ItemsCISF #3 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Realistic Replicas of ExplosivesExplosive MaterialsCISF #58 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Realistic Replicas of FirearmsGuns and FirearmsCISF #30 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Realistic Replicas of IncendiariesFlammable itemsCISF #66 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| SabersSharp ObjectsCISF #9 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Saws (including cordless portable power saws)ToolsCISF #37 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Scissors – metal with pointed tipsSharp ObjectsCISF #10 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Scissors-metal with pointed tipsPersonal ItemsCISF #2 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Screwdrivers (except those in eyeglass repair kits)ToolsCISF #38 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Ski PolesSporting GoodsCISF #19 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Spear GunsSporting GoodsCISF #20 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Spillable Batteries (except those in wheelchairs)Disabling Chemicals and other Dangerous ItemsCISF #70 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Spray PaintDisabling Chemicals and other Dangerous ItemsCISF #71 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Starter pistolsGuns and FirearmsCISF #31 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Strike-anywhere MatchesFlammable itemsCISF #64 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Stun Guns/ Shocking DevicesMartial Arts / Self Defense ItemsCISF #50 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| SwordSharp ObjectsCISF #11 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Tear GasDisabling Chemicals and other Dangerous ItemsCISF #72 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Throwing StarsMartial Arts / Self Defense ItemsCISF #51 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Tools (including but not limited to wrenches and pliers)ToolsCISF #39 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Turpentine and paint ThinnerFlammable itemsCISF #65 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
| Wrenches and Pliers Contd…2 -2-ToolsCISF #40 | Banned | Usually OK | Named on the CISF restricted-articles list, so banned from the cabin. Normally fine in checked baggage. |
The 72 numbered items and their category headings are transcribed verbatim from
the CISF
"Restricted Articles" list (Central Industrial Security Force, Ministry of Home Affairs), downloaded
26 August 2026. Power bank rules come from
DGCA
Dangerous Goods Advisory Circular 01/2025; the e-cigarette ban is statutory, under the Prohibition of Electronic
Cigarettes Act, 2019. The raw data is in tools/items.json in this site's source.
Airlines may be stricter than the regulator, and where we could not verify an airline-level rule we have said
so in the row rather than guessed. When it matters, ask your airline.
Common questions
Is a water bottle allowed in flight in India?
An empty bottle is fine through security, and you can fill it at a water point after the checkpoint. A full bottle counts as a liquid, so it is refused in the cabin unless it holds 100 ml or less. In checked baggage there is no issue.
Is a pressure cooker allowed in flight in India?
Yes, but carry it in checked baggage. It is not banned, but its shape reads as unclear on the X-ray, so cabin screeners often open it or send it to the hold. Pack it empty and clean, with no gas cartridge anywhere near it.
Is an electric kettle or induction cooktop allowed?
Yes, in checked baggage. Corded heating appliances like kettles, induction plates, irons and immersion rods are kept out of the cabin and travel in the hold, packed to avoid damage.
Can you carry cooking oil or ghee on a flight from India?
In the cabin, only up to 100 ml. For a normal bottle or tin, put it in checked baggage, where there is no volume limit, sealed well so it cannot leak. Edible oils are not dangerous goods, so the hold is no problem.
When in doubt, the safe reflex is the three rules at the top: liquids to 100 ml in the cabin, nothing with a flame or fuel at all, and batteries in the cabin only. For the rules laid out by category rather than by item, see the full carry-on rules for flights from India, and if it is your first flight, the first-time flyer guide walks through security step by step.
Rules follow India's BCAS and DGCA dangerous-goods requirements and the Indian Customs allowance; airline item lists are on the Air India restricted-baggage and IndiGo dangerous-goods pages.