Is this baggage for carry-on or for check-in? Resolve your doubts when flying!
When boarding a plane, the baggage you have is categorized into two types: “carry-on” and “checked baggage.” Generally, everyday bags like handbags or backpacks are carry-on, while larger suitcases are checked baggage.
However, whether it’s carry-on or checked baggage is not determined solely by size. The contents of your baggage also play a role. This section introduces items that are prohibited in checked baggage, as well as those that cannot be brought on board.
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Is this baggage for carry-on or for check-in? Resolve your doubts when flying!
Explosives and hazardous materials are prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage
Items mainly categorized as “likely to explode,” “flammable,” or “potentially harmful or damaging” are prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage.
・Household sprays using flammable or toxic gases
・Industrial sprays not intended for sports use
・Alcoholic beverages with more than 70% alcohol content
・Adhesives
・Paints and coatings
・Bleach
・Insecticides, pesticides
・Hydrochloric acid
・Gasoline, kerosene
・Oil lighters, strike-anywhere matches
・Matches and fire starters not for smoking use
・Lighter fuel
・Non-medical oxygen cylinders
・Gas cartridges for portable stoves and burners
・Fire extinguishers
・Fireworks, party poppers, flares
・Battery-operated hair curlers, hair irons
・Industrial-grade magnets
・Oil-filled pocket warmers
・Self-heating bento boxes (with heating agent)
Knives and potentially dangerous items are prohibited as carry-on
Items prohibited in carry-on baggage include: “sharp objects or items that can become weapons by force,” “items with extremely pointed tips,” and “other potentially dangerous items.” Carrying such items can result in a fine of up to 500,000 yen under the Aviation Law, so be careful.
♦ Box cutters, scissors, and fruit knives are not allowed in carry-on
Box cutters, scissors, and fruit knives are not allowed in airplane cabins. However, they may be packed in checked baggage.
Swiss army knives, which are often small and attached to keychains, are frequently confiscated because people forget they have them. Be sure to remove them from bags and keyrings beforehand.
♦ Razors and nail clippers are allowed in carry-on
T-shaped razors, eyebrow razors under 4 cm in length, and battery-operated electric shavers are permitted in the aircraft cabin. Nail clippers are also allowed as carry-on items.
Liquids and lighters are restricted in carry-on
Among your baggage items, there are some that are restricted when carried onto an aircraft.
♦ Liquids
When using international flights, the following restrictions apply when carrying liquids as hand luggage:
・Each container must be 100 milliliters or less
・All containers must be placed in a plastic zipper bag with a capacity of no more than 1 liter
・Only one plastic bag per person is allowed
♦ Lighters and matches
Lighters and matches cannot be placed in checked baggage. You are allowed to carry only one of either item onto the plane. Only small smoking-use lighters are permitted. The gas in oil lighters such as Zippo is not allowed in either checked or carry-on baggage, so if you want to bring a lighter, a disposable one is recommended.
Incidentally, electronic cigarettes are allowed as carry-on on domestic flights, but for international flights, the rules vary by country, so check with the airline. They cannot be placed in checked baggage on either domestic or international flights. Usage onboard is prohibited.
Items that cannot be checked in
The following items cannot be placed in checked baggage. When flying, make sure to carry them as hand luggage and keep them with you.
♦ Valuables
Cash, jewelry, precious metals, securities, art and antiques, etc.
♦ Important personal items
Documents, cards, passports, bankbooks, commuter passes, keys, electronic data, laptops, mobile phones, cameras, etc.
Items with restrictions as checked baggage
Large baggage or musical instruments may not be accepted as checked baggage in some cases.
・Items with a total of 3 dimensions exceeding 203 cm
・Items taller than 150 cm that cannot be laid flat
・Items weighing over 32 kg
・Large instruments such as contrabasses and cellos
◎ Summary
Hazardous materials cannot be transported when flying. Carry-on baggage is subject to restrictions for knives, liquids, lighters, etc. Even for checked baggage, there are restrictions on valuables and oversized items. Bringing or checking in prohibited items may result in confiscation or, in some cases, a fine. Be sure to double-check your belongings before boarding to avoid any issues.
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