What can I pack?
There are four important things to consider when you're packing your bags to fly with Air New Zealand.
- 1
Leave these forbidden items at home
Some things were never meant to fly
For your safety, and the safety of others, these are the items you absolutely must not bring on board.
Show moreA- Aerosols that are not medicinal or toiletry items for personal use
- Installed or spare lithium batteries with ratings more than 160Wh or 8g lithium content
- Camping gas or gas bottles
- Disabling devices containing an irritant or incapacitating substance, such as pepper spray
- Durian fruit does not travel well and is not allowed to be carried on your person, in your cabin bags or in your checked-in bags
- Electric shock weapons containing dangerous goods such as explosives, compressed gas or lithium batteries
- Fireworks, fire starters or flares
- Gunpowder - includes homemade bonbon/Christmas crackers kits
- Household cleaners and chemicals
- Hoverboards, mini-segway, solo wheel, air wheel, balance wheel, lithium-powered skateboard or personal transportation devices with on-board storage, and similar lithium battery-powered small recreational vehicles
- Liquid oxygen systems
- Security type equipment - such as attaché cases, cash boxes and cash bags - that include lithium batteries, pyrotechnical material or other dangerous goods as part of the equipment
- Any items that, in our judgment, may be explosive, flammable, oxidising, radioactive, infectious, noxious, corrosive, highly magnetic, biohazardous, or otherwise dangerous. See our conditions of carriage for more information.
- 2
Don't pack these common items in your checked-in bags
There are specific rules for flying with these items
Understand what to do when travelling with batteries, power banks, portable chargers, charging cases for in-ear devices, vaping devices, lighters and safety matches.
Show moreA- Batteries, portable chargers or power banks that are not installed in a device must be packed safely in carry-on.
- battery terminals must be protected by tape, retail packaging or individual plastic bags.
- see our guide to flying with batteries
- The charges cases for air pods, earbuds and in-ear devices should only be packed in carry-on baggage
- You may only carry either one small lighter or box of safety matches and it must be carried on your person (in your pocket)
- Vaping devices and e-cigarettes must be securely packed within carry-on and must not be used or charged onboard your flight or while crossing the tarmac
Still unsure?
Refer to our frequently asked questions or our dangerous goods page.
- Batteries, portable chargers or power banks that are not installed in a device must be packed safely in carry-on.
- 3
Check that your carry-on bags meet security requirements
Following these rules will help you get through airport security checks faster
There are some things you must not take into the aircraft cabin and some that must meet specific conditions.
Show moreAAirport security restrictions vary between departure points and you may need to check international criteria on restricted items.
Not allowed in your carry-on bags
For the security and safety of all onboard, any object that could be considered a weapon should be packed in your checked-in bag. This includes, but is not restricted to:
- Sharp objects or cutting implements such as knives, box cutters, letter openers, scissors, hand tools, power tools, screwdrivers and darts
- Sporting goods or club-like items such as baseball bats, pool cues, golf clubs, lacrosse sticks, ski poles, waka oars, brass knuckles, hammers
- Firearms or weapons including replicas
- Nearly all flammable, explosive, corrosive or toxic items
Only allowed on your person (in your pocket)
- You may carry EITHER one box of matches OR a small lighter
Allowed
- Round-ended scissors with blade less than 6cm long
- Tweezers, knitting needles, crochet hooks
- Umbrellas, walking sticks and crutches
- Culturally or religiously significant items such as mere, patu, taiaha, dirks, and sgian dubhs. Tokotoko are permitted in cabin only if required as a mobility aid. Kirpans are permitted in cabin only if blade is less than 6cm.
Flying internationally?
For international flights, check that any powders, liquids, aerosols, pastes and gels in your carry-on bags do not exceed the volume restrictions.
- For flights departing from or via New Zealand, see the Aviation Security Service website
- For flights departing from or through USA airports see the TSA website
- For flights departing from or via Australia see the Border Force website
- For flights departing from or via Canada see the CATSA website
The restrictions for powders, liquids, aerosols and gels do not apply to domestic flights within New Zealand.
Still unsure?
Refer to our frequently asked questions or our restricted items in carry-on page.
- 4
Tell us if you're planning to fly with these items
We'll check that these items meet our safety requirements
There are some things which we need advance notice of and others which you need to declare at check-in.
Show moreAPlease let us know at least 24 hours before check-in if you're travelling with these items:
Battery-powered wheelchairs or mobility devices may only be carried as checked-in baggage and you must tell us about them when you book and when you check in. For information on travelling with each battery type, see services for people with wheelchairs.
- Firearms, replicas, decommissioned weapons and ammunition must be carried in your checked-in baggage. They are not allowed in the cabin under any circumstances. You must notify us of your intention to fly with firearms when you book your flight and declare your ammunition at check-in.
- Domesticated cats, dogs and small birds can travel as checked-in baggage on all domestic flights around New Zealand provided they fly in pet carriers suitable for air travel. Please let us know at least 24 hours before you check-in to fly with a pet.
Must be declared during check-in:
- Ammunition
- Avalanche rescue backpack containing a cartridge of compressed gas
- Battery-powered tools are only allowed in checked-in bags. The tool must be securely packed in a case so that it cannot be accidentally activated. Spare batteries not attached to tools must be packed in carry-on bags.
- Camping stoves with fuel containers that have contained a flammable liquid fuel. If the item has not been flushed or any fuel smell is detected during the check-in process (including an inspection), the item will be denied carriage.
- Chemical agent monitoring equipment
- Up to 2.5kg of dry ice (Carbon dioxide solid) for perishables can be carried in checked-in or carry-on baggage. It must be packed in a container that allows the release of gas - such as a polystyrene box. During check-in, a 'dry ice' label with either the net weight of the dry ice or an indication that there is 2.5kg or less inside, will be applied to the package.
- Gas cartridges fitted into a self-inflating safety device such as a life jacket or vest
- Security equipment, such as attaché cases, cash boxes or cash bags that operate using dangerous goods such as gas cartridges, lithium batteries or pyrotechnic material
Frequently asked questions about what you can't pack
I use crutches or a walking stick, can I bring them on board?
Yes. Mobility aids such as walking sticks and crutches are allowed in carry-on if they are to assist with your mobility.
From mobility assistance to navigate airports and aircraft, please see our special assistance options.
My device has a battery, how do I pack it?
We're very glad you asked. Batteries and devices are an essential part of modern life, but they can be a risk on board an aircraft. Find out how to travel with batteries, power banks and devices.
Can I take my child's pushchair, stroller or carseat?
Yes, you can.
For information on what you can take as checked baggage and which domestic flights do not allow you to take a stroller as carry-on, please see our travelling with children page.
There are a number of items which are not allowed as seating support within the aircraft cabin.
Can I take my laptop or tablet?
Yes, personal electronic devices such as laptops should be packed in your carry-on bags.
If this isn't possible, you must:
- power down the devices completely (they must not be be left in Sleep or Standby mode)
- ensure they cannot be accidentally turned on
- protect them from being crushed or punctured
- your checked-in electronics count toward your 15 device limit
- make sure you know how to pack power banks and batteries not within your device
Security screening usually requires laptops to be removed from bags and screened separately. X-ray screening does not damage electronic equipment.
For more information, visit our electronic equipment page.
Forbidden
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is not to be carried, either on your person, in carry-on or checked-in luggage on board any Air New Zealand aircraft.
How do I pack my cosmetics, perfume and skin care products?
Travelling domestically?
You're welcome to pack your cosmetics, toiletries, makeup, perfume, and personal aerosols such as hairspray and deodorant in your carry-on or checked-in bags.
Connecting to an international flight?
There are restrictions on the volume of powders, liquids, aerosols, and gels allowed as carry-on for international flights. This includes toothpastes and bath salts, so make sure you know how to pack these items.
For products purchased from duty-free shops, the security bag must not be opened until you arrive at your destination.
Pack any items you do not need for the flight and items larger than 100ml in your checked-in bags.
Can I bring my own food?
You're welcome to bring your own food and snacks on board, but if you're travelling internationally, you need to ensure they meet the restrictions for liquids, pastes and gels, and be mindful that you may need to dispose of any leftovers before going through Customs at your destination.
Don't forget that we cater for a range of allergies and dietary restrictions on our long-haul international flights with a selection of bookable special meals.
Can I pack an umbrella?
Yes, umbrellas may be packed in checked-in or carry-on baggage.
Can I bring knitting needles on my flight?
Yes, knitting needles and crochet hooks may be packed in checked-in or carry-on baggage. You may also bring a small pair of nail scissors onboard.
Am I allowed to bring flowers or plants on the plane?
Flying within New Zealand
You can bring your favourite houseplant, a bouquet of fresh flowers, a small arrangement of dried flowers and even a cactus as carry-on, provided it is stowed properly and meets the size and weight requirements for carry-on baggage.
Flying internationally
Please check the Customs rules set by your destination and any transit points.
Because Aotearoa's biodiversity is fragile, New Zealand's Ministry of Primary Industries is pretty strict with plant matter coming in from overseas.
I'm going camping, can I take my camping stove and tent?
Forbidden
- any sort of stove fuel, including lighter fluid or solid fuel tablets
- flammable gas cans (aerosols) containing butane or propane
- blue-flame, torch or BBQ lighters
Only allowed in checked-in bags
- tent poles and pegs
- empty refillable liquid fuel bottles
Must be declared at check-in
- camping stoves: ensure cooker is flushed and does not smell of flammable liquid or gas
If you are on a surfing or biking trip, or you have a large or unweildy pack, you may want to visit our oversized baggage page.
How do I travel with my medication?
Medications
Remember to pack medications you might need at the airport, on the plane or on arrival at your destination in your carry-on baggage. Civil aviation rules for international flights require medicines to have a pharmacy-printed label. For liquids in containers over 100ml, we recommend you also carry a letter of prescription from your doctor.
Syringes and sharps
If you are carrying syringes for medical use, we recommend you also carry prescription documentation from your doctor. All our aircraft have sharps containers for safe disposal of needles, syringes and vials. Please ask cabin crew if you need to dispose of these items.
Refrigeration
Our cabin crew are not able to take care of medication or store it in refrigerators. If your medication has to be kept chilled, you'll need to arrange a suitably insulated travel cooler. You can store this under the seat in front of you. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for their advice on how to pack your medication.
Find out more about flying with a medical condition.
Can I carry alcohol with me?
Yes, alcohol can be carried in both checked-in bags and carry-on. Yes, even carbonated drinks such as bottles of bubbly.
Restrictions for carry-on bags:
- alcoholic drinks must be carried in their retail packaging
- must not exceed 70% alcohol by volume
- a limit of 5 litres per person for drinks between 24% and 70%
- alcohol less than 24% has no volume restrictions for domestic travel
Additional restrictions for international travel:
- unless the alcohol is packaged in bottles of 100ml or less, it should be purchased (duty free) after the security screening for the last flight of your journey. Please keep bottles and carry bags sealed, and keep your receipts.
- if you're travelling internationally, there may be specific customs limits or rules at your destination. This could include customs duty and a different duty-free allowance. Please check before you pack.
How do I pack my e-cigarette?
All parts of an e-cigarette or vaping device should be in your carry-on bag.
Requirements:
- must not be turned on, used or charged on board
- must be protected from being accidentally turned on
- your vaping device is counted toward your limit of 15 portable electronic devices
- if you're travelling internationally with vape juice in your carry-on bags, you must also comply with the volume restrictions for liquids
- some destinations have restrictions on travelling with alternative smoking products. For example, there are strict penalties for passengers who carry e-cigarettes, vaping devices, vape liquids and herbal cigarettes either in or out of Hong Kong.
- for any lithium batteries or devices containing them, see travelling with lithium batteries
Can I travel with cremated human ashes?
You can travel with human ashes in your checked-in or carry-on bags provided you follow our procedures.
Requirements
- the receptacle (such as an urn) must be hermetically sealed
- all relevant documentation must be carried and produced on request:
- certificate of death
- certificate of cremation
- statement from crematorium or funeral director that only ashes are contained in the receptacle
Can I travel with a placenta?
Yes. Please be aware that there are different rules for domestic travel or international travel with a placenta.
Can I travel with breastmilk?
Yes, whether your baby is breastfeeding, on solids, or formula, you can bring your own baby food and feeding equipment (including a pump) on board. Please note we don't have facilities for sterilising water or equipment.
If you're flying internationally with an infant, you may bring baby food (milk, sterilised water and liquid food), toiletries and medication sufficient for journey. It is not limited to 100ml and does not have to fit in the transparent bag for international security screening.
If you are not travelling with your infant, it is best to pack expressed milk in your checked-in bags.
See more information about travelling with infants.
Can I bring Christmas crackers or party poppers on board?
While we enjoy a good celebration, some party items should be left at home.
- party poppers are forbidden
- cracker snaps or homemade Christmas bonbons are forbidden
- commercially-manufactured crackers are forbidden on flights to/from and through USA and Canada
- if you're not flying to/from or through USA and Canada, you may take a maximum of 24 commercially-manufactured Christmas crackers in their original packaging in checked-in bags