Collection Travel Preparation 2026.07.08

A Guide to Distinguishing Between Carry-On and Checked Baggage

Clarification on common items that confuse travelers, such as liquids, power banks, laptops, medications, food, and duty-free products

#Travel Preparation #Carry-On Luggage #Checked Luggage #Airplane Baggage #Aviation Security

One of the most confusing aspects of packing for a flight is deciding whether to take something on board or check it in. Liquids are subject to container size restrictions at international security checks, while power banks and spare lithium batteries often cannot be placed in checked baggage. Items that could be dangerous, like knives or tools, are restricted for carry-on, and while there are exceptions for medications and baby food, they may require verification or documentation.

This list organizes items that are frequently confused between carry-on and checked baggage. However, whether an item is allowed may vary depending on the airline, country, airport security regulations, container size, and packaging condition. It's always safest to check the official guidance from Airport Security 365, Incheon Airport, or your airline for final confirmation.

International Flight Liquid Regulation 100ml

International Carry-On Liquids Standard of 100ml

Generally, the standard for carry-on liquids on international flights is that individual containers must be 100ml or less. Even if a container is nearly empty, if it exceeds 100ml, it may be restricted from carry-on. Items like toothpaste, gochujang, gels, creams, and sprays can be classified as liquids or gels, so it's advisable to use travel-sized containers and clear zip bags. The regulations regarding carry-on items can differ based on airport security, the airline you are using, and the regulations of your departure and arrival countries. For ambiguous items, searching through Airport Security 365 or the airline's official guidance can help avoid discarding or needing to repack items at the airport.

확인 기준 개별 용기 100ml 이하 주의 내용물 양보다 용기 용량 기준

Power Bank and Backup Lithium Batteries

Power Banks and Spare Lithium Batteries

Due to fire hazards, power banks and spare lithium batteries are usually required to be carried on board rather than checked in. Larger capacity batteries may have approval requirements or restrictions, so it’s important to check their Wh rating. Make sure they are packaged to prevent terminals from touching, and it’s a good habit to check that no power banks are in your checked luggage before you check in. The acceptance criteria can vary based on airport security, the airline you use, and the regulations of your departure and arrival countries. For ambiguous items, searching through Airport Security 365 or the airline's official guidance can help prevent discarding or needing to repack items at the airport.

확인 기준 기내 휴대 원칙, 용량 제한 주의 위탁 캐리어에 넣지 않기

Laptop, Tablet, Camera

Laptops, Tablets, and Cameras

Electronic devices like laptops, tablets, and cameras are recommended to be carried on board due to the risks of damage and loss. They may need to be removed during security checks, so it’s better to place them in a location that allows for easy access rather than deep inside your bag. For battery-operated products, check the airline's regulations, and back up important data before traveling for added security. The acceptance criteria can vary based on airport security, the airline you use, and the regulations of your departure and arrival countries. For ambiguous items, searching through Airport Security 365 or the airline's official guidance can help avoid discarding or needing to repack items at the airport.

확인 기준 기내 휴대 권장 준비 팁 보안검색 때 쉽게 꺼낼 위치에 보관

Medications and Prescriptions

Medications that need to be taken during the flight are safer in your carry-on than in checked baggage. Liquid medications, syringes, and special medical supplies may require additional verification during security checks, so it's advisable to prepare prescriptions or a doctor's note along with them. For long flights, it’s practical to pack slightly more than a day’s worth in case of delays upon arrival. The acceptance criteria can vary based on airport security, the airline you use, and the regulations of your departure and arrival countries. For ambiguous items, searching through Airport Security 365 or the airline's official guidance can help avoid discarding or needing to repack items at the airport.

확인 기준 기내 필요량과 증빙 자료 준비 팁 처방전·영문 약명 준비

Knives, Scissors, and Tools

Items that can be used as dangerous tools, such as knives, large scissors, awls, and tools may be restricted from carry-on. Even small beauty scissors or nail clippers may be judged differently depending on the country and airport criteria, so it’s best to search through Airport Security 365 if you're uncertain. If they are not essential during your trip, it is safer to put them in checked baggage or leave them at home altogether. The acceptance criteria can vary based on airport security, the airline you use, and the regulations of your departure and arrival countries. For ambiguous items, searching through Airport Security 365 or the airline's official guidance can help avoid discarding or needing to repack items at the airport.

확인 기준 위해 도구 여부와 길이·형태 주의 애매하면 항공보안365에서 검색

Food Items and Kimchi/Gojujang

Food Items and Kimchi/Gochujang

Whether food items are solid or liquid/gel affects carry-on permission. Items like kimchi, gochujang, doenjang, sauces, herbal medicine, and concentrated red ginseng, which can be viewed as liquids or gels, can fall under the 100ml rule, so it’s safer to send them in checked baggage. Also, be mindful of the quarantine regulations of the destination country, as you need to check separately whether certain foods can be brought in while traveling abroad. The acceptance criteria can vary based on airport security, the airline you use, and the regulations of your departure and arrival countries. For ambiguous items, searching through Airport Security 365 or the airline's official guidance can help avoid discarding or needing to repack items at the airport.

확인 기준 고체인지 액체·젤류인지 주의 도착 국가 검역 규정 확인

Duty-Free Liquids

Liquids like perfumes, alcohol, and cosmetics purchased at duty-free shops may be allowed on board if they meet security sealing and receipt conditions. However, issues can arise during security checks at connecting airports, so extra caution is needed if you have a connecting flight. Do not tamper with the seal, and keep your receipt handy. The acceptance criteria can vary based on airport security, the airline you use, and the regulations of your departure and arrival countries. For ambiguous items, searching through Airport Security 365 or the airline's official guidance can help avoid discarding or needing to repack items at the airport.

확인 기준 보안 밀봉 봉투와 영수증 주의 환승 공항 재검색 기준 확인

Carry-On Size and Weight

Carry-On Bag Size and Weight

The allowance for carry-on luggage, including number and size, varies by airline and seating class. Many airlines provide guidelines like 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item with a total weight limit similar to Korean Air's economy class standards, but specifics differ by airline. Low-cost carriers may have varying carry-on policies based on the fare, so it’s essential to check your specific airline requirements after booking. The acceptance criteria can vary based on airport security, the airline you use, and the regulations of your departure and arrival countries. For ambiguous items, searching through Airport Security 365 or the airline's official guidance can help avoid discarding or needing to repack items at the airport.

확인 기준 항공사별 개수·크기·무게 주의 저비용항공 운임별 조건 확인

Once you remember the baggage regulations, it can be convenient, but the details may vary depending on your destination and airline. Before departure, it’s a good idea to double-check official sites for frequently problematic items like liquids, power banks, medications, food, and duty-free products. For ambiguous items, you might need to discard or repack them at the airport, so it’s essential to develop a habit of clearly separating your carry-on and checked luggage while packing.

한눈에 보기 8개

International Flight Liquid Regulation 100ml

개별 용기 100ml 이하 · 내용물 양보다 용기 용량 기준

Power Bank and Backup Lithium Batteries

기내 휴대 원칙, 용량 제한 · 위탁 캐리어에 넣지 않기

Laptop, Tablet, Camera

기내 휴대 권장 · 보안검색 때 쉽게 꺼낼 위치에 보관

Medications and Prescriptions

기내 필요량과 증빙 자료 · 처방전·영문 약명 준비

Knives, Scissors, and Tools

위해 도구 여부와 길이·형태 · 애매하면 항공보안365에서 검색

Food Items and Kimchi/Gojujang