Safety & Compliance
Dangerous Goods Policy
For the safety of all passengers and crew, certain items are prohibited or restricted on all flights. Please review these rules carefully before packing.
Items Absolutely Prohibited on All Flights
The following items must NEVER be packed in carry-on or checked baggage:
Explosives & Blasting Agents
Dynamite, fireworks, flares, ammunition caps, party poppers, Christmas crackers
Flammable Liquids
Gasoline, lighter fluid, paint, turpentine, acetone (quantities above 1L)
Flammable Solids
Matches that are strike-anywhere, self-heating substances, dry ice in unapproved containers
Radioactive Materials
Radioactive isotopes (except certain medical/scientific devices with prior approval)
Toxic & Infectious Substances
Poisons, pesticides in large quantities, biological agents, medical waste
Corrosive Materials
Acids (battery acid, pool acid), mercury, drain cleaners, rust removers in bulk
Compressed Gases
Propane, butane, camping gas canisters (allowed only in checked baggage if empty and valve removed)
Firearms (Carry-On)
All firearms, including replicas and toy guns, are strictly prohibited in carry-on baggage
Weapons & Martial Arts Equipment
Axes, knives (blades over 6 cm), swords, clubs, tasers, cattle prods, martial arts weapons
Self-Defence Sprays
Pepper spray, mace, tear gas, and similar sprays prohibited in cabin and checked baggage
Restricted Items — Rules Apply
The following items are permitted only under specific conditions. Failure to follow these rules may result in confiscation or denial of boarding.
Lithium Batteries (Personal Devices)
Allowed in carry-on only (not checked). Up to 100 Wh per battery without approval; 100–160 Wh with airline approval (max 2 spare batteries). Devices like laptops and phones must be protected from short circuit.
Power Banks & Portable Chargers
Must be carried in carry-on only, not checked bags. Max 160 Wh capacity. Power banks should not be connected to devices during flight and must not be stored in checked baggage.
E-Cigarettes & Vaping Devices
Permitted in carry-on only — never in checked baggage (fire risk). Must not be used or charged on the aircraft. Vaping liquid is subject to the 100 ml carry-on liquid rule.
Aerosols (Toiletries)
Personal care aerosols (hairspray, deodorant, shaving foam) are allowed in carry-on in containers of 100 ml or less (1 litre total bag). Checked baggage: max 0.5 kg or 500 ml per item, 2 kg or 2 L total per person.
Alcoholic Beverages
Allowed in checked baggage: up to 5 L per person for beverages with 24%–70% alcohol content in retail packaging. Beverages under 24% alcohol have no restrictions. Over 70% alcohol is prohibited entirely.
Dry Ice (Solid CO₂)
Max 2.5 kg in carry-on or checked baggage for perishables, provided the package allows CO₂ to vent. Must be pre-approved by the airline.
Firearms & Ammunition (Checked Only)
Unloaded firearms may be transported in checked baggage only if: declared at check-in, transported in a hard-sided locked container, and accompanied by a firearms declaration form. Ammunition: max 5 kg, securely packaged.
Medical Oxygen / CPAP
Airline-supplied oxygen is used on-board; personal oxygen cylinders are not permitted unless pre-approved. CPAP machines with battery backup are allowed with prior approval. Notify your airline at least 48 hours before departure.
Matches & Lighters
Safety matches and one lighter may be carried on the person (not in checked baggage on US routes). Torch lighters and lighter fuel are prohibited.
Tools
Small hand tools under 7 cm (screwdrivers, pliers) may be permitted in carry-on. Larger tools (drills, crowbars, hammers, saws) must be in checked baggage. Sharp tools (chisels, needles) must be in checked baggage.
Medical Equipment & Medication
Passengers with medical needs should always carry a doctor's letter or prescription and notify the airline in advance. The following guidance applies:
💊 Insulin & Syringes
Allowed with a doctor's letter or prescription. Insulin does not need to be in the 100 ml bag.
💊 CPAP / BIPAP Machines
Allowed in carry-on and do not count as a carry-on bag. Must notify airline 48 hours in advance.
💊 Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC)
Allowed on most airlines with prior approval. Must have sufficient battery for 150% of planned flight time.
💊 Wheelchairs with Batteries
Dry-cell or sealed batteries: allowed in checked baggage. Wet-cell/lithium batteries: airline must be notified in advance. Airlines will handle disassembly.
💊 Liquid Medication
Liquid medication over 100 ml is allowed in carry-on with supporting documentation (prescription or doctor's letter) and must be declared at security screening.
💊 Implanted Medical Devices
Pacemakers and cochlear implants should be declared at security. Carry a medical device card. Request manual screening if preferred.
How to Declare Restricted Items
If you need to travel with restricted items (such as firearms, medical equipment, or sports equipment), follow these steps:
- 1Contact your airline or FlyEthio customer service at least 48–72 hours before departure.
- 2Describe the item in detail and provide any required documentation (medical certificates, permits, etc.).
- 3Obtain written approval from the airline and carry this approval document to the airport.
- 4At check-in, declare the item to airline staff before boarding.
- 5Ensure the item is properly packaged, labelled, and secured as per airline requirements.
- 6Never place restricted items in carry-on if they are only approved for checked baggage.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Transporting dangerous goods without proper authorization is a serious criminal offence under the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (US), the Air Navigation Order (UK/EU), and equivalent international laws. Penalties include:
- • Civil penalties up to $77,114 per violation under US regulations (49 USC § 5124)
- • Criminal prosecution and imprisonment for deliberate violations
- • Permanent ban from the airline
- • Confiscation of the item without compensation
Not Sure About an Item?
If you are unsure whether an item is allowed, contact FlyEthio before you pack:
Related Policies