BER Luggage Restrictions: Liquids & Prohibited Items

Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) › Guide › Liquids and Luggage Restrictions

BER Baggage Rules

Hand Luggage Restrictions

The first step before you start packing your carry-on is to check your airline’s policy regarding maximum permitted dimensions. Hand luggage must fit in the overhead bins or under the seat in front of you. Thus, each airline sets its own size rules. Cabin bags that exceed these dimensions aren’t accepted onboard, even if they have passed through security control. After choosing a bag that complies with the airline’s requirements, you must check what is allowed and what isn’t, so that you can pass through security screening without delays.

Liquid Limits for Hand Luggage

The general rule is that each passenger is allowed to carry liquids that, combined, don’t exceed 1 liter. Moreover, each container must not hold more than 100 ml, and all containers must be placed in one resealable bag. All travelers, including children, are entitled to carry one such bag containing liquid products with a total volume of no more than 1 liter.

That being said, security areas 1 and 5 of terminal 1, as well as the security control area of terminal 2, are equipped with new CT scanners. New hand luggage rules have come into effect at European airports featuring such technology. According to these regulations, passengers no longer need to place liquids in resealable bags, remove them from their luggage, or scan them separately. They can remain packed. Moreover, the maximum allowed quantity is 2 liters. Still, travelers flying from terminal 1 can’t be certain which security area they will use. Security control zones 2 and 4 are equipped with traditional X-ray machines, where the 100 ml per container rule, along with the 1-liter maximum, applies. Therefore, it is recommended to be prepared for the standard liquid regulations.

Exceptions apply to the liquid rules for baby food, medicines, and special dietary products. Baby food and sterilized water for baby milk are allowed even if they exceed the 100 ml limit. The same applies to dietary products necessary for travelers with special dietary needs. Medicines, cooling bags for the conservation of medicines, and medical equipment are also exempt from the liquid restrictions. However, in such cases, the passenger may be asked to present a doctor’s prescription or a medical certification to verify the need for transport. Please note that customs regulations regarding the transport of food and medicine must also be followed, in addition to the liquid restrictions. Finally, goods purchased from an airport’s duty-free shops are also allowed onboard even if they exceed 100 ml, provided certain conditions are met. Therefore, the products must be kept in the duty-free sealed bags, which must remain intact and unopened, as these items are checked separately from the rest of the hand luggage. Moreover, travelers are required to keep the purchase receipt.

Powerbank and Battery Rules for BER Flights

Each passenger can carry onboard up to two powerbank devices with a capacity of 100 Wh to 160 Wh. However, airlines may set stricter rules. Therefore, you must always check the airline’s policy, as lower limits may apply, or you may need to register the devices in advance. In any case, the power capacity must be clearly indicated on the device. Otherwise, you may be denied permission to carry the powerbank onboard.

The regulations for lithium and sodium-ion batteries depend on their watt-hour rating and lithium content. You must always check your airline’s rules on batteries and battery-powered devices. In general, PEDs (portable electronic devices) must be charged so they can be powered on. Although they can stay inside your bag when scanned via a CT scanner, if you go through a security area with conventional machines, you’ll need to remove them from your baggage and place them in trays for scanning. Moreover, if you travel with a battery-powered wheelchair, you must inform the airline during the booking process, as different regulations apply depending on the type of wheelchair.

Non-lithium batteries (commercial batteries) are allowed in hand luggage. However, if they are unpacked, their terminals must be insulated.

Baby Equipment

Are you traveling with a pram or a buggy and wondering if you can carry it onboard? Overall, strollers that fold to more than 25 cm aren’t allowed inside the cabin. Thus, they must be dropped off at the large baggage drop-off counter during the check-in procedure. You’ll find two counters for bulky baggage if you’re flying from T1, while T2 features one large baggage drop-off point. Additionally, the airport offers buggies free of charge. The service is available only in terminal 1, which houses 21 points where passengers can borrow a buggy to go through the Departure procedures.

Non-Permitted Items in Cabin Bags

Besides the liquid restrictions and the rules regarding batteries, power banks, and strollers, there is a list of prohibited items—products that aren’t allowed in the aircraft cabin. These are objects considered potentially dangerous during air travel.

Hold Luggage Restrictions

Hold luggage isn’t carried inside the cabin but is stored in the aircraft’s lower compartment. Still, a series of restrictions applies to the items allowed in checked baggage. Additionally, each airline sets its own regulations concerning the number and maximum weight of hold luggage. In fact, the maximum permitted weight often depends on the ticket category. Therefore, you should always take these regulations into account when packing, as overweight baggage or luggage exceeding the booked allowance incurs high extra fees and may not be accepted. Moreover, it’s essential to remember that your airline may have additional rules beyond the EU regulations regarding what can be packed, so it’s crucial to always check your air carrier’s policy thoroughly.

What Can’t Be Packed Inside Checked Luggage

What items are prohibited from being packed inside hold luggage? What can you, and what aren’t you allowed to carry in your checked baggage? Check the list of restricted items and pack your bags accordingly to experience a smooth drop-off process at the airport, always keeping in mind that your airline may set further regulations.

• Explosive materials, such as fireworks, bleaches, poisons, radioactive materials, infectious materials, and more.
• Corrosives and flammable substances, including wet cell batteries, thinners, and varnishes.
• Alcoholic products consisting of more than 70% alcohol.
• Electronic cigarettes, powerbanks, and spare lithium batteries can only be carried inside hand baggage. 
• Petrol lighters and windproof lighters are prohibited.
• Electronic devices with incorporated batteries can be stored inside hold luggage as long as they are switched off.
• Commercial batteries (without lithium) are permitted. However, if they are loose, their terminals must be insulated.
• Defense sprays and tasers.
• Smoke canisters and smoke cartridges.
• Chainsaws.

Our Tip: If you’re traveling with luggage containing installed lithium batteries, you should check your airline’s policy, as it may not be accepted during check-in. On the other hand, if the battery is removable, you must take it out and place it in your hand luggage, following the rules for batteries carried in hand luggage.

FAQs

Does Berlin Airport have a 100ml rule?

Overall, passengers are allowed to carry liquids in containers that don’t exceed 100ml. These containers must be kept in a resealable bag with a total capacity of no more than 1 liter. However, new EU rules apply at security control points equipped with CT scanners, allowing liquids to remain in bags and exceeding that limit. Berlin Airport features security zones with CT scanners and areas equipped with conventional scanners. Therefore, it is advised to follow the 100‑ml rule to be on the safe side, as you cannot be certain which security area you will use.

Do you have to take electronics out at Berlin Airport?

Some of the security control points in Berlin Airport feature conventional scanners, whereas other zones (security zones 1 and 5 of T1 and the security control area of T2) are equipped with CT scanners. If you go through a security point with a conventional scanner, you must remove your electronic devices and place them in trays for scanning. Otherwise, if you are screened with a CT scanner, your devices may remain inside your bags.