Last updated: January 2026
TLC applies this policy to protect the safety of customers, staff, the public, and to support compliance with airport, airline, customs, and local regulations. Certain items are strictly prohibited or restricted because they may create safety, security, or legal risks.
Important: In addition to UAE requirements, your departure and destination country rules, your airline policies, and airport security procedures may impose stricter limitations (including on alcohol, tobacco products, e-cigarettes, perfumes, electronics, batteries, and medication). These rules can vary by route and airline and may change at any time.
You are solely responsible for ensuring that your luggage and its contents comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including UAE regulations and any rules applicable to your travel itinerary. Submitting any prohibited or restricted item may result in refusal of service, cancellation, reporting to authorities, and/or additional costs, as permitted by law.
“Forbidden items” are articles or substances that can endanger safety or are unlawful to transport or store. TLC will not accept, transport, or store such items, including (non-exhaustive):
TLC may refuse any item at its discretion if it presents a safety/security concern.
The UAE applies a strict anti-drug policy. Travelers entering or transiting the UAE may face severe consequences for possession of illegal drugs, even in small quantities. You must ensure full compliance with UAE law.
Some medicines may be classified as controlled or restricted in the UAE. If you are carrying medication into the UAE, you should verify whether approvals, prescriptions, and quantity limits apply. Where applicable, you should keep documentation (e.g., prescription and approvals) available during travel and security checks.
The following categories may be allowed under certain conditions but are often restricted. TLC may refuse them if the item cannot be handled safely or lawfully.
Alcohol rules vary by country and airline. As an example, some jurisdictions allow alcohol in retail packaging within specific ABV and volume limits (e.g., certain spirits ranges and up to a total litre limit per person). You must confirm the rules for your specific itinerary.
Drones may be restricted as cabin baggage and may be accepted only as checked baggage depending on airline and route. Some destinations/routes may prohibit drones entirely. Where permitted, battery rules may require batteries to be removed, secured, and carried in cabin baggage.
E-cigarettes and similar battery devices are typically allowed only under strict conditions (often carry-on only, not checked baggage). Devices should be protected against accidental activation. Local laws may restrict possession or import.
Batteries are one of the most common reasons items are refused. Rules vary by airline and route. The points below are general guidance:
Devices such as phones, laptops, tablets, and cameras are generally permitted for personal use, subject to airline limits and security screening. Some airlines limit the number of devices per passenger.
Security equipment containing lithium batteries may require prior approval and may be restricted.
Smart bags may be permitted only if the battery is removable and within cabin size/weight limits. Non-removable batteries may cause the item to be refused by certain airlines.
Battery-powered mobility aids often require advance arrangements and airline approval. Additional requirements apply depending on battery type (spillable vs non-spillable vs lithium), safe stowage, terminal protection, and watt-hour limits.
Many airlines prohibit hoverboards, mini-Segways, and self-balancing devices, even if batteries are removed. TLC may refuse these items.
Certain gas cartridges and aerosols are restricted and may require airline approval. Examples include:
Items that may contain fuel residue or operate using fuel are typically restricted and may require airline approval. Examples include:
Some specialised items may be permitted with strict packaging and approvals:
Certain routes apply enhanced screening for powders. As general guidance, powder-like substances above a threshold (e.g., 350 ml/grams) may be required to be checked in and may be confiscated at security depending on the last point of departure and route rules. Exemptions may apply (e.g., baby formula, prescription medicines). Always check current airport/airline rules.
Dry ice may be allowed under strict conditions (quantity limits per person are common, e.g., up to 2.5 kg, and packaging must allow gas release). Labelling may be required. Airline approval may be required.
Battery-powered equipment capable of producing extreme heat (e.g., diving lamps, soldering irons) may be restricted. Often the heat-producing component/battery must be packed separately to prevent activation, and terminals must be protected.
Many airlines allow a limited amount of safety matches or a small lighter on the person, but prohibit certain types (e.g., “strike anywhere” matches, blue-flame/cigar lighters). Always confirm with your airline and local regulations.
Weapons and explosive/incendiary devices are generally forbidden.
Where ammunition is permitted by an airline, it is usually subject to strict packaging and weight limits (commonly up to 5 kg gross per person, personal use only), and requires airline approval. Disabling devices (e.g., pepper spray/mace) and electroshock weapons (e.g., tasers) are typically prohibited.
Certain goods may be banned or require prior approval for import/export in the UAE. Categories may include (non-exhaustive):
Certain items may require approvals from relevant authorities (e.g., animals/plants; weapons/ammunition; medicines/medical devices; telecom devices; alcohol; cosmetics/e-cigarettes; etc.). Rules vary and may change; you must verify requirements before travel.
TLC may, at any time:
TLC – The Luggage Cab
info@theluggagecab.com