Hand Luggage Regulations

Tirana Airport follows strict security regulations established by the European Union and Albanian civil aviation authorities. Understanding these rules before arriving at the airport prevents delays at security checkpoints and avoids having items confiscated. The regulations apply to all passengers departing from Tirana regardless of destination or airline, so familiarize yourself with what you can and cannot bring in carry-on luggage.

Most restrictions exist for legitimate safety reasons rather than bureaucratic hassle. Aviation security worldwide responded to past incidents by implementing standardized protocols protecting passengers and crew. These same regulations operate across European airports, meaning what applies in Tirana matches policies you'll encounter in Frankfurt, Paris, or London.

Hand Luggage Allowances

Airlines set their own limits for carry-on baggage dimensions and weight. No universal standard exists because carriers balance passenger convenience against cabin storage capacity differently. Full-service airlines typically allow more generous hand luggage than budget carriers who monetize every possible service including larger carry-ons.

Traditional European carriers generally permit one carry-on bag plus one personal item. The main piece must fit in overhead bins, usually with maximum dimensions around 55 x 40 x 23 centimeters. Personal items like purses, laptop bags, or small backpacks fit under the seat in front of you. Together, these two pieces constitute your hand luggage allowance on most flights.

Low-Cost Carrier Restrictions

Budget airlines operating from Tirana - particularly Wizz Air and Ryanair - enforce stricter limitations. Basic economy fares often include only one small personal item that must fit under the front seat. If you want to bring a standard-sized cabin bag using overhead bins, you'll pay extra fees either when booking or at the gate.

These airlines measure and weigh carry-on bags at gates. If your luggage exceeds published limits, staff will require you to check it at the aircraft door with additional charges applied. The fees at the gate typically cost more than pre-purchasing checked baggage when booking tickets. Size checkers sit near check-in counters - test your bags there before proceeding to security to avoid surprises at boarding.

Check your specific airline's baggage policy before arriving at the airport. Policies change regularly and vary by route, ticket class, and membership status. Visit the airlines page for direct links to carrier websites where current regulations appear clearly outlined.

Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels

The European Union implemented liquid restrictions in 2006 following security threats involving liquid explosives. These regulations, detailed on the official European Commission website, remain in effect at Tirana Airport and all European facilities. Passengers must pack liquids, aerosols, and gels according to specific rules when carrying them through security checkpoints.

The 100ml Container Rule

Each individual container carrying liquids, aerosols, or gels cannot exceed 100 milliliters capacity. This refers to container size, not the amount of liquid inside. A 200ml bottle half-full still violates the rule because the container holds more than 100ml maximum. Purchase travel-sized toiletries or transfer products into smaller containers meeting the limit.

All these containers must fit inside a single transparent, resealable plastic bag with maximum one-liter capacity. Standard quart-sized ziplock bags work perfectly. Only one bag per passenger is permitted. This bag must be removed from your carry-on luggage and placed separately in security screening trays for X-ray inspection.

Security staff can see liquid containers clearly through transparent bags, expediting screening processes. Attempting to hide liquids in carry-on bags or bringing containers larger than 100ml results in confiscation. No exceptions apply to these rules regardless of liquid type unless specifically exempted categories apply.

What Counts as Liquids

The restrictions apply to more substances than most passengers initially realize. Anything that flows, spreads, or can be poured falls under liquid regulations even when marketing labels don't call them liquids.

• Beverages: Water, juice, coffee, tea, soda, alcohol
• Food items: Soup, syrup, yogurt, honey, sauces, spreads
• Toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion
• Cosmetics: Perfume, makeup remover, liquid foundation, mascara
• Gels: Hair gel, shower gel, toothpaste, styling products
• Creams: Face cream, moisturizer, sunscreen, shaving cream
• Aerosols: Spray deodorant, hairspray, shaving foam
• Pastes: Toothpaste and similar substances

Purchasing After Security

Once past security checkpoints, you can purchase liquids freely from airport shops and duty-free stores. These items don't count against the 100ml restriction because you bought them inside the secure area. Airlines also sell beverages and duty-free products during flights.

Keep duty-free liquids in sealed bags if you're connecting through another airport. Connecting passengers must sometimes clear additional security checks where opened duty-free bags get confiscated. The sealed bags include receipts proving purchase after security, allowing transit through subsequent checkpoints. Don't open these bags until completing all flights in your journey.

Exemptions to Liquid Rules

Several categories receive exemptions from the 100ml container limitation when medically necessary or related to infant care. These exemptions require proper documentation and declaration at security checkpoints.

Medications

Liquid medications essential for your journey bypass the 100ml restriction. This includes prescription medicines, insulin, contact lens solution, and similar medical necessities. Quantities must be reasonable for your trip duration including outbound flight, stay at destination, and return journey.

Bring supporting documentation proving medical necessity. Prescription labels on medication bottles often suffice, but doctor's notes or medical certificates provide additional verification if security staff questions items. Present medications separately from your regular liquids bag, informing security personnel you're carrying medical items requiring screening.

Solid medications like pills and tablets don't fall under liquid restrictions. Pack them in hand luggage freely without quantity limits. Keep medications in original packaging with labels intact to facilitate identification if questioned.

Baby Food and Formula

Parents traveling with infants can bring baby formula, milk, and food in quantities exceeding 100ml. This exemption recognizes practical impossibility of limiting infant nutrition during flights. The exemption applies only when traveling with babies or young children requiring these items.

Security staff may request you taste baby food or formula to verify its authenticity. This standard procedure confirms substances are actually food products rather than prohibited materials. Don't take offense if asked - staff follow protocols designed to maintain security while accommodating legitimate needs.

Prohibited Items in Hand Luggage

Beyond liquids, numerous items cannot pass through security checkpoints in carry-on bags. These restrictions target objects potentially usable as weapons or tools for hijacking aircraft. Items prohibited in the cabin can usually travel in checked luggage stored in the aircraft hold.

Sharp Objects and Blades

Any item with sharp edges or points capable of causing injury is banned from carry-ons. This includes obvious weapons but also seemingly innocent items passengers often forget about.

• Knives: All types regardless of blade length, including pocket knives
• Scissors: Blades longer than 6 centimeters from pivot point
• Razors: Safety razors with removable blades, straight razors
• Tools: Screwdrivers, drills, saws, crowbars, hammers
• Needles: Knitting needles, sewing needles, syringes (without medical exemption)
• Sports equipment: Ski poles, hockey sticks, golf clubs, bats
• Other sharp items: Metal nail files, corkscrews, ice picks

Electric shavers and disposable razors with blades embedded in plastic cartridges are permitted. The distinction lies in whether blades can be easily removed and used as cutting implements.

Weapons and Self-Defense Items

All weapons are strictly forbidden in aircraft cabins. This category extends beyond firearms to include items designed for self-defense or that could intimidate passengers.

• Firearms: Guns, pistols, revolvers, rifles (prohibited even with permits)
• Replicas: Toy guns, airsoft pistols, BB guns, starter pistols
• Ammunition: Bullets, blank cartridges, powder
• Sprays: Pepper spray, mace, tear gas
• Stun devices: Tasers, cattle prods, shock devices
• Martial arts weapons: Throwing stars, nunchucks, brass knuckles
• Sporting weapons: Crossbows, spear guns, bows and arrows

Passengers needing to transport firearms for hunting or sporting purposes must declare them when checking in. Albanian regulations require specific authorizations from civil aviation authorities. Contact your airline well before traveling to understand declaration procedures and required documentation. Firearms must travel in checked luggage, unloaded, and properly secured in approved cases.

Other Dangerous Objects

Security staff maintain discretion to prohibit any item they judge potentially dangerous even if not specifically listed in regulations. If an object could reasonably be used to threaten passengers or crew, expect it to be confiscated.

Examples include baseball bats, large tripods, heavy chains, and similar blunt objects capable of inflicting harm. When packing unusual items, consider how security personnel might perceive them. If you're uncertain whether something is allowed, arrive at the airport with extra time to resolve questions or pack items differently.

Traveling with Food

Solid food items can travel in hand luggage without restrictions beyond your airline's size and weight limits. Pack sandwiches, snacks, fruit, or any solid food in carry-on bags. Consider using airtight containers preventing spills or odors that might disturb other passengers.

Liquid or semi-liquid foods fall under the 100ml rule. This includes yogurt, soup, honey, jams, sauces, and similar items. If you're bringing Albanian specialties like ajvar or other spreads as gifts, pack them in checked luggage where liquid restrictions don't apply.

International customs regulations restrict importing certain food products containing meat or dairy into some countries. The European Union prohibits animal products from non-EU countries to prevent disease transmission. Check destination country regulations before packing food items for international travel. These rules apply regardless of whether items travel in carry-on or checked bags.

Electronics and Batteries

Laptops, tablets, e-readers, and phones can travel in hand luggage freely. Remove them from bags during security screening, placing each device in separate trays for X-ray inspection. This allows security staff to examine electronics clearly without interference from other items in your bags.

Spare lithium batteries and power banks must travel in carry-on luggage only. Airlines prohibit lithium batteries in checked bags due to fire risks. Each battery should not exceed 100 watt-hours capacity for personal use. Larger batteries require airline approval. Protect battery terminals from short circuits by keeping them in original packaging or taping exposed contacts.

Camera equipment, gaming devices, and other electronics are permitted. Consider insurance for expensive items as airlines limit liability for valuables. Never pack irreplaceable items in checked luggage where they're vulnerable to loss or damage.

Security Screening Process

All passengers and hand luggage pass through security checkpoints before accessing gates and boarding areas. The process uses X-ray machines for bags and metal detectors or body scanners for passengers. Understanding what to expect speeds your transit through security.

Place carry-on bags on conveyor belts feeding X-ray machines. Add trays containing liquids bag, laptops, tablets, and pocket items. Remove jackets, belts, and sometimes shoes depending on security level that day. Walk through metal detectors when staff signals.

Security personnel may conduct additional screening if X-rays reveal suspicious items or metal detectors trigger. This includes hand searches of bags, pat-down inspections, or explosive residue testing. Cooperate calmly with these procedures - they're standard protocols, not personal accusations.

If you want to skip regular security lines, consider booking Fast Track services that provide priority screening through dedicated lanes. Business class passengers often receive complimentary fast track access, while economy travelers can purchase it separately.

Checked Baggage Considerations

Items prohibited in carry-on bags can usually travel in checked luggage subject to airline approval. Pack sharp objects, larger liquids, sports equipment, and other restricted items in bags going to the aircraft hold. Weight and size limits apply to checked bags depending on your airline and ticket class.

Dangerous goods remain prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage. This includes flammable liquids, compressed gases, explosives, toxic chemicals, and corrosive substances. Airlines provide detailed lists of prohibited dangerous goods on their websites and at check-in counters.

Never pack valuables like jewelry, cash, electronics, or important documents in checked bags. Airlines limit liability for checked baggage contents, making recovery difficult if bags are lost or damaged. Keep anything irreplaceable or expensive in carry-on luggage under your control.

Special Circumstances

Medical Equipment

Passengers requiring medical devices like wheelchairs, oxygen concentrators, or CPAP machines should notify airlines when booking. Special handling applies to medical equipment, often with exemptions from weight limits. Bring documentation from healthcare providers explaining medical necessity.

Diabetic passengers can carry insulin, syringes, and monitoring equipment in hand luggage. Declare these items at security screening. Staff may ask for prescriptions or doctor's letters verifying medical needs. Visit our reduced mobility services page for more information about traveling with disabilities or medical conditions.

Duty-Free Shopping

Duty-free shops at Tirana Airport sell alcohol, perfumes, cosmetics, and other products at tax-exempt prices for international travelers. These items come in sealed bags with receipts attached. Don't open bags until reaching your final destination, especially if connecting through other airports.

Quantity limits apply to alcohol and tobacco based on destination country customs regulations. European Union passengers can bring generous amounts within the EU, but stricter limits apply when traveling to countries outside the union. Check destination customs rules before purchasing large quantities of duty-free goods.

Consequences of Violations

Attempting to bring prohibited items through security results in confiscation. Security staff won't return these items even if they hold sentimental value. Deliberate attempts to smuggle dangerous goods can result in denied boarding, fines, or criminal charges depending on severity.

Pack intelligently and honestly. If you're unsure whether something is allowed, leave it home or pack it in checked luggage. The minor inconvenience of checking an item far outweighs the hassle of dealing with security violations at the airport.

Most violations stem from ignorance rather than malicious intent. Security staff understand travelers sometimes forget about small prohibited items in bags. Cooperation and honesty resolve these situations quickly. Attempting to argue or hide items creates bigger problems than simply surrendering prohibited objects.