Items to be careful with at Helsinki airport security control

Carrying everyday electronic devices in hand luggage, especially laptops and tablets, is the reason why most bags have to be re-scanned at Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport, which is Finland's main airport, explains the Finnish airport operator Finavia.

In addition to laptops and tablets, power banks, cameras and other large electronics with batteries must be taken out of hand baggage before scanning at security check.

However, other small electronics such as car keys, wireless headphones, electric toothbrushes and shavers can be left in the luggage.

Liquids must also be taken out at security check. But how do you know sometimes if a product counts as liquid?

Liquids may only be taken into the cabin in containers of less than 100 milliliters each. All liquids must fit into a single transparent, resealable plastic bag with a maximum volume of one liter. Any larger containers of liquid must be placed in your checked hold baggage.

In addition to drinks and other fluids, nearly all cosmetics and a variety of foods are liquids.

If you are wondering whether to count a product as a liquid, you can do a simple test. A good rule of thumb is that if you can spread it, it’s liquid.

Liquid baby food, formula milk and special dietary products are an exception to the above. You may carry the amount you will need during the flight in your hand baggage.

Medications with a prescription may be taken into the cabin in their original packaging which has the passenger's name on it.

Checked or hand baggage?

Finavia reminds that you must always carry power banks in your hand luggage. It is prohibited to carry them in the hold as they may pose a fire safety risk.

Check the energy content of the batteries. The energy content of a single battery must not exceed 100 Wh. If the energy content is 100–160 Wh, seek permission from the airline prior to departure. Even with permission, you may not carry more than two batteries.

Hairspray containers of more than 500 ml are prohibited on the aircraft. They may not be carried as hand baggage or checked hold baggage.

In case you still have any questions about what to take with you in your carry-on luggage, visit Finavia's How to pack your luggage website. There you will find additional information on which items are allowed in hand luggage and which have to be transported in the hold of the plane.