What Can You Take Through Airport Security on a Domestic Flight in China?

Chinese domestic-flight rules for liquids, cosmetics, lighters, self-heating food, alcohol, power banks, spare batteries, medication, and checked baggage.

The most common surprise is water: ordinary liquids are generally not allowed in hand luggage on a domestic flight, while limited travel cosmetics, toothpaste, shaving cream, essential infant food, and medically necessary liquids follow specific conditions. Do not assume the international 100 ml bag rule works in exactly the same way.

Pack to the Chinese domestic rule and the operating airline’s baggage limit. Aviation security decides whether an item passes; a shop receipt or another country’s airport rule does not override it.

Move these out of hand luggage or leave them

  • Drinks and ordinary liquid containers.
  • Knives and other sharp items that may be checked but not carried in the cabin.
  • Alcohol, which must meet checked-baggage conditions.
  • Lighters, matches, ignition devices, and self-heating food, which CAAC lists as prohibited.

Keep these out of checked baggage

  • Power banks and spare lithium batteries.
  • Cash, jewelry, passports, and valuables.
  • Fragile electronics and essential medication where airline rules permit cabin carriage.

Domestic flights also apply current CCC and recall restrictions to power banks. Check the mark on the device, not only the box.

请问,这件物品可以随身携带吗?

Pronunciation: Qingwen, zhe jian wupin keyi suishen xiedai ma?

May I carry this item in my hand luggage?

Phrase card: 请问,这件物品可以随身携带吗? (Qingwen, zhe jian wupin keyi suishen xiedai ma?) - May I carry this item in my hand luggage?
Save this phrase card before you go out.

Medication and baby supplies

Carry the prescription or medical evidence for unusual medicines and medically necessary liquid. Tell security before screening. Essential liquid dairy for an infant and necessary liquid medicine can be allowed after inspection under the published rule.

FAQ

Can I empty a water bottle and refill it?

An empty bottle is usually the practical choice; use a water point after security if available.

Can I check a power bank?

No. Power banks belong in hand luggage and must meet the current limits.

Official information to check

Power bank detail: check the CCC and Wh rules.