Title
Revised Prohibited Items for Air Travel
Law
Ots Memorandum Circular No. 02
Decision Date
Jul 28, 2015
The OTS Memorandum Circular No. 02, s. 2015, revises the list of prohibited items for air travel, categorizing firearms, sharp objects, explosives, and certain liquids, while emphasizing the need for enhanced transportation security in response to evolving threats.
prohibited items
aviation security
civil aviation

Legal basis and security program link

  • The circular adopts and promulgates revised guidelines on prohibited items pursuant to Section 1 of Executive Order 277, approving and adopting the National Civil Aviation Security Program (NCASP).
  • The NCASP incorporates the general principles of international aviation pertaining to security of civil aviation and transportation.
  • The circular is framed around evolving threat levels affecting transportation security in both international and domestic contexts.
  • The circular also recognizes the applicability of Presidential Decree No. 1866 in relation to firearms being endorsed to law enforcement officers.

Policy construction and administrative flexibility

  • The circular requires liberal construction of its provisions to promote civil aviation security objectives (Section III(A)).
  • The circular allows OTS, through its Administrator, to implement its provisions and to prescribe other requirements to address constantly evolving challenges in civil aviation security (Section III(B)).
  • The circular preserves OTS authority to modify, amend, or repeal any provision through subsequent issuances (Section III(C)).
  • The circular repeals or modifies all inconsistent orders, rules, regulations, issuances, or parts thereof (Section III(D)).
  • If a provision or section is declared null and void by a competent authority, the remaining provisions remain in full force and effect (Section III(E)).

Coverage: flights originating within Philippines

  • The prohibited items chart applies to flight originating within the Philippines.
  • The chart classifies items by permitted status under two categories: Carry-on/Cabin Baggage and Checked-In/Hold Baggage.
  • The chart assigns permissions using “Yes” and “No” per item per baggage category.
  • The circular includes rules for specific categories that govern how items must be packaged, sheathed, or secured to prevent injury to baggage handlers.

Category A: guns, firearms, projectile devices

  • All forms of firearms and guns must be endorsed to the appropriate Law Enforcement Officer under Presidential Decree No. 1866.
  • For category A (Guns, Firearms and Other Devices That Discharge Projectiles), firearms and guns are prohibited in Carry-on/Cabin Baggage and in Checked-In/Hold Baggage (e.g., Firearms: No/No).
  • Projectile-capable devices such as Slingshot, Bow and Arrow, Crossbows are prohibited in Carry-on/Cabin but allowed in Checked-In/Hold (No/Yes).
  • Replicas and imitation firearms are prohibited in both baggage categories (No/No).
  • Ammunition components such as Ammunition Shells/Bullets are prohibited in both baggage categories (No/No).

Category B: stunning devices

  • For B (Stunning Devices), Acid Spray is prohibited in Carry-on/Cabin but allowed in Checked-In/Hold (No/Yes).
  • Insect/Animal Repellant Spray is prohibited in Carry-on/Cabin but allowed in Checked-In/Hold (No/Yes).
  • Mace/Pepper spray is prohibited in Carry-on/Cabin but allowed in Checked-In/Hold (No/Yes).
  • Stun gun (all kinds) is prohibited in Carry-on/Cabin but allowed in Checked-In/Hold (No/Yes).
  • Tear gas is prohibited in Carry-on/Cabin and prohibited in Checked-In/Hold (No/No).

Category C: sharp points and edges

  • Category C (Objects with Sharp Points and Edges) requires that all sharp objects are not allowed in cabin.
  • The rule for Carry-on/Cabin for sharp objects is No; the rule for Checked-In/Hold is Yes, subject to secure handling.
  • Sharp objects in Checked-In/hold baggage must be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers.
  • Examples listed in this category are all prohibited in Carry-on/Cabin and allowed in Checked-In/Hold, including: Axe, Bayonet, Bolos, Box Cutter, Butterfly knife (Balisong), Cleaver, Cork Screw, Diving knife, Hatchet, Ice Axes, Ice picks, Knives, Letter openers, Open razors/razors blades, Pocket comb weapon, Pocket folded knife, Sabers, Scissors, Sword (No/Yes for each).
  • Disguised objects with sharp edges follow the same rule: prohibited in Carry-on/Cabin and allowed in Checked-In/Hold (No/Yes).

Category D: work tools

  • For D (Workers Tools), listed items are prohibited in Carry-on/Cabin and allowed in Checked-In/Hold, including Crowbars, Drills/drill bits (including portable power grills), Extension Cords, G.I. wires (Alambre), Hammers, Nails, Pliers, Retractable Tape Measure (Metal), Saws (including cordless portable power saws), Screwdrivers, Tapes (Duct Tape, Packaging Tape, Masking Tape, etc.), and Wrenches (No/Yes for each).
  • Extension cords follow the same carry-on prohibition and hold allowance (No/Yes).
  • The list treats tools under this category as allowed only when placed in Checked-In/Hold baggage.

Category E: blunt instruments and mobility aids

  • For E (Blunt Instruments), listed metal-and-sports-type items are prohibited in Carry-on/Cabin and allowed in Checked-In/Hold, including All metal chains, Baton Sticks, Billiard sticks, Boat Paddles, Bowling/Billiard Balls, Cane Umbrella, Clubs/Sticks/Bats/Rods, Cricket Paddle, Dumbbells/Hand weight, Fishing Hooks (Large), Fishing rods, Grindstone Knives (Panghasa), Ice skates/Skateboard, Kayak/canoe paddles, Knuckles (brass metal), Lacrosse Sticks, Paintball equipment, Scuba Diving Equipment, Ski Poles/hiking poles, and Tennis/Badminton/ Squash rackets, Tripod (Large) (No/Yes for each).
  • Crutches/Walking sticks or aids are allowed in Carry-on/Cabin and Checked-In/Hold (Yes/Yes).
  • Crutches/walking aids must be carried/used by an elderly, or a person with reduced mobility, or a person with a visible need of such mobility aid.
  • Crutches/walking aids must be electronically screened and/or physically inspected for anomalies.

Category F: explosives, incendiaries, and ammunition

  • For F (Explosives and Incendiary Substances and Devices), all listed items are prohibited in both Carry-on/Cabin and Checked-In/Hold, including Blasting Cap, Detonator and Fuse, Grenade, Dynamite, Flares (in any form), Plastic Explosive, and Pyrotechnics including fireworks (No/No for each).
  • Ammunition is prohibited in both baggage categories (No/No).
  • Smoke-generating canisters or cartridges, Mines and other explosive military store, Replica or imitation explosive devices, Fuels (including cooking fuel and any flammable liquid fuel), Matches, Lighters (Disposable) absorbed fluid, Lighter Fluids/refills, Disguised lighters, and Gasoline/kerosene/ petrol are prohibited in both baggage categories (No/No for each.

Category G: liquids aerosols and gels (LAGs)

  • Liquids, aerosols, and gels are allowed in Carry-on/Cabin only when placed in individual containers not greater than 100 milliliters (or equivalent).
  • Allowed LAGs must be contained in one transparent re-sealable plastic bag with a capacity not exceeding one (1) Liter (or equivalent).
  • Only one (1) transparent 20cm x 20cm re-sealable plastic bag is allowed per passenger.
  • The contents of the plastic bag must fit comfortably and the bag must be completely closed.
  • Exceptions must be made for medications, baby milk/food, and special dietary requirement.
  • All types of LAGs regardless of volume labeled as flammable (highly combustible & self-igniting by chemical reaction), corrosive, or toxic are not allowed in the cabin or in the hold, under R.A. 6235.
  • When medically necessary items exceed 100ml or are not contained in a 20 x 20cm re-sealable bag, the items must be declared to one of the Security Officer at the checkpoint for further inspection.
  • The circular allows additional health-related and medical items described as permitted, including: baby formula and breast milk; all prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosol), including KY jelly and eye drops and saline solutions for medical purposes; liquids for a passenger with a disability or medical condition; life-support and life-sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs; and liquids/gels/saline or other liquids used for medical and cosmetic reasons (including mastectomy products, prosthetics breast, bras or shells containing gels, saline solution); and gels or frozen liquids needed to cool disability or medical related items.

Medical items and airline/airport handling rules

  • Essentials medicines must be carried in containers not more than 100 ml and in a prescribed transparent re-sealable bag.
  • Proof of prescription or a statement that the passenger needs the medicine from a doctor or medical professional must be carried along with the medicines.
  • Essential prescribed medicines (including angina sprays) are permitted under the prescribed limits and bagging requirements.
  • If more than 100ml or medicines and liquid together exceed the capacity of the prescribed transparent re-sealable bag, the circular directs referral to the airport medical officer, or presentation of proof of prescription or a statement from a doctor or medical professional.
  • Prior approval of the airline is needed for essentials medical equipment unless it fits with one item of Hand Baggage.
  • Over-the-counter medicines are allowed by exemption if they do not exceed the 100ml limit and have been tested by the passenger.

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