Hand luggage: Do's & Don'ts for a stress-free trip

You are at the airport, the security check is approaching, and suddenly you ask yourself: Did I really pack everything correctly or should I not have brought the expensive wine bottle? Although there are clear guidelines for air travel, they are often difficult to grasp in their entirety. In this blog post, you will learn what is considered hand luggage and which items are allowed and not allowed in hand luggage. This way, you can face the security check before your flight stress-free.

What is allowed in hand luggage and what is not? 

Regulations on the size and weight of hand luggage often vary with airlines. However, the guidelines for the contents of luggage are uniform across the EU. When traveling to countries outside the EU, different guidelines may apply, which you should find out about before your trip. 

Liquids in hand luggage

Liquids may be carried in hand luggage in containers of maximum 100 ml. Liquids include beverages, food, cosmetic products such as:

• Water bottles
• Toothpaste
• Creams and lotions
• Perfume
• Shampoos
• Liquid food

Liquids must be packed in a resealable, transparent plastic bag with a capacity of 1 liter. Each traveler may carry only one bag with a maximum of 10 containers. The only exception for food is baby food. You may also transport this in quantities over 100 ml in hand luggage. The carriage of solid food, such as sandwiches, fruits, vegetables, chocolate, or granola bars, is also allowed in hand luggage. 

Liquid items such as cosmetics and beverages from the duty-free area at the airport must be stored together with the purchase receipt in a sealed security bag.

Exceptions:

• Baby food may be carried in larger quantities if needed during the flight.

• Duty-free items, such as cosmetics or drinks, may be transported in a sealed security bag along with the purchase receipt.

• Solid foods, such as sandwiches, fruits, vegetables, chocolate, or granola bars, are also allowed. 
  

Medications in hand luggage

You are allowed to carry medications in your hand luggage. If they are liquids, they are exempt from the 100ml rule. However, it is advisable to have a medical certificate or attestation to avoid any uncertainties during the security check.  

Do's in hand luggage

The following electronic devices can be carried in your hand luggage: 

• Tablet
• Smartphone
• Laptop
• Camera
• Electric toothbrush
• Electric shaver
• Hairdryer
• Straightener / Curling iron

Both cigarettes and e-cigarettes can also be stored in hand luggage. You may also carry matches and gas lighters, but you should not place them in your suitcase or in your handbag , but carry it on your body - for example, in your pants or jacket pocket.

Don'ts in Hand Luggage

However, there are also clear rules about which items are not allowed in hand luggage on the plane and therefore must not be carried or belong in checked luggage. The most important categories include:

• Sports Equipment: Baseball, golf, and tennis rackets, hiking poles
• Hobby Supplies: Fishing gear, knitting needles, ice skates
• Weapons and Tools: Corkscrews, screwdrivers, saws, firearms (including toy guns, nail files, knives, scissors
• Lighters: Gasoline and storm lighters

Sharp objects, such as a pocket knife, may only be stowed in hand luggage if their blade length does not exceed 6 cm.

What is Considered Hand Luggage?

Whether a spontaneous weekend trip, a business trip, or a domestic flight - more and more travelers prefer to travel with light luggage in the form of small suitcases or backpacks as traveling with hand luggage brings several clear advantages:

• Time Savings: The luggage does not have to be checked in beforehand or picked up at the baggage carousel after the flight.
  
  
• No Luggage Loss: Hand luggage is always allowed on board, so you don't run the risk of your luggage arriving late.
   
• Cost Efficiency: There are no or at least lower fees for hand luggage compared to checked suitcases and bags.
   
• Flexibility: Traveling without bulky luggage, for example, is easier and more straightforward

The standard dimensions for hand luggage items like trolleys are 55 x 40 x 20 cm for most airlines. However, due to the growing trend of traveling with hand luggage, some airlines now differentiate between large and small hand luggage items. Small luggage items are only allowed to have dimensions of 40 x 30 x 10 cm and should fit under the front seat in the airplane. These can often be carried for free, while larger luggage items that need to be stored in the overhead compartment can still be carried for free with some airlines, while others now consider them chargeable. The weight of the hand luggage is often also regulated and must not exceed 8 kg.

    
Dimensions and guidelines for size, weight, and fees vary from airline to airline. Therefore, you should definitely inform yourself about the regulations of your airline before your trip. 

Discover our selection of suitcases and trolleys

Whether a short trip or long haul – find the ideal companion for your journey:

• Compact Trolleys: Suitable for any airline.

• Lightweight Designs: Maximum comfort without compromise.

• Robust Materials: Safe and durable.