Do's & Don'ts for Hand Luggage

Hand Luggage: Do’s & Don’ts for a Stress-Free Trip

You’re at the airport, the security check is approaching, and suddenly you wonder: Have I really packed everything correctly or should I not have taken that expensive bottle of wine? Although there are clear regulations for air travel, they are often difficult to grasp due to their volume. In this blog post, you will learn what counts as 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 regarding the size and weight of hand luggage often vary between airlines. However, the rules concerning the contents of luggage are uniform across the EU. For travel to countries outside the EU, different regulations may apply, which you should find out before your trip. 

Liquids in hand luggage

Liquids may be carried in hand luggage only in containers of maximum 100 ml. Liquids include drinks, food, cosmetics such as:

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

Liquids must be packed in a sealable, transparent plastic bag with a capacity of 1 liter. Each traveler is allowed to carry only one bag with up to 10 containers. The only exception for food is baby food, which may be carried in quantities exceeding 100 ml in hand luggage. The transport of solid food items, such as sandwiches, fruit, vegetables, chocolate, or cereal bars, is also permitted in hand luggage. 

Liquid items like cosmetics and drinks 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 beverages, may be carried in a sealed security bag along with the purchase receipt.

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

Medications in hand luggage

You are allowed to carry medications in your hand luggage. If these are liquids, they are exempt from the 100ml rule. However, it is advisable to have a doctor’s certificate or a medical note available so that no uncertainties arise during security checks.  

Do’s in hand luggage

You may bring the following electronic devices in your hand luggage on board: 

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

Both cigarettes and e-cigarettes are also allowed in hand luggage. You may also carry matches and gas lighters , but you should not pack these in your suitcase  or in your handbag , but rather carry it on your body – for example in your pants or jacket pocket. 

Don’ts in Carry-On Luggage

However, there are also clear rules about which items are not allowed in carry-on luggage on airplanes and therefore must not be carried along 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: petrol and storm lighters

Sharp objects, such as pocket knives, may only be stored in carry-on luggage if their blade length does not exceed 6 cm. 

What Counts as Carry-On Luggage? 

Whether it’s a spontaneous weekend trip, a business trip, or a domestic flight – more and more travelers prefer to travel light with small suitcases  or backpacks  on the go, because traveling with carry-on luggage offers several clear advantages: 

• Time saving: The piece of luggage does not have to be checked in beforehand or collected at the baggage claim after the flight. 
  
  
• No luggage loss:  Carry-on luggage is always allowed on board, so you don't risk your luggage arriving late.
   
• Cost efficiency: No fees or at least lower fees apply for carry-on luggage than for checked suitcases and bags.
   
• Flexibility: Traveling without, for example, a bulky suitcase is easier and more straightforward

The standard dimensions for carry-on items such as trolleys are generally 55 x 40 x 20 cm according to most airlines. However, due to the growing trend of traveling with carry-on luggage, some airlines now differentiate between large and small carry-on items. Small pieces of luggage may only measure 40 x 30 x 10 cm and should fit under the seat in front on the plane. These can often be carried free of charge, while larger carry-on items that must be stored in the overhead compartment may still be free with some airlines but are now subject to fees with others. The weight of carry-on luggage is often regulated as well and must not exceed 8 kg.

    
Dimensions and regulations regarding size, weight, and fees vary from airline to airline. For this reason, you should definitely check the rules of your airline before your trip. 

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