Packing for your holiday or business trip can be very complicated. You’ll have to decide between taking hold luggage, hand luggage or both. And if you are taking hand luggage, there are size, weight and content restrictions to consider.

Taking hand luggage only on a flight is one of the best ways to save money on your flight, but there are strict rules about what you can and cannot take on a flight. Airlines have limits on the amount of hand luggage you can take, and there are also safety restrictions on the type of items you can take on board. It’s important to observe these rules or you may be asked to pay more, or you could be asked to leave items behind at airport security. 

Why are there restrictions on hand luggage?

There are restrictions on hand luggage for security reasons and for space considerations. The plane has limited storage space for hand luggage, as there isn’t enough overhead storage for every passenger to carry a suitcase on board. There are also safety considerations to consider to help prevent security threats on board planes.

Before you can board a plane, you will need to have your hand luggage items scanned and tagged by security. This process is called 'screening'.

There are 3 main types of screening that will happen at the airport:

  • X-ray screening - this is used to identify any dangerous or prohibited items in your bag
  • Manual searching - this may be carried out if the X-ray scan raises any concerns
  • Trace detection - this is used to test for traces of explosives or illegal substances on your bag or on your person

You can speed up the screening process by ensuring that your hand luggage meets the following requirements:

  • Your bag should be a maximum of 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, including any handles or wheels
  • You should only have one bag per person
  • Your bag should be able to fit into the overhead locker or under the seat in front of you
  • You should be able to lift your bag into the overhead locker unaided
  • All liquids and gels need to be placed in a resealable plastic bag

What is hand luggage?

Hand luggage, or carry-on baggage, is the bag or bags you take on board the plane with you. This can include a suitcase, a rucksack, a small handbag or even a camera bag.

There are restrictions on the size and weight of hand luggage, so it's important to check with your airline before you travel. You may have to pay extra to take more than one piece of hand luggage or to take a larger piece of hand luggage. If your hand luggage is the wrong size, you may have to pay a fee to take it on board, or you may have to pay to place the case in the hold.

Types of hand luggage

There are two main types of hand luggage:

  • Soft cases – these include rucksacks, tote bags and duffle bags. They are usually made from cloth or canvas and can be squashed into small spaces. This is ideal if you want to place the bag under the seat in front of you. 
  • Hard cases – these include wheeled suitcases and trolley bags. They are often made from plastic or metal and can be more difficult to fit in smaller spaces.

There are also subcategories of hand luggage, which can include items like:

  • Specialist cases – these include camera cases and laptop cases. They often contain special protection for your items.
  • Baby bags – if you’re travelling with children, you may want to carry a specialist bag containing the items you’ll need for the flight including formula, nappy changing items and a change of clothing.
  • Children’s cases – ride-on suitcases are ideal for carrying young children’s items and also giving them something to sit on in the airport. They can also convert the seat into a bed, allowing them to have a more comfortable flight.

Which type of hand luggage is best?

There is no definitive answer to this question. It really depends on your personal preferences and needs. Some people prefer hard cases because they offer more protection for their belongings, while others prefer soft cases because they are easier to carry and can be easily placed under the seat in front of you.

When choosing your hand luggage, consider the following:

  • How often do you travel? If you travel frequently, it makes sense to invest in a more expensive piece of hand luggage that meets your needs. Think about the lifetime value of investing in a high-quality case.
  • What type of traveller are you? If you're a light traveller, you may be able to get away with a smaller piece of hand luggage. However, if you like to take lots of things with you when you travel, you will need to choose a larger bag.
  • How much can you afford? Hard cases are often more expensive than soft cases, but they will often be more resistant to damage, so they will last longer. With a hard case, you'll also have the option to place this in the hold.
  • What's in your hand luggage? If you're carrying valuables or fragile items, it's worth paying extra to have these items placed in the hold. In some cases, airlines will not allow you to place very expensive items in the hold and you’ll need to keep those in your hand luggage. If this happens, you’ll want a case that can protect them.
  • Do you travel with a laptop or other electrical equipment? In this case, you would want to invest in specialist hand luggage to keep your items safe from knocks and scrapes.
  • Do you sometimes want to place the bag in the hold? If this happens regularly, you should choose a sturdy hard case to help protect your bag when you check it in.
  • What size is your hand luggage? All airlines have size restrictions for hand luggage, so make sure you check the requirements of your airline before you travel. You may have to pay extra if your bag is larger than the allowed size.
  • What's the weight limit for hand luggage? Most airlines have a weight limit for hand luggage, so you should take this into consideration when choosing your case. If you need to take a lot of items on board, you'll need to choose a lightweight case. 
  • Do you need a bag with wheels? If you're going to be carrying your bag for long periods of time, it's worth considering a case with wheels. This will make it easier for you to get around the airport. However, bear in mind that wheeled suitcases are heavier and take up more space.

Do all airlines allow hand luggage?

Some airlines, particularly budget airlines, charge for all hold luggage, so you will only be able to take hand luggage on board. This is usually one small bag that fits under the seat in front of you.

Check with your airline before you travel to find out their policy on hand luggage. Most airlines will allow one small personal item to be carried in the hold. This could include a small rucksack, a handbag or a laptop case. You may also be allowed to take one small plastic bag with your duty-free purchases. Some airlines are more strict than others, so it's worth checking before you travel.

Who can take hand luggage on board?

You are usually entitled to one piece of hand luggage per ticket holder. This means that everyone who has purchased a seat will be able to take a piece of hand luggage on board. 

So, if you’re travelling with children, they will be able to take a piece of hand luggage on board provided they have purchased a seat. If you will be travelling with a child on your knee, they might not be entitled to a piece of hand luggage. Check with your airline before you travel.

What items are not allowed on a plane in hand luggage?

There are restrictions on what items you can take on a plane in your hand luggage. These restrictions are in place for safety reasons and to prevent items from being used to commit crimes.

The following items are not allowed in your hand luggage:

  • Weapons - including knives, guns, swords and anything that could be used to cause serious injury. You cannot take anything sharp or with a blade on board. This includes scissors, knitting needles and nail files.
  • Flammable liquids - including petrol, diesel, lighter fuel, ethanol and acetone. You cannot take any liquid that is flammable or combustible on board a plane. This includes aerosols (such as hairspray), paints, adhesives and perfumes.
  • Corrosive or toxic substances
  • Oxidising substances and organic peroxides - including bleaches, hair dyes and nail varnish removers.
  • Flammable solids - including matches, lighters, fire starters and fireworks.
  • Radioactive materials - including isotopes used for medical or industrial purposes.
  • Infectious substances - including bacteria and viruses.
  • Poisonous substances - including insecticides, weedkillers and rat poison.
  • Offensive or harmful chemicals - including tear gas, mace and pepper spray.

You should also be aware that some items are restricted in your hand luggage, even if they are not dangerous. These items include:

  • Aerosols - if your deodorant or hair spray is larger than 100ml, then you won't be able to take this on board in your hand luggage.

What is allowed in hand carry luggage?

You are allowed to take the following items in your hand luggage:

  • Medication - if you need to take medication with you, make sure that you have enough for the journey and a bit extra in case of delays. You should also carry a letter from your doctor detailing your medical condition and the medication that you are taking.
  • Baby food and milk - if you are travelling with a baby, you are allowed to take enough baby food and milk for the journey. These items must be in containers that can be sealed and they must be declared to security at the airport.
  • Your passport and other travel documents - these are essential for international travel, so make sure that you keep them safe and secure.
  • Money - you are allowed to carry cash, traveller's cheques and credit cards with you.
  • Valuables - if you are carrying any valuable items, such as jewellery or electronics, make sure that these are in your hand luggage so that they can be kept safe.
  • Clothing - you are allowed to take clothes with you in your hand luggage, which can be a good idea in case your main luggage is lost or delayed. And if you are going on a short trip, you might need to only take hand luggage.
  • Food and drink - you are allowed to take food and drink with you on the plane, but it must be consumed before you land.
  • Toiletries – you can take some personal toiletries on board, but they have to be in containers that are less than 100ml. These items must be placed in a clear, plastic bag so that they can be easily accessed by security.
  • Electronics - you are allowed to take laptops, tablets and smartphones with you on the plane. You should keep them in your hand luggage so that they can be kept safe and charged during the flight. You may be asked to turn them on when you go through security, so make sure you have enough charge to do so.

What liquids can go in hand luggage?

You are allowed to take liquids with you in your hand luggage, but they must be in containers that hold less than 100ml. These items must be placed in a clear, plastic bag so that they can be easily accessed by security. The container cannot hold more than 100ml, even if the actual amount contained within is less than this. So, partially full containers that contain 100ml or less will still not be allowed.

You can take Duty Free items with you in your hand luggage, but they must be bought at an airport that is outside the EU and you must have them sealed in a tamper-evident bag. These items must be placed in a clear, plastic bag so that they can be easily inspected. These have to remain sealed until you arrive at your destination.

You are also allowed to take baby food and milk with you on the plane, but these items must be in containers that can be sealed and they must be declared to security at the airport. You can only take enough formula or breast milk that you need for the duration of your journey. You will need to put the rest in your hold luggage.

Can you take food and drink in your hand luggage?

You are allowed to take food and drink with you on the plane, but it must be consumed before you land. If your food contains liquids such as honey or jam, this will need to be placed with your liquids when you pass through airport security.

You can take drinks with you, but they must be in containers that hold less than 100ml. These items must be placed in a clear, plastic bag so that they can be easily inspected. You can also take solid food items, provided it is only to be consumed on the flight. 

You can take non-alcoholic drinks on board that you have purchased in the airport. You could also take a reusable bottle and ask for this to be filled up in a restaurant after you have passed through security.

You can also purchase alcohol in the airport duty-free shop, but this must be kept sealed in a tamper-free bag until you arrive at your final destination.

What items can go in hand luggage?

The following items are allowed in your hand luggage:

  • Clothing
  • Footwear
  • Toiletries (in containers less than 100ml)
  • Electronics
  • Books and magazines
  • Travel documents
  • Money
  • Food and drink (for consumption during the flight)
  • Baby food and milk (in sealed containers)
  • Duty free items (in a sealed, tamper-evident bag)

What toiletries can go in hand luggage?

The following toiletries are allowed in hand luggage:

  • Toothpaste (in a container less than 100ml)
  • Shampoo (in a container less than 100ml)
  • Soap (in a container less than 100ml)
  • Deodorant (in a container less than 100ml)
  • Makeup (in containers less than 100ml)
  • Hair gel (in a container less than 100ml)
  • Sunscreen (in a container less than 100ml)

All of your toiletries should be held in a clear, plastic bag so that they can be inspected easily by security. The bag should be no larger than around 20cm by 20cm and hold no more than one litre. If your toiletries exceed this amount, you may need to check them into your main luggage or leave them behind at security.

Security will vary between airports, with some being more strict than others. To avoid losing your favourite cosmetics, it’s a good idea to stick to the rules. Choose travel-sized cosmetics and toiletries and make sure your items fit into your plastic bag to avoid disappointment.

There are some items that are considered a liquid, even if this isn’t immediately obvious. For example, liquids include things like lipstick, hair wax, toothpaste, contact lens solution and some food items like honey.

You can take larger cosmetics if you have purchased them from duty-free, but they will need to be left in the tamper-proof bag until you arrive at your destination. You may then need to pack this in your hold luggage on the way home.

What happens if your hand luggage is too big?

If your hand luggage is too big to be carried on board, you may need to check it into the hold. This means that you will not have access to it during the flight and it may be subject to additional security checks. You should check with your airline before you travel to find out their specific requirements for hand luggage to avoid getting caught out.

You are allowed to take liquids with you in your hand luggage, but they must be in containers that are less than 100ml. These items must be placed in a clear, plastic bag so that they can be easily accessed by security. The container cannot hold more than 100ml, even if the actual amount contained within is less than this.

Are restrictions the same in every country?

The restrictions on hand luggage are different in every country, so it’s important to check before you travel. In the UK, for example, the rules are different to those in the US. Countries outside the EU may set their own rules on what can and cannot be placed in your hold luggage, so you should always check before you travel.

Closing thoughts

Before you travel, always check with your airline to confirm what is and isn't allowed in your hand luggage. This will help to avoid any problems at the airport. Remember, liquids must be in containers that are less than 100ml and all items must fit into a clear, plastic bag. And don't forget, duty-free items must be kept in their tamper-proof bags until you arrive at your destination.

When you are choosing your hand luggage, you need to consider a lot of different factors. The size and weight restrictions placed on carry-on luggage by airlines can vary, so it’s important to check before you travel. You also need to think about what you will need during the flight and whether you will be able to access it easily.

If you are carrying any liquids with you, make sure that they are in containers that are less than 100ml and that they fit into your clear, plastic bag. And finally, remember that duty-free items must be kept in their tamper-proof bags until you arrive at your destination. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that you have a smooth journey and avoid any problems at the airport.