What should I pack in my hand luggage?
Published: 12/07/2019
What should you take in hand luggage?
If youre heading abroad for a weekend city break, chances are youve saved money by not checking a bag in, opting for a carry-on, cabin-sized bag and a small handbag. If so, you need to be clued up on what youre allowed to take on board with you, because with heightened security and airlines changing their baggage policy it can be a confusing process! Just have a think of all the things youre going to need with you for the short flight and then check whether theyre allowed on board.
If youre allowed a suitcase and handbag on board then try to pack all your bulky items that you wont need on the flight into your suitcase. Your handbag should have all your important things in it such as your passport, money, boarding pass, tickets and documentation and things you will need to hand when up in the air. Dont forget to pop any medication youll need on the flight into your handbag too.
With the important things out of the way, its time to make a short list of nice-to-have things for the flight. If you like to get a bit of sleep on a short flight, pop some ear plugs and eye mask in your handbag. Or if you just like to drown out the noise on a flight, dont forget your headphones. It can get chilly with air con, so pop a light outer layer in your bag if you have room. If you have kids, make sure you take something to keep them entertained. And if youre bringing milk or food for them its best checking withGov.ukand your airline for the legal requirements. If you like to have a freshen up before you get off a flight, why not take a toothbrush and toothpaste with you?
Hand luggage allowance
Once you have a list sorted of things youd like to take in your hand luggage, you need to check your hand luggage allowance. Are you allowed a small case and a handbag? Or just a handbag? If youre only allowed a cabin-sizedsuitcase, why not take a small handbag with all your essentials, leave a small amount of room in your suitcase, and when its time to board, put your handbag inside your suitcase. Always remember to check with your airline on the maximum size of both your suitcase and handbag. Nobody wants to be caught out with a unexpected charge when boarding.
Dont forget to check the weight of your carry-on luggage. Weight restrictions apply and they vary with each airline. Pick up someluggage scalesto be on the safe side.
What toiletries can I take in hand luggage?
If youre not checking a bag in then all the liquid you take with you will have to be in 100ml bottles/containers and fit securely intoa single, transparent, resealable plastic bag that measures approximately 20cm x 20cm. The bag must be sealed too. Struggling for room? Why not buy mini reusable bottles and decant contents from your big bulky items into these? Itll help make sure you have all your make-up essentials with you for your short trip away, and you can reuse the bottles each time you go abroad. If you dont have reusable bottles opt fortravel size toiletries.
It can often be confusing when figuring out whats classed as a liquid. You may be surprised to know that toothpaste has to be put into your liquids bag. Check thegovernment websiteif youre unsure what has to be put in your plastic bag.
And dont forget, a small suitcase is still classed as hand luggage if youre bringing it on board. So you cant fill it with liquids over 100ml; youll still have to put them in a plastic bag and get them checked at security.
What is not allowed in hand luggage?
Sharp items or liquids over 100ml wont be permitted on flights. There are some exceptions though to liquids, so check with your airline in case you need liquid medication, babys milk or formula taking on board with you.
Hand luggage checklist
Passport
Money
Tickets/boarding pass
Headphones
Phone charger/battery pack
Toys for the kids
Ear plugs/eye mask
Neck pillow
Jumper
Toiletries
Medication
Book