Do's & Don'ts for Hand Luggage

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 taken the expensive bottle of wine? Although there are clear regulations for air travel, these are often difficult to grasp due to their quantity. In this blog post, you will learn what counts as hand luggage and which items are allowed and which are 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? 

Requirements for the size and weight of hand luggage often vary between airlines. However, the guidelines for the contents of luggage are uniform across the EU. When traveling to countries outside the EU, other regulations may apply, which you should find out before your trip. 

Liquids in hand luggage

Liquids are allowed in hand luggage only in containers of maximum 100 ml. Liquids include drinks, food, cosmetics such as:

• Bottled water
• Toothpaste
• Creams and lotions
• Perfume
• Shampoos
• Liquid foods

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 a maximum of 10 containers. The only exception for food is baby food. You are allowed to carry this in quantities over 100 ml in hand luggage. The carrying of solid foods, such as sandwiches, fruit, vegetables, chocolate, or cereal bars, is also permitted in hand luggage. 

Liquid items such as 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 it is 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, for medications, it is advisable to be able to present a medical certificate or a doctor's note so that there are no uncertainties during the security check.  

Do's in hand luggage

The following electronic devices may be taken on board in your hand luggage: 

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

Both cigarettes and e-cigarettes are also allowed to be stored in hand luggage. You may also carry matches and gas lighters , but you should not put these in your suitcase  or in your handbag , but rather carry it on your body – for example in your trouser 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 along or belong in checked luggage. The most important categories include: 

• Sports equipment: baseball, golf and tennis rackets, hiking sticks
• 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

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

What counts as hand luggage? 

Whether 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, as traveling with hand luggage offers several clear advantages: 

• Time savings: The piece of luggage does not have to be checked in beforehand nor picked up at the baggage claim 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 fees or at least lower fees for hand luggage than for checked suitcases and bags.
   
• Flexibility: Traveling without, for example, bulky suitcases is easier and more straightforward.

The standard dimensions for hand luggage items such as trolleys are considered by most airlines to be 55 x 40 x 20 cm. However, due to the growing trend of traveling with hand luggage, some airlines now differentiate between large and small hand luggage pieces. Small luggage items 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 luggage pieces, which must be stored in the overhead compartment, may still be free on some airlines and chargeable on others. The weight of the hand luggage is often regulated as well and must not exceed 8 kg.

    
Dimensions and guidelines regarding size, weight, and fees vary from airline to airline. For this reason, 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 every airline.

• Lightweight designs: Maximum comfort without compromise.

• Robust materials: Safe and durable.