Hand Luggage Restrictions

Alright, so you’ve decided to heed our advice and only take carry-on luggage with you on your next trip. You’re about to start packing your bag, but all those changes to hand luggage restrictions over the last couple of years has left you confused about what you’re allowed to take onboard. What’s the largest bag you’re allowed to carry on, and will that £30 bottle of shampoo be confiscated by security? This week, BookingBuddy is here to help clear up your packing confusion.

Size Of Luggage
The Department of Transport has stated that the maximum size of carry on bags are to be no bigger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (including protruding parts such as wheels or handles). However, some airlines, such as British Airways, only allow smaller bags, so it’s important to find out about each airline’s size restrictions before flying.
Anything larger than that will have to be checked in, unless you’re carrying a musical instrument, in which case you’ll have to check with the airline as you may be required to buy an extra seat for your instrument.

Carrying Liquids
For security purposes, liquids are defined as drinks, cosmetics and toiletries, sprays, pastes, gels, contact lens solutions, lighters and other items of similar consistency.
There are restrictions on the liquids you take onboard, so if you’re intent on bringing that expensive shampoo or shower gel along, make sure you decant it into containers smaller than 100ml. All containers must be smaller than 100ml, as anything larger than that will not be allowed on even if they are only partially full. Those containers must also be packed into a transparent, re-sealable plastic bag no larger than one litre in volume. Many airports now provide free re-sealable sandwich bags that you can pack your liquids into before going through security.
Lighters also need to be packed into the plastic bag and screened, and have to be kept on your person for the duration of the flight.

Other Items Allowed As Hand Luggage
If you need to carry essential medication in containers larger than 100ml as part of your hand luggage, you will need prior approval from your airline and the airport you are departing from, as well as a letter from your doctor. This also applies to any essential medical equipment you may need for your trip.
Other items such as laptops and electrical equipment (such as a hairdryer), as well as walking aids, wheelchairs and prams, are allowed on as hand luggage, but all need to be screened by security.

While this article tries to provide an overview of current hand luggage restrictions, it's recommended that you always check with the Department of Transport for any recent changes before flying.

(Photo: webjet.com.au)

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