What you need to know about hand luggage restrictions

Travelling “hand luggage only” does save time and money, but restrictions on carry-on luggage have turned this method into a bit of a maze. Here’s how to find your way through the rules and regulations so that you can get on and enjoy your travels.

What you need to know about current hand luggage restrictions:

1) They change.

Since most of these rules and regulations reflect attempts to improve air safety and thwart terrorist attacks, security services and governments are constantly reviewing and fine-tuning their advice.

Don’t rely on out of date information. Check the recommendations from the British government here.

2) Airlines interpret them differently

While airlines have to obey the UK Civil Aviation Authority, airlines can – and do – impose further limits. Usually this involves weight and size, so check with your airline before you fly.

          Ryanair Cabin Baggage Allowance

          Easyjet Hand Baggage

          British Airways Hand Baggage

         Jet2.com

         Virgin

3) “Liquids” also mean gels, pastes and creams….

The restrictions on carrying liquids usually present the biggest problems, with, er, what seems like a personal interpretation by the security officer in front of you. At present, you CAN take liquids on as hand luggage with the following restrictions:

• containers must hold no more than 100ml
• containers must be carried in a single, transparent, re-sealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm
• contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed
• the bag must not be knotted or tied at the top
• each passenger can carry only one of these bags
• the bag must be presented for examination at the airport security point

Containers larger than 100ml (excluding essential medicines) will not be allowed through the security point even if they are only part full.

Sheesh!

Can I get transparent re-sealable plastic bags at the airport?

Yes, although many airports, such as Bristol and Manchester, now charge £1 for these.

What about essential medicines?

You can break the rules for essential medicine – but ONLY with advance permission from the airport, the airline and with supporting documents from your doctor.

What about water?

Nope. Only liquids under 100mls are allowed, although you CAN buy drinks AFTER security at most airports and you are allowed to take these onto the flight.

What about duty-free?

Anything you buy AFTER passing through security, you can take onto the aeroplane with you, as long as it fits your airline’s size restrictions.

4) You can play by the hand luggage rules and still win.

Travelling hand-luggage only has immense benefits – despite the restrictions:

You don’t need to worry about your bags being lost or left behind.

You don’t need to queue to check-in.

You don’t need to wait to collect your bags at the other end.

You pay less (with many airlines)

There are a few tips and tricks to help you become an effective hand luggage traveller – coming to this blog soon.

In the meantime, the best advice on keeping up to date with hand luggage restrictions is to double-check them before you travel.