Hand luggage rules may vary depending on the airlines’ rules, that’s why the first advice is to check the list of rules and requirements before buying an air ticket.

Assuming you already have a flight ticket and are getting ready for a trip – make sure all the items you are going to carry on board are allowed.

Each of the air carriers has a detailed list of the items, which are allowed to be taken on board by the passengers. 

As a rule a passenger is allowed to carry one hand luggage bag, the weight of which is 8-10kg. Keep in mind, the size of your hand luggage also matters,  it should be 55X40X20 centimeters. 

Even though it looks hard to pack all necessary items into the hand bag to be carried on a plane, it can be easily done, if all the things are properly packed. 

When getting ready for a trip by plane with hand luggage only, remember that some backpacks weigh less compared to suitcases.

Sometimes the difference can be 2 kgs, though the total volume inside of both will be the same.

But because of the difference in weight you will have to take less items in the suitcase, since it weights more. 

Which items to pack into a hand luggage 

In fact, most of us take more items for trips than needed, especially if this is a short trip. We often take some clothes, just in case, right?

In order to get ready efficiently for your journey with hand luggage only you need to plan properly. 

Put all of the items you plan to take on a trip on your sofa and think whether you really need all of them, whether you can take another item instead and maybe you don’t need it at all. 

Electronic gadgets and charges in hand carry luggage 

Small photo camera, charges and an electronic book weight about 1 kg. If you are taking a short trip for a couple of days you probably don’t need a laptop.

Your mobile can stay in your pocket and will not impact the weight of the travel bag. 

It would be reasonable to take charges with you since you may use gadgets on the board of the plane and charge your devices in the airport.

Another reason why you should keep your mobile and charges with you is to be always reachable.

Just imagine the situation if you are flying with regular luggage and it gets lost. 

All of your documents must be always with you – passport, driving license, insurance, hard copies of the tickets and hotel reservations. 

Taking liquids in a luggage bag on plane 

Travellers are allowed to take up to 100 ml of liquids, provided they are packed in a transparent 20*20 cm bag. 

If you think you really need a hairdryer, buy a mini hair dryer in one of the travel shops or in the airports.

There are tiny hair dryers, which weight up to 350 gr and won’t occupy a lot of space in your baggage. 

Most of the medicines can be transported in hand luggage, it is up to you which to pack. 

For a short trip you will need a maximum of two pairs of shoes. 

What to do if your hand carry luggage weights more than allowed by the air company? 

If your bag weights more than allowed by the air carrier, put on clothes with pockets.

You can put documents, phones, and even a photo camera into your pockets to reduce the weight of the travel bag. 

This is how you can reduce the weight of your luggage even last minute, when you are already in the airport.

Some people also take extra clothes on to reduce the weight of hand luggage. This is a cool approach during winter season, but might be a bit hard to implement during hot summer months 🙂

If you can check the exact weight of your hand luggage at home before leaving to the airport – do that. At home you still have a choice and can select other items or safely leave extra items at home.

If you are going on a short trip for a few days with hand luggage only, packing within the allowed limits should not be a problem at all.

Can I take laptop, and other electrical items in my hand luggage on a plane?

With regards to the electrical items in your hand luggage, what is allowed and what is forbidden on a plane.

You can take your laptop, tablet, MP3 player, travel razor, camera and charger, small travel iron and hair dryer or hair straightener on a board.

Make sure your laptop battery is charged in case you are going to use it during flight.

If all of the items mentioned above fit into your travel bag together with clothes and shoes, and your hand luggage remains within the allowed weight limits, you are lucky person. 🙂

The truth is if you are planning a trip with hand luggage only, you would need to prioritize and decide which items should be in your travel bag.

Can I take medicine on a plane if I travel with hand luggage only?

Yes, you can take medicines with you on a board.

Pills and liquids (up to 100 ml) are allowed in a hand luggage to be taken on a board by a passenger.

If you need to take liquid medicines exceeding the allowed 100ml, you must inform the airlines beforehand about that.

If you travel with hand luggage only, you can take with you:

• Inhalers
• Pills and medicines, syrups or other medical liquids
• Cooling gel pack
• Medical equipment
• Hypodermic syringes
  

Can I bring food, snacks, in my hand luggage on a flight?

Generally, and dried or sold food is permitted on a plane.

You are not allowed to bring more than 100ml of liquids with you, the exception is only for travelers with children and small babies.

No drinks, like juice, tea, coffee or water are allowed to bring on a board.

But you can take with you sterile water for your baby, the water should be in a bottle.

Also, powder, milk and soya are allowed in your hand luggage.

If you need a snack during flight, you can take dried fruits or nuts with you.

Read about the Holiday Packing list in our blog.