Traveling by air is often not just about worrying about how the flight will go. The already difficult question of “what to bring with you” is complicated by the chores of luggage. Do I need to check in my luggage or can I take my bag on board? What to do with liquids and cosmetics? Can I get a stroller for the baby? In this article we will answer the most common questions related to hand luggage.
The rules for the carriage of hand luggage in an airplane are developed, first of all, in order to ensure flight safety. Therefore, the list of things that passengers are not allowed to check in is limited, depending on their size, weight and purpose, as well as on the class that you travel. So, hand luggage in an airplane is prohibited for transportation in the cabin if it contains sharp objects, weapons, flammable and explosive liquids. Any other items that can be used as weapons or pose a danger to other passengers are prohibited for transportation, as well as products of animal origin. To poisonous, and therefore dangerous substances, insect repellents can also be attributed.
What can and should be taken on board? Any personal items, if you need them during the flight, as well as if you don’t want to check in your bag at all. The fact that hand luggage in an airplane should not contain liquids has been heard by many, but they can still be carried. You should pack them in a cosmetic bag (always transparent) with a zipper or another bag with a zipper. A transparent student folder with a “slider” can also serve as such a package. The main thing is that each bottle in volume should be no more than 100 ml. Do not take too much, because if the total volume of 1 liter is exceeded, cosmetics can also be seized. On international flights, you will not be allowed to board a container with water / juice. Keep in mind that any gels, pastes, lip glosses, creams and other cosmetics are also classified as liquids. Therefore, so that there are no unpleasant surprises, check the makeup bag in advance and take care of proper packaging. Theoretically, special packages can be bought at some airports in Europe, but they are not always available, but cost more than one euro. The exception is medical fluids, if you need them on board, but they need a prescription.
What is the allowable baggage allowance on an airplane? Dimensions are the same for most airlines, it is 55/25/35 cm in length / width / height. Weight should not exceed 8 kg (on domestic flights a little more), however, if you fly in business class, you may have two such bags.
What if you fly with a baby? If the child is not 2 years old, then regardless of the availability of a separate seat for him, you can additionally take a stroller (folding) or a cradle, any food, as well as everything necessary for the child. The weight of care items can reach 10 kg in excess of what your personal carry-on baggage weighs on the plane.
Can I transport musical instruments? Yes, however, most air carriers require pre-registration of the instrument and issuing an appropriate ticket.
What about the fluids (such as perfumes, spirits) that you bought in duty free? On direct flights, there will be no problems if they were properly packed back in the store. If you fly in transit to another state, especially outside the EU, check out the procedure for transporting such items of a particular airline. Returning home, remember the restriction on the import of alcohol in excess of the permissible volume.
Where is hand luggage on board? Light items - in a special compartment above the passengers, heavier - under the chair.
When preparing for a flight, be guided not only by the rules listed above. Hand luggage in an airplane should not cause inconvenience to you, other passengers, and, of course, to the crew. Check in your luggage with anything you can part with for several hours of flight, and do not forget to pack your luggage in plastic wrap (this service is available at almost all airports). This will protect your suitcase and its contents from possible contamination. There are often cases when tin cans, spray cans and other containers burst in the luggage, so try to take only the most necessary and safe means.
The rules discussed above, according to which carry-on baggage is carried in an airplane, are valid in the territory of Russia and the EU countries. In addition, keep in mind that in some states, especially in the United States, there may be restrictions on the import of equipment and other items.