A guide to hand luggage restrictions

Holiday travel is meant to be enjoyable, after all, it is the start of your holiday and you’ve looked forward to it every day since the last one.

While some hassles, such as airport delays, are out of your hands, having items confiscated from you at security because you failed to check restrictions before you packed your hand luggage can be avoided.

The last thing you need is to lose that expensive perfume or sun cream you bought specifically for your holiday, so take a few moments to read the hand luggage restrictions below.

Hand luggage restrictions
In most cases, passengers are permitted to carry ONE item of hand baggage each, no larger than 56 x 45 x 25cm (22 x 17.7 x 10 inches) including wheels, handles and outside pockets. These dimensions are the maximum size permitted, however, some airlines permit smaller hand luggage sizes so it is always advisable to check with your airline’s website prior to departure. Don't forget weights vary between airlines, and airlines do change their policies - don't assume that last years limits will be the same this year - always check your airline's website prior to packing.

Some airlines do allow two items of hand luggage but this does depend on your airline and often it’s just down to the ‘class’ of ticket you are travelling on – do check before travel.

Gifts
If you plan to carry gifts in your hand luggage, make sure they are not wrapped as they may be subject to security checks.

Liquids in hand luggage rules
Liquids, including gels and aerosols, can only be carried in 100ml containers – any larger and your item will be confiscated, that includes half-full 200ml containers! All liquids must be placed within a single, transparent, re-sealable bag measuring 20cm x 20cm max.

For convenience, it’s best to put all liquids in your checked-in baggage. And, don’t forget liquids also cover all perfumes, sprays and pressurised containers including shaving foam and spray deodorants, mascara, soups, liquid foundation, toothpaste, hair and shower gel and sun cream.

If in doubt, or your liquids are more than 100ml, pack in you checked-in baggage.

Baby Foodstuff
Liquid baby food, water and milk, in quantities only sufficient for the flight can be taken through security, but you will be required to verify the liquids by tasting them.

Essential Liquid Dietary Foodstuffs
Essential liquid dietary foodstuffs can be taken through airport security but, like baby liquids, will be subject to verification by the passenger.

Medicines for use in-flight
Essential medicines for the period of the trip may be permitted in larger quantities than 100ml but will require authentication plus passengers must obtain agreement with the airline and airport prior to departure.

Supporting documentation from a relevant qualified medical professional must also be carried.

Syringes required for diabetics or for other medical reasons will only be permitted in hand luggage if medical necessity can be proven. Check with the airline in advance to check what proof is required.
If you have any questions about cabin baggage you should contact your airline or airport prior to travel.