- What is allowed in the hand luggage? How big can the suitcase or backpack be? And how heavy? What are the rules regarding liquids? Are there any prohibited items? Things don't change often, but if you have never flown with hand luggage only, you should know some things beforehand. You will find all the answers to your questions and some great tips here.
- Discover: Packing list for hand luggage
Table of Contents
1 Maximum Size & Weight
The first sobering news: unfortunately, there are no uniform rules for the size or weight of carry-on luggage. Each airline decides this individually. You can find the respective information when booking your flight and on airline websites. Most airlines allow a maximum size of 22 x 18 x 10 in (56 x 45 x 25 cm), and the weight varies between 11 and 26 pounds. A suitcase or backpack with a low empty weight is worth its weight in gold. Check out in our shop the best and lightest suitcases and backpacks.
- Tip: If you check in online, you can go directly to the security check and avoid the scales at the check-in counter
2 Medication and Technics
We are only on a world trip with hand luggage, so we have various medications in larger quantities. We always have the package insert with us for all medicines.
- Important: For medicines of the category narcotics or syringes for diabetics, you need a medical certificate!
We have never had any problems with our technology. We prefer to carry the laptops in our backpacks. The only thing we have to be careful about is the drone batteries. Tom always puts them in a LiPo battery bag.
3 Liquids
- Important: Everything that is liquid must not exceed 3.38 oz / 100 ml in size, and everything together must not exceed 1 liter
This means a half squeezed 6.76 oz / 200 ml toothpaste is not allowed because it is too big. All liquids must fit in a plastic bag from the airport. We have always traveled with special liquid bags, and there have never been any problems.
- Tip: Solid instead of liquid, you save quite a bit
Deodorant sticks and shampoo bars come in a fantastic selection. Toothpaste tabs are also a great alternative. We have our liquids in the absolute best silicone travel bottles because they hold 3.31 oz / 98 ml, all others only 3 oz / 89 ml. They are soft silicone and can't break. We have used ours for over 6 years, and they still look new.
4 Not Allowed
Have you ever looked closely at the containers or garbage cans at the security check? It's fascinating what some people have in their hand luggage: bread knives, hammers, pipe wrenches, miniature sewing machines, or baseball bats. Nail files and small scissors (2 inches / 5 cm) are boring in comparison, as they are allowed.
- Tip: So you don't have to hand in your favorite bread knife at the airport: Leave it at home
Also prohibited are any kind of weapons, sticks, clubs, tools, or liquid containers over 3.8 oz / 100 ml or more than 1 liter of liquid. As well as assault or gasoline lighters.
5 Prohibited Item, What Happens?
Had to turn in your favorite bread knife? Don't worry; you won't be arrested for it. However, it's different when you're carrying items that violate the Weapons Act, Aviation Security Act, or Narcotics Act. We are talking about hunting ammunition, drugs, machetes, and the like. Then, in fact, the competent authority intervenes.
6 Item Surrendered; Get It Back?
Large items are usually locked up, and you are given a “pickup slip” and can pick up your item for a fee upon your return. For example, we're talking about a drone, which is not allowed in Cuba. Your favorite bread knife is and will be gone.
7 Personal Item
Did you know that you can bring a personal item in addition to your carry-on bag? This can be a purse, backpack, day bag or laptop bag. This is usually not weighed and thus screams all your heavy items. Tom's favorite personal item is a breathable backpack, perfect for any hike or tour. My personal item is a business backpack, which has many practical compartments – we tried a few types of backpacks and found the perfect companions for us with these.
8 Tips and Tricks
When traveling with hand luggage only, the tare weight of the hand luggage is crucial. Some suitcases weigh as much as 3 kilograms empty. You can find the lightest and best suitcases and backpacks here.
Important and helpful packing tips:
- Leave every "maybe" at home
- Wear heavy clothes on the flight (sturdy shoes, sweater, and jacket)
- Pack heavy items in your personal belongings
- Buy things in small and light: Hair dryer, brush, umbrella, towel
- Solid instead of liquid (deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, hair powder, hair wax)
- Have a foldable bag with you
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