What can I Take on a Plane?

Before you board a plane it is important to pay attention to the restrictions that may be in place for your journey. Knowing what you can take in your hand luggage is a great start to travelling well. There may be some items that an airline deems harmful, which you may not have considered as dangerous goods. Airlines have different rules and regulations which can cause slight confusion for passengers. So understanding what you can and can’t take as carry-on luggage offers helpful insight for packing and travelling.

As a luggage provider, Eminent knows and understands the rules and regulations for those travelling in Europe and the UK. To help give our customers an insight into packing appropriately we are answering the key question - what hand luggage can you take on a plane?

Hand luggage regulations are highly dependent on each individual airline’s rules. However, there are generic hand luggage requirements that authorise many items. Standard items such as clothing, liquids that are less than 3.4oz and day-to-day electronics such as cell phones are all approved on board a plane.

Other important items are permitted such as medication and baby/toddler necessities. Musical equipment and wrapped gifts are also great to take on board, but do adhere to the size regulations of the airlines. But, bear in mind many of these authorised items do have some safety measurements restricting them, such as size or quantity. This is due to precautions put in place to protect all passengers. If you are unsure about a particular item it is important to refer to the relevant airline’s hand luggage policy for accurate details.

Safety is paramount for plane travel. What you can take in your hand luggage is often restricted by size and potential consequences to other passengers. Weaponry items such as guns, hazardous chemicals, knives and wood are disallowed. Other items that have the potential to be used as weapons are also banned. This includes kitchen utensils, many sporting goods, sharp items and larger musical instruments. There are also restrictions across all airlines on the amount of liquid that is permitted on a flight, as well as items such as e-cigarettes. Batteries and lithium batteries also have size restrictions. This is because they have been known to react or explode with a pressurisation of a cabin in flight.

What you can take in hand luggage is a consistent rule for any bag you choose to take on board a plane. Whether you have a small hand bag, hand luggage or you have chosen to take both on board the criteria for what is in your hand luggage remains the same.

Every traveller should comply with the hand luggage regulations as a precautionary measure. This is for the safety of themselves and others on board the plane. For example, Lithium batteries are a restricted size for hand luggage because they can discharge their power quickly if they short-circuit. This can happen when an unprotected battery comes in contact with another metal item.

Another example of the necessity of safety measure in hand luggage is the premise of the 30oz rule for liquids. This was established due to a bomb threat that occured with individuals taking liquid explosives on to a british flight in 2006. Even if you want to carry on a restricted item with no intention of harm, establishing these rules sets in place a protection for all passengers.

If you are still asking what can I take in my hand luggage? Then make sure to thoroughly check the criteria listed on your airline’s website, so you can enjoy your travel safely, and with ease!