What Can You Take in Your Carry-On Luggage?

What Can You Take with You in Your Carry-On Luggage?

Luggage is an inevitable part of traveling. When flying by plane, we also take suitcases and backpacks with us, and here we need to comply with the applicable rules and restrictions. This mainly applies to carry-on luggage, which we can bring on board and place under or above our seat. How should you pack your carry-on luggage to avoid problems at the airport?

Permissible Size of Carry-On Luggage

In stores, you can find various suitcase models labeled by manufacturers as "carry-on luggage." However, the sizes and allowable amounts of carry-on luggage can vary depending on the airline, and a suitcase may meet the standards in one place but not be suitable in another. This information should be checked on the websites of the respective airlines, where the maximum dimensions in centimeters will be specified (including protruding parts of the suitcase, such as wheels and handles), as well as the maximum weight allowed for carry-on luggage. Some airlines distinguish between paid and free carry-on luggage. Sometimes, in addition to a suitcase, you can also bring an extra small bag, such as a handbag or a laptop or camera bag.

For low-cost airlines, the size of carry-on luggage significantly affects travel costs. A small backpack, handbag, or laptop bag can usually be taken free of charge with the basic ticket price. Airlines strictly enforce these limits because carry-on baggage fees are part of their revenue. If you want to bring slightly larger luggage on board, you will have to pay for it. Therefore, it is advisable to check the luggage dimensions before the flight and understand what can be carried in carry-on luggage and what is prohibited to avoid stress during security checks.

What and How to Pack in Carry-On Luggage?

Airline rules and legal regulations apply not only to luggage size but also to its contents. For safety reasons, certain items cannot be taken on board or are allowed only in small quantities. The most well-known restrictions concern liquids, which include not only drinks but also alcohol, cosmetics, and even yogurt. All liquids, including cosmetics, must be placed in containers with a capacity of no more than 100 ml. Therefore, it is advisable to use sample containers or transfer your favorite cosmetics into smaller bottles. These containers must be placed in a transparent plastic bag. Fortunately, these restrictions do not apply to medicines and baby food. You can carry over-the-counter medicines needed during the trip. Prescription medicines are subject to liquid restrictions and must be declared during security checks.

As for drinks, they are not prohibited on board the plane. Of course, you cannot pass through security with them—you must leave them before the gates—but drinks purchased in the duty-free area can be taken on board without any problem.

Additionally, carry-on luggage can contain clothes, food (although you should check the rules of the country you are traveling to regarding food import), and electronic devices. Laptops, tablets, and other devices can be carried in carry-on luggage, but remember that during security checks, you must remove them from the suitcase, backpack, or bag and place them in the tray. You can also pack such items in checked luggage, as long as they fit and are not on the list of prohibited items. You may also bring a pillow to ensure a comfortable flight.

What Can’t You Carry in Carry-On Luggage or Bring on Board the Plane?

For safety reasons, some items cannot be taken on board the plane. If found during security checks, this can lead to serious problems, so it is better to familiarize yourself with the rules in advance. Carrying any sharp objects is prohibited. At first glance, this seems obvious, and almost no one tries to bring knives on board, but not only such items are forbidden. You cannot have anything with sharp edges, so even an umbrella with a sharp tip is not allowed. Weapons, explosives, toxic substances, and flammable materials are also prohibited. You cannot carry liquids in containers larger than 100 ml. Car parts or billiard and golf cues are not allowed either. Regarding the increasingly popular electronic cigarettes, they can be in carry-on luggage. Liquids must comply with the standard liquid restrictions. However, their use during the flight is not allowed. Sports equipment with sharp edges or metal parts, such as skateboards, skis, and sabers, is also prohibited. Of course, radioactive materials, flammable liquids, and other chemicals, as well as small lighters, disposable razors, or small tools, are forbidden.

And If It’s Not in Carry-On Luggage, Where Should You Put It?

Items prohibited in carry-on luggage are not always completely banned. Many of them can be carried without problems in checked luggage. This mainly applies to liquids. Checked luggage, which is placed in the cargo hold, can contain liquids. This way, you can transport any cosmetics or medicines. You can also carry sharp objects that are forbidden on board. Razors, blades, nail clippers, files, and pliers—all these items can be placed in the large suitcase that will be checked in. Checked luggage offers much greater possibilities for carrying items that cannot be in carry-on luggage.

What to Do with Alcohol?

Only alcohol purchased in the duty-free area can be carried on board the plane. This also applies to alcohol. Regarding restrictions, it is important to familiarize yourself with the rules for importing alcohol into the country you are traveling to. You should check whether the laws of the country you are traveling to prohibit alcohol import to avoid trouble. The general rules regarding alcohol are:

• alcohol with a concentration of 24-70% by volume;
• alcohol must be in its original packaging;
• a maximum quantity of 5 liters per person.

This, of course, applies to checked luggage. In carry-on luggage, you can carry alcohol only in small bottles of 100 ml, unless purchased in the duty-free zone.

There Are Fewer Restrictions Within the European Union Than Outside It

When traveling within EU countries, you don’t need to worry too much about restrictions. The common market and laws make this process significantly easier. It is somewhat different when traveling worldwide, especially to the United States or Australia. These countries also restrict food imports. The import of animal products, certain fruits and vegetables, and unprocessed food is prohibited. These restrictions also apply to EU countries when food is imported from non-EU countries.

How to Prepare for the Flight – Packing Carry-On Luggage

Once you know what cannot be carried on board, it’s good to check children’s luggage as well. Sometimes they forget to empty compasses or school scissors from their backpacks, which can cause problems. If you want to bring liquids in carry-on luggage, they must be placed in transparent 100 ml bottles. Where to get them? They can be purchased at pharmacies or online stores. The restrictions do not apply to sandwiches and snacks, especially if they are in their original packaging. You can take them on board if you prefer them over the airplane buffet. Carry-on luggage offers great possibilities despite certain restrictions.

To avoid unpleasant surprises, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the rules for carrying different items. This way, you can travel calmly and without unnecessary stress.