Hand Luggage

When flying, your hand luggage—also known as carry-on baggage—is the small bag you take with you into the airplane cabin. It’s where you keep your most important items during the flight, and it’s subject to specific rules and restrictions. While exact regulations can vary slightly between airlines, most follow similar international standards. This guide will help you understand what you can and cannot bring in your hand luggage, and how to pack smartly for a smooth journey.

Most airlines allow you to bring:

• One carry-on bag (like a small suitcase or backpack)
• One personal item (such as a handbag, laptop bag, or camera case)

Size and Weight Limits

Typical limits are:

• Size: Around 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21.7 x 15.7 x 9 inches)
• Weight: Usually between 7 kg and 10 kg (15–22 lbs)

Always check your airline’s website before flying, as some budget airlines may have stricter rules or charge extra for larger bags.

Your hand luggage should include items that are:

• Essential
• Valuable
• Needed during the flight

Here are some good examples:

• Travel documents (passport, boarding pass, visa)
• Electronics (phone, laptop, tablet, chargers)
• Medications and medical supplies
• Valuables (wallet, jewelry, important papers)
• A change of clothes (especially for long flights or layovers)
• Snacks (solid food is usually allowed)

Certain items are not allowed in your carry-on bag for safety reasons. These include:

• Sharp objects (knives, scissors with long blades)
• Weapons or replicas
• Flammable items (fireworks, lighter fluid)
• Self-defense sprays (like pepper spray)
• Tools (screwdrivers, hammers, etc.)
• Liquids over 100 ml (unless exempted)

When packing liquids in your hand luggage, there are strict security rules you need to follow:

• Each liquid must be in a container of 100 millilitres (ml) or less.
• All containers must fit into a single, clear, resealable plastic bag.
• The bag should be no larger than 1 litre in total capacity.
• You must take this bag out of your luggage and place it in a separate tray during security screening.

Examples of liquids and similar items:

• Water, juice, or other drinks
• Shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel
• Toothpaste, lotion, and sunscreen
• Perfume, deodorant, and shaving foam

Important exceptions:

• Baby food and milk (if you're travelling with a baby)
• Essential medications (with a prescription or doctor’s note)
• Special dietary liquids (if medically necessary)

These exceptions may be allowed in larger quantities, but you must declare them at the security checkpoint.