How to carry hand luggage

Hand luggage represents the luggage that travelers take with them in the airplane cabin or in other means of transport and that is accessible during the trip. This is an important element of the trip and contains essential and valuable personal items. Hand luggage is designed to be easily transported and handled by the traveler. It is meant to provide mobility and quick access to personal items. Hand luggage contains essential personal items, such as documents, money, keys, mobile phones, laptops, tablets, medicine, change of clothes, books, electronic devices, and others.

Airport security rules impose restrictions on certain items or substances in hand luggage to ensure passenger safety. Proper packaging of items can avoid security issues.

Many airlines have specific rules regarding the size limits and weight of hand luggage size, and proper packing ensures compliance with these rules.

The packaging of liquids and hygiene items must be done according to the rules established by the airport authorities and the airlines. These rules are intended to ensure security and facilitate the security screening process at the airport.

5 rules for transporting hand luggage

1. Transporting liquids and nutrition

• Things necessary for hydration and nutrition

An empty water bottle for refilling after security check
Healthy snacks, such as dried fruits or nuts

• Containers for liquids

Liquids should be in individual containers with a maximum capacity of 100 milliliters each.
All containers with liquids must be placed in a single transparent bag with a capacity of up to one liter, with a resealable closure.

• Transparent bag for liquids

Make sure the transparent bag is sturdy and seals tightly.
Prepare the bag before reaching the security checkpoint to save time.

2. Transporting hygiene items

• Most essential hygiene items

Toothbrush and toothpaste, Wet wipes or toilet paper, Deodorant, Makeup, if necessary

• Travel-size hygiene items

Opt for travel-size packaging for hygiene products.
Purchase or transfer products into small containers to save space.

• Separate container for hygiene items

Keep hygiene products in a separate container, such as a transparent plastic bag or a special compartment in your carry-on bag.​

3. Documents, tickets, valuables, electronic devices, and money

• Carefully packed and secured items for air travel

Cash and credit/debit cards, jewelry or other valuables
Mobile phone and charger, laptop or tablet and charger, headphones for entertainment

• Pre-printing and packing

Airline tickets can be printed at home or kept in electronic format on mobile devices.
For printed tickets, you can keep them in a folder or a waterproof bag.
For electronic tickets, make sure your device is charged and easily accessible.

• Keeping money, cards, and jewelry safe during the journey

Take only a necessary amount of cash when traveling. This may include local or reserve currency.
It is recommended to have credit/debit cards when traveling. Make sure you have them easily accessible in a wallet or cardholder.
Jewelry or other valuables would be safer to have in your carry-on bag rather than in checked baggage.

4. Medications

• Possible medications

Necessary medications and medical prescriptions
Remedies for cold, pain, or other common conditions

• Original packaging

Keep medications in their original packaging, with the label containing necessary information about the medication (name, dosage, your name).
If the medication requires a prescription, make sure to have a copy of it or a note from the doctor confirming the need for the medication.
If you have liquid medications or gels in quantities exceeding 100 ml, you should declare these medications at the security checkpoint.

5. Other tips

• Pressure release

When packaging liquids in sealed containers, ensure that they can withstand pressure changes at high altitudes.

• Check expiration dates

Make sure that hygiene products have not expired.​

Overall, packing items in hand luggage is an essential practice to ensure a comfortable, safe, and hassle-free journey. It is always advisable to consult the airline or airport website to ensure compliance with their specific rules, as there may be variations between different locations.

In case of doubts, ask the check-in staff or read the information on the airline's website before traveling. If you have medications that require special storage or handling conditions (e.g., medications that need to be kept at controlled temperature), inform airport personnel about this to ensure that the special requirements are met.