Hand Luggage … the pros and cons

LUGGAGE restrictions seem to change all the time, says Claim Flights, which represents passenger rights with airlines in Britain and Europe. It urges travellers to be up-to-date with current regulations of the airline with which they’re flying. 

The regulations for check-in luggage are relatively straightforward, although passengers should ensure they are aware of the weight they can check-in and the number of luggage items allowed. Don't assume that all airlines are the same.

But the regulations for hand luggage are varied, and they change. While some airlines will allow you to carry a large bag as well as a handbag or laptop, many are far stricter than this.

Travelling with only hand luggage has its benefits. It’s quicker, since there is no need to join a check-in queue on departure or wait for it on arrival. It's also safer to keep high value items – laptops, tablets, jewellery – with you. But make sure you are aware of hand luggage restrictions on connecting flights. easyJet will allow you unlimited weight on your hand luggage, but if you're connecting flight is Thomas Cook, you would be allowed only 6kg with one accessory.

And it's not just the weight that's important. Remember to check the allowed sizes for hand luggage. It might be that you have to buy a new bag to accommodate the size restrictions.

Unfortunately, it's not just about the weight and size of your hand luggage anymore. According to www.gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions/overview, there are other restrictions to consider, especially concerning the amount of liquids that can be taken in hand luggage.

Liquids include:

• All drinks, including water 
• Liquid or semi-liquid foods (soup, jam, honey, and syrups) 
• cosmetics and toiletries, including creams, lotions, oils, perfumes, mascara, and lip gloss 
• Sprays, including shaving foam, hairspray, and spray deodorants 
• Pastes, including toothpaste 
• Gels, including hair and shower gel 
• Contact lens solution 

If you do take liquids in your hand luggage:

• Containers must hold no more than 100ml, and must be in a single, transparent re-sealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm 
• Contents must fit comfortably inside the bag, so it can be sealed 
• The bag must not be knotted or tied at the top 
• One plastic bag per person 

Claim Flights CEO, Dr. Mirko Ulbrich, says: ‘Have a great holiday, but don't forget to check out the hand luggage restrictions for the airlines you are travelling with to avoid fees and frustrations. Also, if you plan on doing some shopping when abroad, do make sure your luggage is still within the weight allowances or you could be in for an unpleasant surprise at the airport.’

 www.claimflights.co.uk/blog

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Airlines reach agreement on standard carry-on bag size

AIRLINES have agreed an ‘optimum size’ guideline for carry-on bags designed to make the best use of cabin storage space.

A size of 21.5 x 13.5 x 7.5 inches (or 55 x 35 x 20 cm) means that ‘theoretically’ everyone should have a chance to store their carry-on bags on board aircraft of 120 seats or larger, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) .

An IATA Cabin OK logo to signify to airline staff that a bag meets the agreed size guidelines has been developed. A number of major international airlines will soon be introducing the guidelines into their operations, and bags carrying the identifying label are expected to be available to buy later this year.

Recognition of the logo is expected to grow with time as more airlines join the initiative, while several major baggage manufacturers have developed products in line with the optimum size guidelines.

IATA senior vice president for airport, passenger, cargo, and security, Tom Windmuller, said: ‘The development of an agreed optimal cabin bag size will bring common sense and order to the problem of differing sizes for carry-on bags. We know the current situation can be frustrating for passengers. This work will help to iron out inconsistencies.’


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