Taking Hand Luggage Rules On Board

With airport staff cracking down on what you can and can’t take on board your flight, it can be hard to know what you can bring along. To make sure you get it right, here’s a quick run-down of what you can and can’t take and show you don’t have to sacrifice everything, as long as you play by the rules.

Obviously, sharp objects are out and that includes tweezers, nail scissor and razors. All too often, a pair of tweezers can be overlooked and then confiscated at the airport, so have a thorough check of your cosmetic bag before you go. Make-up is now allowed – for the most part – but all liquids must be kept it in a re-sealable plastic bag, so you can take lipstick, gloss, hair gel and various other pampering essentials on board, just not in their original packages. It’s a good idea to understand what is exactly meant by liquids. Apart from the obvious, like water, or foods, the term also means cream, mascara, perfume, shaving foam, gel and toothpaste. To save you hassle, and to keep skin hydrated on the flight, you may find it simpler to take sachets in your hand luggage instead and pack all your cosmetics in your checked-in bags.

Duty Free have their own set of rules, so you can buy perfume, moisturisers and other liquid-goods to take on board your flight after the security check. However, these too will be handed over to you in specially sealed bags that you shouldn’t tamper with until after you arrive at your destination and have made it through security.

Presents are also under scrutiny and chances are, airport security will want to see what you’ve bought. If possible try not to get them gift-wrapped before you travel; it’s likely that they’ll simply be unwrapped at the security gates. For more details of how to pack wisely - and obediently - look at the Department of Transport's website, for up-to-date reports on airport regulations.

When sorting out these travelling details, don’t forget the importance of travel insurance as you plan your trip. Many precious items will be packed into your main luggage and if that gets lost you’ll want to be efficiently reimbursed. Check out Go Travel’s website for lots of different packages to fit your holiday.

For information on things like baggage weight allowance, you could check out Travel Zoo website. They have details for most of the major airlines regarding things like check in times, and what you can take, which are worth a browse as you book your cheap flights.