Who doesn’t love to travel? The joy of traveling lies in the ability to gain more experiences, friendships, and connections that undoubtedly benefit your life. However, when traveling, we always consider how much luggage we can carry and what items we should bring with us. Some people prefer carrying only the essentials, while others opt to ship all their belongings. But can we take all the items we want, in the quantities we desire, or do airlines have a say in this matter?
Rules for Carrying Luggage on Airplanes: These rules may vary depending on different airlines, travel classes, membership status, and flight routes. They also differ based on luggage weights and dimensions.
Allowed Weight of Carry-On Luggage
The allowed weight of carry-on luggage depends on the travel class.
First Class and Business Class
Passengers in these classes are allowed to bring a handbag or briefcase on board, as long as its dimensions do not exceed 115 centimeters. They are also permitted to carry a document bag, which should not exceed 100 centimeters. The combined weight of both items should not exceed nine kilograms.
Economy Class
Passengers in Economy Class can bring a handbag or a briefcase, as long as their dimensions do not exceed 115 centimeters. The weight of each item should not exceed seven kilograms.
Personal Items and Accessories
Passengers are also allowed to bring personal items such as coats, binoculars, walking sticks, small cameras, regular-sized women’s handbags, reading material, baby food for the duration of the flight, and a baby’s bassinet.
International Luggage Rules
New regulations have been imposed on travelers to and from European airports and the United States. These include:
Travelers are allowed to carry only one piece of hand luggage on board.
Certain items, such as baby food, medical medicines, laptops, mobile phones, and cash, are allowed within hand luggage.
Some items, like liquid or gel materials (e.g., gels, toothpaste, liquid cosmetics, or perfumes), lighters, and matches, are not permitted in hand luggage.
For some items like baby food, they must be placed in a transparent plastic bag, and the total size of these containers should not exceed one liter.
Travelers might be asked to provide proof of the authenticity of these medications.
Note: Security authorities may confiscate items if a traveler violates these rules or fails to comply, even if these items are placed in a clear plastic bag.
Allowed Free Items for Passengers with Special Needs
Wheelchairs: Passengers with special needs can bring their wheelchairs on board.
Kidney Dialysis Machines: Passengers relying on portable dialysis machines can carry one device on board, alongside their other luggage.
Guide Dogs: Deaf or blind passengers who use guide dogs to assist them can bring their dogs, but the dogs must be placed in appropriate crates and stored in the aircraft’s cargo hold.
Infant Strollers: Travelers can carry their baby strollers with them, and they will be stored in the airplane’s cargo hold.
Prohibited Items on Airplanes
For safety and security reasons, airlines prohibit carrying the following hazardous materials:
Swords, firearms, ammunition, knives, explosives, flammable materials, corrosive materials, toxic substances, and compressed gases.
Security Procedures for Air Travel
Additional security laws and measures apply to travelers departing from or arriving at European Union airports and the United States. These include:
Passengers are not allowed to carry liquid or gel substances, such as gels, toothpaste, liquid cosmetics, or perfumes, in their inspected luggage.
Lighters, matches, and similar items are also not allowed in checked luggage.
Travelers must comply with these regulations, ensuring safe and pleasant travel.