Basic rules for carrying baggage on an airplane. What can you take in hand luggage on a plane, prohibitions and restrictions What can you put in a suitcase on a plane

During the holiday season, the question of what cannot be taken in hand luggage on a plane arises especially acutely. To avoid problems when going through the baggage inspection procedure while boarding the plane, the passenger must read in advance the new rules for 2016, which contain a list of items prohibited for carriage.

Items that should not be taken on board an airplane as hand luggage

Hand luggage is a list of items that a passenger is allowed to take with him into the cabin during the flight. They are recognized as safe for passengers. At the same time, there is a list of items the transportation of which is strictly prohibited. The list is constantly changing. It may vary depending on the airline chosen.

Airport workers strictly monitor compliance with the rules for carrying hand luggage on board the aircraft. If a passenger has a prohibited item in their suitcases or bags, they will be forced to leave the item at the airport. If the traveler refuses to do this, he will be prohibited from boarding the aircraft.

To prevent this from happening, items that are included in the list of prohibited items for transportation, but which must be taken with you, should be handed over to the luggage compartment in advance.

What is prohibited from being carried in hand luggage on an airplane? When packing luggage for an upcoming flight, a traveler should know that he will not be allowed through security if he plans to take with him:

  • Weapons, including traumatic ones;
  • Children's toys and souvenirs that imitate weapons, which can easily be confused with real ones;
  • Liquids that are easily flammable;
  • Explosives;
  • Flammable solids;
  • Radioactive substances;
  • Oxidizing substances;
  • Magnetized objects;
  • Toxic substances.

Carrying the above items on an airplane is prohibited in any form. Their presence in luggage may raise additional questions from airport security and arouse suspicion. To avoid problems when passing control, it is better to leave these items at home. Transportation of weapons can be carried out only in cases provided for by law.

  • wine corkscrew;
  • nail file;
  • wire cutters;
  • knitting needles;
  • tweezers;
  • medical injection needles without the appropriate documents;
  • razor;
  • jackknife;
  • scissors.

These items belong to the category of piercing and cutting objects. If, during inspection, they are found in the bag that the passenger is about to take on the plane, he will not be allowed into the cabin. Items should be placed in a suitcase, which will be transferred to baggage, or purchased after landing. At the same time, a file with rounded edges and a razor with interchangeable attachments do not fall into the category of piercing and cutting objects. The passenger can safely take them with him on the flight.

If it is announced that the planned flight is a high-risk flight, the list of items that will be prohibited for transportation will expand significantly. The list may include some personal items.

The final list must be clarified on the company's website a few days before departure. The luggage of passengers traveling on high-risk flights is checked especially carefully. If prohibited items are detected, the passenger may be prohibited from flying.

Transporting liquids

If a traveler needs to take liquid with him, he must remember that its volume should not exceed 1 liter. The following are allowed for carriage:

  • water;
  • beverages;
  • shampoo;
  • creams;
  • aerosols.

Cosmetics also fall into the “liquids” category. The traveler has the right to transport:

  • mascara;
  • lip gloss;
  • cream.

The volume of the package should not be higher than 100 ml. If a traveler takes a container that holds 200 ml and fills it halfway, the liquid will have to be left on the ground when going through security. Otherwise, the passenger will not be allowed to board the flight.

Baby food falls into the “liquid” category. You can take it with you, it is necessary food for feeding a small child during the flight. Baby food is the exception to the rule.

If a child requires a volume exceeding 1 liter during the flight, the rules allow you to take the required amount of baby food.

If 2 passengers travel on a flight together with one hand luggage, then the volume is not summed up.

Liquids that the passenger plans to take with them must be placed in transparent bags in advance. It is best to use packaging with a lock.

Where can I buy a container for liquids that does not exceed 100 ml?

It is not that difficult to obtain packaging that meets the requirements. There is no need to throw away the packaging of shampoo and detergents that are provided during your stay at the hotel. The containers exactly meet the requirements when passing control at the airport.

The bags required for transporting liquids can be purchased from office supply stores. To pass control, it is enough if the liquids are packed in a tight file with a zipper. It is best if the traveler purchases a ready-made travel kit. It is sold in specialized stores. The set is compiled by professionals taking into account the requirements for control.

Familiarization with the requirements of a specific air carrier

When thinking about what cannot be carried in hand luggage on an airplane, a traveler should familiarize himself with the requirements of a particular airline. The list of prohibited items may vary significantly. For example, during the Olympics in Sochi, a complete ban on the transportation of liquids was introduced.

If the list of items in hand luggage is prohibited, security will not allow the passenger to pass. You will need to leave prohibited items at the airport. There is no use arguing with employees. The passenger risks the flight being delayed or not being allowed to board the flight. You can familiarize yourself with the requirements for the list of items for transportation in hand luggage in the aircraft cabin on the company’s website.

Number of seats provided to a passenger in the aircraft cabin for hand luggage

The number of luggage spaces provided to a passenger for storage in the aircraft cabin may vary depending on the class and the chosen airline. Typically, 1 piece of hand luggage is allocated per economy class traveler.

At the same time, for passengers flying 1st class, 2 seats can be allocated at once. There are items that do not count as baggage taking up storage space. These include:

  • briefcases or handbags;
  • cameras;
  • laptops;
  • tablets.

If a person is carrying a folding stroller, outerwear or crutches, then these items will also not be counted as hand luggage, which occupies 1 piece. Items can be transported freely. There is no additional charge for them.

In economy class, only one piece of hand luggage is allowed

Allowable weight and size

Requirements for the size and weight of transported items may vary. They depend on the distance of the upcoming flight and the class the passenger is flying. Typically, the weight of a suitcase or bag transported in the cabin should not exceed 5-10 kg. Items exceeding the permissible volume should be checked in to the luggage compartment in advance.

Weight is checked before boarding. To avoid any problems, the passenger should check the weight of the items he plans to take on board the plane at home. To carry out the procedure, ordinary scales are suitable.

Transportation of sports equipment and musical instruments is carried out in accordance with existing requirements. If items exceed the permissible weight, they must be checked in as checked baggage. An exception may be rare musical instruments of high value. Their transportation is permitted in the aircraft cabin if the weight of the item does not exceed 32 kg.

According to the requirements, the passenger must be able to place a suitcase or bag on the luggage rack without assistance.

The total volume of a suitcase or bag should not exceed 115 cm. A suitcase with a maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20 may be allowed into the cabin. Any larger item cannot be taken as hand luggage on the plane. If your baggage exceeds the measurements, airport employees will force you to check your bag or suitcase as checked baggage. If the passenger refuses, he will not be allowed to board the plane.

The airline checks the volume of luggage in a special frame. Bags and suitcases must pass through it freely, along with handles and wheels. For excess and excess volume you will have to pay extra. For this reason, passengers should carefully consider the list of items they plan to take with them on their trip. You should give preference only to things that will definitely be useful during the trip. Everything else should be left at home.

Frame for checking the size of hand luggage

What can you take with you on the plane?

In the cabin of the aircraft, regardless of the airline, class or country, you are allowed to take with you:

  • documentation;
  • children's toys, if they do not have sharp corners;
  • souvenirs;
  • medications if the passenger needs them;
  • printed materials;
  • keys;
  • money;
  • jewelry.

You should take medications on a trip only if their use may be required during the flight. If there is no urgent need, it is better to refuse to carry them in hand luggage. The passenger will have to prove the need for medications and their purpose. The procedure will complicate registration.


If the item is of high value, in order to avoid loss or damage, you are allowed to take it with you into the aircraft cabin. The statement also applies to expensive musical instruments. Their weight should not be higher than 32 kg. Items exceeding the permissible limit must be checked into the baggage compartment of the aircraft.

Cameras, outerwear, food for children, phones and laptops are not subject to weighing and are not marked. There is no charge for their transportation.

You are strictly prohibited from taking into the aircraft cabin:

  • Food;
  • items that may break during a flight;
  • objects with sharp corners;
  • objects capable of causing cutting wounds to passengers.

If a children's toy has sharp corners, airport workers may consider it a sharp object and prohibit its transportation in the aircraft cabin. The passenger can take outerwear with him, which can later be stored in the luggage rack. At the same time, he has the right to put it in the luggage rack. Clothes do not count as carry-on baggage and do not require additional space.

Most companies allow you to carry umbrellas in the cabin. However, some companies have come to the conclusion that it can be used as a weapon to cause harm to the health of passengers, and require the item to be checked in as luggage. To avoid any misunderstandings, the umbrella should be handed over to the luggage compartment in advance.

The passenger has the right to take any printed materials with him into the aircraft cabin. In most airlines, if the weight of items does not exceed 5 - 10 kg, then you can carry baggage for free. However, there are exceptions to the rule.

Strong painkillers in large quantities may raise questions

Passing control

During the inspection procedure, the passenger must present to airport employees:

  • laptop;
  • telephone;
  • hand luggage;
  • outerwear.

Inspection of objects is carried out using a scanner. It is important to remember that different airlines have different requirements for the contents of hand luggage that is allowed to be carried in the cabin. To avoid misunderstandings, the passenger must familiarize himself with the requirements in advance. You can find out information by visiting the airline's website.

In contact with

As soon as you buy a plane ticket, or better yet, before booking your trip, pay attention to the baggage conditions. Each airline has its own requirements. The minimum information will be specified when booking the flight, and for details, go to the section of the carrier’s website where the conditions of transportation are indicated. And read our review)

What are the rules for things on an airplane?

Upon boarding, everything the passenger is carrying is inspected and weighed. It turned out that the suitcase exceeds the permissible weight or dimensions - difficulties will arise during registration, which threaten not only loss of time and nerves, but also unplanned expenses.

Pay attention! Musical instruments and animals are transported separately, regardless of the volume of other things. The free carriage norm does not apply to them; you will have to pay extra according to the tariff schedule.

In international air travel, there are 2 generally accepted measures for transporting passenger suitcases: weight concept and piece concept. Free and paid flight options with luggage are affected by:

  • service class,
  • flight duration,
  • luggage dimensions,
  • the weight of things
  • flight direction.

The weight concept or weight measure sets a limit only on the weight of passenger bags. Used by most carriers in Asia, CIS countries and some European companies. For adult passengers and children over two years old, the weight measure allows you to transport free of charge:

  • Economy - no more than 20 kilograms;
  • Business - no more than 30 kilograms;
  • The first - no more than 40 kilograms.

These restrictions include the combined weight of checked baggage and carry-on baggage per passenger. Information about the norm of things is placed on the purchased air ticket. If the requirements change, the carrier must notify the passenger. You are allowed to take no more than 10 kilograms with a size of up to 1.15 meters into the aircraft cabin without additional payment.

If a child under two years old is flying without a separate seat from his parents, the amount of things allowed for him will be 10 kilograms.

Piece concept or quantitative measure defines the number of units carried per passenger. Distributed by airlines in Canada, the USA, and most countries in Central and South America. Among Russian airlines, Aeroflot uses this measure.
With a quantitative measure, regardless of the class of ticket, it is allowed to transport no more than two bags weighing up to 32 kilograms each free of charge. The combined weight of the seats does not matter and does not add up. Maximum dimensions for quantitative measure:

  • Economy - no more than 1.58 meters
  • Business - no more than 2.03 meters;
  • The first is no more than 2.03 meters.

Keep in mind: no matter the complexity or distance of the flight, loading and unloading of things is paid by the airline.

Oversized luggage

The following are considered oversized items on an aircraft:

  • a piece of luggage weighing more than 32 kg and measuring more than 2.03 m in all dimensions,
  • any sports equipment,
  • any musical instruments,
  • Appliances.

If you are flying abroad, remember: checked baggage is checked baggage, cabin baggage (hand baggage/carry-on) is hand luggage.

Carriage of baggage in excess of the norm will have to be paid; it is best to clarify the airline’s tariffs and payment terms and arrange them in advance. And at the front desk just show the receipt for payment for oversized items.

The airline may refuse to carry oversized baggage if there is not enough free space in the baggage compartment or cargo of that size does not fit into the loading hatches.

Transportation of fragile and valuable luggage

We recommend keeping important, fragile and valuable items and documents with you and taking them into the cabin if they are the same size and weight as hand luggage. If fragile and valuable luggage is large, but less than 75 kilograms, it will be allowed to be carried in the cabin on a separate ticket.

If fragile luggage does not arrive intact, the carrier will not admit guilt. After all, airline passengers are not legally responsible for the safety of fragile belongings.

If you weigh more than 75 kilograms, you will have to buy several pieces of luggage that are a multiple of the difference in luggage weight and the weight standard for 1 piece. There is no discount system for these tickets.

Hand luggage


Passenger belongings transported on an airplane are divided into:

  • luggage - these items travel in the luggage compartment and are handed over to the carrier's employees at the check-in counter before boarding the plane;
  • hand luggage - things that a passenger takes with him into the aircraft cabin; the airline limits them in weight and volume.

Typically, hand luggage should fit into the standard: when traveling in economy class, the weight is 10 kilograms with a size of no more than 1.15 m; when traveling on business, the weight of the suitcase should not exceed 15 kilograms, the sum of dimensions should not exceed 1.15 m.

In excess of the norm, without taking into account the total weight of baggage, a passenger may carry into the aircraft cabin:
flowers and a woman's handbag, a coat and a stole, an umbrella and a book, a camera and a camera, a laptop and a tablet, a stroller for a child, a bag of groceries or a package.

But it is not exactly)
Low-cost airlines greatly narrow the list of things you can take with you. Check the exact list on your airline's website.

Baggage on a regular flight

Each airplane passenger can carry a certain amount of things without paying. The exact volume depends on the type of aircraft and airline regulations. One of the advantages of flying with large companies with regular flights is the large baggage allowance. Carry up to 23 kilograms in checked luggage and up to 7 kilograms in hand luggage free of charge.

The exact amount of free baggage is always indicated on your ticket.

When purchasing tickets for a regular flight at a discount, check with the airline for the maximum size of items in your luggage and cabin. Understand the maximum as approximate. It is important that the sum of the three dimensions of the height, width and depth of the passenger's bag is less than the sum of the dimensions in the airline's table.

Flying with luggage on low-cost airlines

The allowed baggage size for low cost airlines is significantly smaller than usual. Some low-cost airlines do not allow luggage to be transported without additional payment, and they also severely limit the amount of hand luggage allowed on the plane.

Air discounters strictly check that items comply with the rules and make money from inattentive passengers who have not read the transportation rules. Near the check-in counter and at the exit to the plane there are scales and frames in which hand luggage must be placed. If the bag is larger, you will have to check it as luggage and pay a fair amount.
You will be allowed on a budget company plane with only 1 piece of luggage. Some low-cost airlines will still allow you to bring an additional handbag and laptop into the cabin. Read the airline rules carefully.

If your carry-on baggage is larger than the allowance and there is nothing to put away, then check in and pay for your baggage in advance online before arriving at the airport. Checking your luggage at the counter before boarding will cost twice as much. And payment at the gate upon boarding will result in a substantial amount.

Advice! Low-cost airlines do not limit the amount of clothing a passenger can wear. Wear the bulkiest and heaviest things possible.

Flying with a discount airline allows you to save a lot of money, but take as little luggage as possible and carefully read the rules for transporting baggage and hand luggage. Then there will be no problems and no loss of money when boarding the flight.

Baggage allowance on charter

The norms for carrying things on a charter flight are determined by the tour operator who sells the tour and is the charterer of the aircraft. On charter flights, passengers are allowed to carry one piece weighing no more than 20 kg and 10 kg for children under 2 years of age (if a separate seat is not provided for the child). The free baggage allowance for charter flights is the same for business and economy class.

Most often, charter companies add up the weight of seats for passengers flying together. But it’s better to divide your luggage evenly, since the company simply will not accept items weighing more than 30 kg for transportation without additional payment.
The hand luggage allowance on charters is 5 kg per passenger. On a charter, they do not strictly monitor the dimensions of luggage and hand luggage; a slight excess is often allowed through without additional payment.

What to do with luggage when flying with a transfer

You can travel in transit on planes of the same or different airlines. It’s more convenient when you change trains without changing the carrier company:

  • all flights will be included in one ticket,
  • you hand over your things at the airport of departure and receive them upon arrival,
  • Airline employees are responsible for the transportation of your belongings.

If you are carrying things that need to be declared, you will have to receive your luggage at the intermediate point and check it in yourself after inspection for the next flight.

It’s more difficult when you fly on several airlines. If the companies are partners and you checked your luggage to your final destination, there will be no differences. But when the carriers are not connected with each other, you will have to work hard:

  • there will be separate tickets for each flight,
  • things will have to be received and returned again at the transit airport,
  • being late for a connection and keeping your luggage safe is your headache.

If you have a connection, allow more time to go through registration and move around the airport. Familiarize yourself with the airport map in advance and plan your route to the connecting point. Travel only with hand luggage.

When we fly without luggage

More and more independent travelers are choosing to fly without checking luggage. Flying with hand luggage is the best way to save time and money and get only positive emotions from the flight.

Save time

Checking in and checking luggage takes time, as does standing in line to check in. Travel with hand luggage and check in before arriving at the airport - avoid standing in line and wasting time.

Another waste of time is getting your luggage. Waiting for luggage after the plane arrives can take up to 1.5 hours depending on the arrival airport. If you only have hand luggage with you, you can go about your business immediately after leaving the plane and going through passport control.

Enjoy your flight

A traveler's worst nightmare is the airline losing your suitcase. Of course, most often things are found, but this unpleasant experience is not worth going through. But what about fears that the suitcase will be damaged during loading or that it will be opened and something valuable will be stolen?
When your things travel side by side in the cabin of the plane, there will be no frantic worries or worries. A comfortable and roomy bag that you take as hand luggage guarantees the absence of unnecessary worries.

Avoid unnecessary spending

Overweight is a frequent and unpleasant phenomenon for travelers, which threatens additional expenses. In addition, when flying without luggage, you can easily travel with low-cost airlines with their incredibly low price tags.

The main difficulty when flying with hand luggage is the ability to discard unnecessary things. Learn to hit the road with a minimum of luggage. This is especially useful during connections and complex routes. Take everything with you on the plane and your mobility will allow you to visit more places in one trip.

What can you take on a plane in hand luggage?

If you fly with luggage, take into the cabin only what you need during the flight: your favorite book, gadgets, documents and a warm jumper. It is better to keep valuable and fragile items with you too. But if you are traveling exclusively with hand luggage, check which things to pack and which things you will have to leave at home.

A standard “flight” bag should not exceed 1.15 meters in total in all dimensions or be no more than 55x40x20 centimeters. The permitted weight depends on the carrier, but can rarely exceed 10 kg per passenger. If the dimensions are not met, you will have to check in your luggage.
Low-cost airline requirements for the size of a flight bag can vary significantly. If you don’t want to pay extra, read and fulfill all the conditions of the low-cost carrier.

List of things allowed on the plane

  • Food: You can bring any solid food onto the plane. Do not attempt to bring in liquids, jellies or creams larger than 100 ml. Take your child’s food and drink with you in reasonable quantities and do not have to put it in plastic, but you will need to present it during inspection. Be prepared for additional questions and requests to open and try the content.
  • Medicines: take any non-liquid medicines in reasonable quantities, it is better if they are in the original packaging and with instructions. If you have a large quantity of medications or if the drugs contain narcotic substances, have a prescription and a certificate from your doctor with you to avoid problems at customs.
    The volume of liquid medications and sprays should be less than 100 ml. But you cannot bring aerosols and syringes.
  • Equipment: the list of devices that can be carried by plane depends on the country's security requirements. Usually there are no problems when transporting a phone, laptop, tablet, camera and player. You can also take small household appliances (electric razor, electric toothbrush and hair dryer). If suspicion arises, the inspection service may require you to turn on the device and demonstrate its operation.
    If you are carrying equipment in your hand luggage, remember that the airline limits the number of items in the cabin per passenger and their size.
  • Documents and valuables: it is better to take your passport and all documents necessary for travel (hotel reservations, tickets and car rental), as well as valuables, into the cabin of the plane. If your luggage is lost, all the documents necessary for your stay in the country will be on hand.

  • Cosmetics: Carry bulk and dry cosmetics without any problems, but with liquid cosmetics it is more difficult: the total volume of liquid substances in your hand luggage should not be more than 1 liter, and the volume of one bottle should not exceed 100 ml. If the conditions are not met, you will have to throw away your favorite products during security or return to the check-in counter and check them in as luggage. Aerosols and pressurized containers are prohibited from being taken on flights; replace them with dry products.
  • Hygiene items: there is a ban on piercing and cutting objects on the plane, regardless of their size, so nail scissors, combs with a sharp metal handle and straight razors cannot be carried. Take the paste in a tube of less than 100 ml to avoid problems.
  • Baby accessories: airlines allow you to take a stroller or baby carrier on the plane at no additional cost. They are checked in as hand luggage and handed over to the staff upon entering the cabin.

How to carry Duty Free goods on a plane

You can buy Duty Free products in the duty-free trade zone or during an international flight. There will be no problems with solid goods, but when transporting liquids (perfume, alcoholic drinks, etc.) you need to be aware of the rules:

  • Duty free products must be specially sealed and packaged;
  • do not open the package until you arrive at your destination and pass control;
  • A bottle unpacked at the airport may be prohibited from being taken on a flight.

After purchasing alcoholic beverages at Duty Free, find out the customs requirements for the export and import of strong drinks in the destination country. When purchasing from Duty Free on a complex route, find out the rules for transporting goods in the transit country and the requirements of the carrier.

When returning to Russia, you can carry no more than 3 liters of alcohol per passenger free of charge. When transiting through the Schengen zone, alcohol will be required to be checked in as baggage. And when departing from US airports, only alcohol purchased at American Duty Free will be allowed in the aircraft cabin.

Not all low-cost airlines allow you to carry a package with Duty Free without additional payments; it is considered a separate place and you will have to pay for transportation.

What is prohibited from being carried on an airplane?

It is prohibited to carry any dangerous substances or objects on the plane that could harm other passengers. These are all types of weapons and weapons-like toys, radioactive, poisonous, corrosive substances and gases under pressure. The customs service also has its own restrictions, they relate to money, jewelry, alcohol, tobacco, various valuables and art objects.

Usually, budget travelers don’t think of packing anything from this list, but on signs at the airport you’ll see just such a list of prohibited substances.

Rules for carrying liquids on an airplane

On the plane you will be allowed to take a maximum of 1 liter of liquid substances, in addition, all products are asked to be bottled in separate 100 ml containers. Moreover, liquids include only water, but also any creamy or jelly-like products.

Please note that it is prohibited to transport liquids in partially filled containers larger than 100 ml. If 50 ml of shampoo is packaged in a 400 ml bottle, you will have to part with the product during inspection.

  • stock up on mini-packs, preferably with the volume indicated on the package;
  • distribute all liquid and cream products into containers;
  • pack all the products in one transparent bag, preferably 20 by 20 centimeters in size;
  • check that the total volume does not exceed 1000 ml (10 containers).

Where can I get the correct 100 ml containers? Leave the mini-packs that are given when you check in at hotels: you will have shampoo, body wash and cream. Buy miniature cosmetics or a travel set of cosmetics, it contains 50-100 ml of products. There are universal packaging of containers for travelers on sale; all you have to do is pour your favorite products and pack your luggage.

A Zip-Lock, which is sold at any office supply store, is perfect as a package. And yet, the volume of liquids of travelers flying together will not be added up.

How to avoid losing luggage during a flight

If you are afraid of losing your luggage during a flight, take steps before your flight to reduce the likelihood of loss:

  1. Remove used luggage tags after your flight. An airport employee will easily make a mistake if the suitcase is hung with old tags and stickers, and will send the baggage along a different route.
  2. Keep valuable and necessary things with you. If it is not easy to replace an item, take it to the cabin, because the carrier is not responsible for the loss.
  3. Label the outside of the suitcase, indicate the city, last name and contact, preferably in English. Inside the bag also put a piece of paper with contacts and a request to return the luggage.
  4. Take a photo of the bag inside and out, keep a list of all valuables, it’s great if you can justify their value by presenting a receipt.
  5. Remove the external straps during the flight - they will get caught on the transport line and the suitcase will get stuck.
  6. Wrap your luggage in film, use packaging at the airport, or wrap it yourself. Stretch packaging will protect against burglars and damage during transportation.
  7. Choose discreet models or buy a special case. Luxury suitcases attract unnecessary attention; expensive bags can be stolen for the purpose of theft.
  8. Install it on a combination lock and change the code: this will protect the bag from opening when dropped and zipped and will scare away or at least slow down robbers.
  9. Insure your luggage against loss: if the suitcase is lost, the insurance company will reimburse the amount of damage. To do this without any hassle, use one of the stores to buy insurance online

Why does luggage get lost?

  • 50% of luggage is lost due to failures and inconsistencies in airport operations,
  • 15% of bags are not loaded onto the plane due to a lost or missing luggage tag,
  • 15% remain on the baggage belt - passengers simply do not pick them up,
  • 20% of luggage goes missing in other ways for various reasons.

Where do our missing suitcases end up?

When checking in, a special tag with markings is hung on the bag; the ten-digit barcode contains complete information about the luggage:

  • Last 6 digits - unique baggage identifier
  • 3 digits in the middle - flight number designation
  • The first digit is the baggage class.

The tag is a guide that allows the airport system to direct luggage along the correct route, moving along the transport belt the suitcase ends up at the desired point: the luggage compartment of the aircraft or the baggage claim area. If there is no tag, there is a problem on the line or the barcode is not read correctly - the bag ends up as lost baggage or flies on the wrong route.

Where do suitcases disappear at the airport?

    1. To distant distances: if a mistake is made in the marking of the tag, the suitcase will fly on its own journey: another city, country, continent - the larger the airport, the more exotic the suitcase’s route can be.
    2. Into the desperate unknown: the tag is torn or loosely affixed and is lost when the suitcase passes the transport belt; such unmarked bags end up in the area of ​​unidentified baggage.
    3. To the suitcase detectives. If a suitcase is lost or left uncollected from the transport belt (yes, this also happens) and the tag on it is intact, suitcase detectives come into action. By punching the barcode in the internal system, they find all the data about the owner and contact him to please him with the news of the find.
    4. On the international wanted list. World Tracer System is an international baggage tracing system in which most airports in the world participate. The system is automated and searches for missing luggage itself, comparing the route, color, size and weight of the bag within 100 days; you just need to fill out an electronic application using a special form.
    5. For opening and inspection: if the owner of the luggage does not show up within 5 days, the suitcase is opened, because personal belongings can help in finding the owner. If after 2 weeks the owner of the bag has not been found, it is sent to a storage warehouse.
    6. For auction: as soon as 100 days or 3 months have passed, the search for the owner of the lost luggage stops. All such bags end up on a special sale, where they are sold without opening. The starting price is very low, and the contents will be a surprise for the buyer. This kind of auction is quite popular in Europe and America, because there is always a chance to buy a suitcase with valuables inside.

What to do if the airline has lost your luggage

  1. check in the oversized baggage delivery area: non-standard suitcases, skis, strollers or sports equipment will not be waiting on the conveyor belt, but in a special delivery area.
  2. contact Lost & Found: at every airport there is a service that searches for luggage. It is easy to find by following the Lost & Found signs. Show your luggage tag, identification document and fill out the application. It is important to describe the bag in detail and provide special features.
  3. notify the airline: it would not be superfluous to go to the airline counter at the airport and ask them about the procedure; if your luggage is lost on a charter, start from here.
  4. 3 weeks have passed and the suitcase has not been found - it’s time to submit an application to the airline for monetary compensation for lost items. A photo of the contents, an inventory of things, and saved receipts will come in handy here.
  5. If the airline refuses, we go to court, in such cases the judge usually sides with the passenger, and the carrier will have to compensate for material and moral damage.

The suitcase is found in another city or country - the airline is obliged to transport it at its own expense and deliver the baggage free of charge to the address specified by the passenger - this is an international rule that all carriers comply with.

If your suitcase is lost and you find yourself in a foreign country without all your belongings, contact the carrier company for compensation. Many international airlines allocate a small amount for essentials in such situations.

How to carry sports equipment on a plane: skis, snowboards, equipment.

If you are an active traveler, then more than once you have come across questions about how to transport skis or diving equipment, whether it is possible to fly with a snowboard for free, and how much it costs to transport a surfboard. We recommend that you resolve all these issues at the stage or immediately after purchasing a ticket; at the airport it will be many times more expensive and, in the worst case, will end in missing your flight.
It doesn’t really matter whether you have winter or summer equipment; we suggest solving the issue of flying with sports equipment using a simple and effective algorithm:

  1. try to fit into standard luggage: if the size of things allows you to squeeze into standard sizes and weight - we pack and fly;
  2. look for tickets from companies that transport sports equipment for free: such promotions are often carried out by airlines during the season on popular routes;
  3. inform the air carrier in advance that you are flying with sports equipment, indicating the dimensions and weight;
  4. pack your equipment carefully and securely, it is better to use special cases for transportation;
  5. do not forget that sports equipment is issued in the oversized baggage area, and not on the transport belt;
  6. traveling with your own gym equipment is rarely cheap, but the experience is worth it.

Our top flight tip: pack your bags, pack away your luggage, and pack away your luggage!

So, from this article you will find out: is it possible to carry a suitcase the size of an elephant for free, why you have to leave shaving foam at the security check, how to take skis to a resort, why you should learn to fly without things, where to look for a missing suitcase and who the suitcase detectives are.

How much luggage can you take on a plane? Is it possible to carry alcohol, perfume, aerosols, medicines, cigarettes in luggage? What about food? Let's consider these questions in detail.

There are no international rules for baggage transportation; each air carrier regulates this issue independently. The airline can choose to transport baggage by piece or by weight.

Allowable baggage weight per person on an airplane

The weighing system allows you to transport free of charge:

  • in economy class no more than 20 kilograms of luggage with its total linear size of 203 centimeters;
  • in business class, with the same dimensions, you are allowed to take 30 kilograms with you.

If your baggage does not meet the established standards in at least one parameter, the air carrier has the right to demand additional payment. Under this system, children under ten years of age have the right to transport ten kilograms of things, and from the age of twelve they are already entitled to the adult norm for transporting cargo.

The weight system is convenient because when traveling together, the weight of all things is summed up, and the number of bags is not counted.

The place system is replacing the weigh system, despite its obvious convenience. Aeroflot recently switched to it. Here the transportation rules are as follows:

  • economy class allows you to occupy only one piece of luggage with a bag not heavier than 23 kilograms;
  • in business class the conditions are softer: two pieces of luggage weighing no more than 32 kilograms each.

The main difference between the baggage system is that the weight of the baggage is not cumulative. For example, on a flight for two in economy class, passengers carry two items weighing 15 and 25 kilograms. The extra two kilos will be counted as a third piece of baggage and will be paid in full. When planning your luggage before traveling, keep in mind that such overload is paid at a high rate, comparable to the price of a ticket. Therefore, you should carefully calculate the weight of things.

The requirements for the maximum allowable size of baggage in the local system are even stricter: the total linear size of the item is no more than 158 centimeters.

Rules for transporting food, alcohol and cigarettes on an airplane

Alcohol is not on the list of goods prohibited from being carried on an airplane, but there are still certain rules for it. Thus, each adult passenger has the right to carry one liter of alcoholic beverages in hand luggage, regardless of their strength. The entire quantity is divided into several containers of no more than 100 milliliters each. All bottles are packaged in a plastic bag with a zipper. It is prohibited to use them on board: the packaging must not be broken until the end of the flight. Breaking the rules can cause trouble.

Carrying alcohol in luggage is regulated by the following rules:

  • liquids no stronger than 24% are carried without restrictions, but within the general weight restrictions;
  • alcohol with a strength of 24 to 70%, no more than five liters per passenger;
  • Alcohol over 70% alcohol is prohibited for transportation.

Alcoholic drinks purchased before the flight in duty-free stores are allowed to be transported in hand luggage, but in an intact package with a saved receipt. In low-cost airline companies, you will most likely have to pay for transporting a package of alcohol from a duty-free store.

In different countries, the rules for transporting strong drinks can vary greatly, so before an international flight, inquire about this issue separately.

The same recommendations apply to the question of the rules for transporting cigarettes. However, each country sets its own standards, which you should follow before flying. For example, when flying within the Russian Federation, only one cigarette pack (10 packs of 20 cigarettes), up to 250 grams of tobacco or no more than 50 cigars can be carried in hand luggage. In this case, the passenger must be 18 years old. Other countries have different age restrictions. For example, in Egypt, a 15-year-old passenger can easily carry tobacco products with him, but only those who are already 20 years old can fly to Japan with cigarettes.


As for medicines, it is allowed to carry drugs in solid form (capsules, powders, tablets) in hand luggage. Liquid medications, as well as ointments, creams and gels, must be in original containers of up to 100 ml, and then packaged in a bag (necessarily transparent) measuring 20x20 centimeters.

When transporting prescription drugs or drugs containing psychotropic/narcotic substances, you will need to present a doctor's prescription, and for an international flight you will also need to declare such drugs. An exception is made for passengers with insulin-dependent diabetes: insulin bottles, syringes and glucometers are allowed to be carried in hand luggage.

By the way, for international flights there is a list of drugs prohibited for transportation, and you should familiarize yourself with it before departure. For example, when flying to the USA, you will not be able to take the Corvalol, which is familiar in Russia, on board.

On domestic flights, you can take solid food into the cabin if it fits in your hand luggage and does not exceed the weight. On international routes, follow the rules of the countries you are traveling to. They usually prohibit the transportation of eggs, fish, meat and dairy products. The ban is due to the fact that these products are perishable and can cause an infectious disease and even an epidemic.

The transportation of liquid products is regulated separately. These include, in addition to water and juices, canned food, jam, jelly, honey, sour cream, cottage cheese, and sauces.

Most air carriers regulate the carriage of liquids and limit them to one liter per passenger, poured into hermetically sealed bottles with a capacity of no more than one hundred milliliters. All other liquids, including cosmetics, deodorants, colognes, perfumes, mosquito sprays and shampoos, are checked in as baggage under the new rules.

What is prohibited from being carried on a plane in luggage in 2019?

There are dangerous items that are prohibited from being carried both in hand luggage and in the luggage compartment. These include:

  • weapons: cold steel, firearms, gas, stun guns;
  • explosives: dynamite, cartridges, pyrotechnics;
  • gases: liquefied, compressed in cylinders, aerosols;
  • flammable liquids: petroleum products, acetone, solvents;
  • solid flammable substances: matches, metal potassium, calcium, sodium;
  • poisonous and toxic: nicotine, arsenic, mercury;
  • caustic and causing rapid corrosion: salts, acids, lime.

This list also includes magnetized and radioactive substances.

The list of prohibited substances and items under the new rules is extensive. If you are planning to bring an unusual item on the plane, read this list in advance or consult with an airline representative. Compliance with these simple rules guarantees the safety of all passengers and the absence of problems during baggage inspection.

What to do if prohibited items are found in your luggage or baggage

Passengers often carry “prohibited” goods, not doing so intentionally, but simply without thoroughly knowing the flight rules. If airport security staff found prohibited items in your hand luggage or checked baggage, but you don’t want to lose them, the situation should be resolved in the following ways.

  1. If prohibited items are found before check-in: give them to mourners, put them in a storage room, or send them by mail (there is a branch at every airport) to the right place.
  2. If prohibited items are found after the check-in procedure, the airline staff will offer a couple of options to resolve the misunderstanding: complete confiscation of the “prohibited” items or temporary seizure with the opportunity to pick up the items after return. Make sure that a document is drawn up for items that are valuable to you, but are prohibited from being carried, according to which you can get them back.

In any case, try to prove to the security service that this item is dear to you - there is always a chance that the Security Service officers will meet you halfway.

Baggage and baggage have their own requirements. There are things that are prohibited for transportation in general, and there are those that are prohibited for transportation in the cabin.

What is allowed to take?

Carry-on baggage on an airplane is things that a passenger can take onto the aircraft., if they correspond and do not threaten the lives of his fellow travelers.

Determined by the type of travel document.

Economy class– up to 10 kg with parameters no more than 115 cm (length, width, height in total), Business Class– up to 15 kg with the same general parameters.

Transportation rules make exceptions only for some large items– umbrella, handbag, camera, telephone, laptop, video camera, outerwear, stroller. They are not taken into account during registration.

The list of permitted items includes:

  1. Books. This can be any printed publication of your choice.
  2. Cloth. After takeoff, the air conditioner turns on, so you are allowed to have any warm clothing with you - a sweater, jacket, raincoat, coat.
  3. Food. If you are a gourmet or a sweet tooth who cannot do without sweets, for example, then it is completely legal to grab your favorite foods and conveniently package them. Dry ice is allowed to cool perishable foods.
  4. Additional bags. This can be a ladies' accessory or a special bag for equipment (laptop, camera, camera).
  5. Technique. What would a trip be without your favorite gadgets? True, not all of them are allowed to be used during the flight, but they are not prohibited from being carried in the cabin.
  6. Liquid. Drinking drinks must be closed. It is allowed to transport on board goods purchased in the Duty Free zone with the presentation of a receipt and undamaged packaging.
  7. Medicines and medical items. The list of first aid kits is determined by individual characteristics. These could be medications against allergies, motion sickness, pain, nausea, fever, runny nose, blood pressure, cough.
  8. It is allowed to take a thermometer, tonometer, and pressure gauge on board, packing them in containers.

  9. Non-hazardous gels and aerosols. The main requirement is limited volume and reliable packaging.

Quantity limits

The following are required for acceptable items and substances: requirements per passenger:

If a container with liquid more than 100 ml is partially filled, it will still be removed.

Volume restrictions do not apply to baby food, medicines, some dietary products. In special cases, they may allow you to take more liquid, but the “bottles” will be opened and checked.

What requires special permission?

There are exceptions to what can be taken into the aircraft cabin with special permission.

Each airline makes its own decision to introduce additional restrictions in order to improve the safety of its passengers.

Therefore in list of items that require additional permission to transport includes:

  • penknives and other folding knives (blade up to 6 cm);
  • corkscrews;
  • scissors (blade up to 6 cm);
  • knitting needles;
  • syringe needles (without providing appropriate medical justification);
  • weapons for authorized persons.

If you need to take a non-standard and fragile item on board, such as a guitar - consult your airline representative.

This also applies to other musical instruments, medical equipment, and sports equipment.

Strictly prohibited items

To the list of things that it is forbidden to take on board, relate:


Any passenger must present their belongings for inspection on a scanner at the checkpoint, this applies to bags of liquids, outerwear, and equipment.

If you're interested, is it possible to borrow a hairdryer into the airplane cabin or charger, then be aware that “controversial” items must have permission from the airport administration.

When flying from another country, check in advance the list of things that are allowed to be taken out of it on board the plane.

Each state has its own list of what you can take with you on board the plane., and which should be studied by a tourist who wants to please his relatives with unusual overseas gifts.

Punishment

If an airport employee finds a prohibited item in your luggage during inspection, he will send it to the trash bin regardless of its value.

If it does not concern illegal things - drugs, weapons without permission, etc.

If you do find yourself in an unpleasant situation, when valuable cargo goes into the trash bin during control, there is no need to make a fuss.

Otherwise, the employee has the right to conduct a personal search, which will be even more humiliating. This is not a personal whim of airport employees, but a basic security measure.

The key to a pleasant and safe trip is compliance with all established rules.

Therefore, when collecting your bags, carefully go through their contents. and make sure that in your suitcase only what is allowed to be carried on an airplane as luggage in Russia. And if you are flying abroad, even more so.

This will help avoid unpleasant moments during inspection. airport employees. If you have any doubts regarding certain cargoes, please consult with specialists in advance.

- a question that interests passengers of many airlines. People do not always understand what belongs to this category of luggage, what items can be taken into the cabin, and what is better to leave at home or check in with regular cargo.

What is the essence?

First, let's look at what is considered hand luggage on an airplane. This is a special type of baggage that is allowed to be taken into the cabin of an airliner. It has its own rules and regulations for transportation, depending on the rules of the airline. For example, economy class passengers receive one seat, and business class and 1st class passengers receive twice as many.

It is believed that the equivalent of one place is a bag or backpack containing personal belongings. This is wrong. The main criterion is the weight of hand luggage and its dimensions. It is these parameters that the carrier is based on. Such baggage is subject to a number of restrictions, which may vary.

General prohibitions

Before checking in for a flight, it is important to be clear about what you cannot take on the plane. Generally speaking, the category of prohibited cargo includes weapons, liquefied gases, as well as dangerous substances (radioactive, toxic, caustic). The category of prohibited items also includes explosives, liquefied gases, sharp objects, including household appliances such as wire cutters, a corkscrew, scissors, a folding knife and others.

Below we will consider in detail what you can take in hand luggage on a plane, and what items are prohibited in relation to food, cosmetics, medicines, digital equipment and other cargo.

Food

First, let's look at what you are allowed to carry. from food. As a rule, airlines restrict passengers in this matter by prohibiting the carriage of jelly-like and liquid foods. But you can take with you:

  • Nuts.
  • Fruits.
  • Sandwiches.
  • Cookie.
  • Chips and other products.

If you are flying with a child, you are allowed to take baby food. If jellies, juices or yoghurts are found before departure, they will most likely be prohibited from being carried. This also applies to food that is packaged in cans. Those products that are allowed to be brought on board are recommended to be packed in transparent bags, which speeds up the inspection procedure.

Before departure, pay attention to the carrier's requirements, as they may vary. Pay special attention to goods from DutyFree stores. They are allowed to be taken on the plane, but only if they are packaged in a bag and have a receipt in hand.

Cosmetical tools

Women often ask what they can take with them. from cosmetics. As a rule, carriers allow you to bring into the cabin:

  • Blush.
  • Eyeliner.
  • Shadows.
  • Powder and other means.

As for jelly-like compositions, as well as liquids that are packaged in containers larger than 0.1 liters, it is prohibited to take them with you. The only option is to transfer your items to checked luggage. In addition, it is not permitted to bring pressurized cans into the cabin. In this case, the total volume of liquids carried should not exceed 1000 ml. This nuance should be taken into account before departure.

Medical supplies

An equally important issue is medications. The following medications are allowed as hand luggage:

  • Pills.
  • Hydrogen peroxide.
  • Materials for dressing.
  • Various drops.

All products should be sealed and carried with instructions for use. Otherwise, customs officers may have questions for the passenger, up to and including the need to conduct a detailed inspection. If there is an injury, hand luggage can be supplemented with special means for movement, for example, crutches. Regarding the upper limit of liquids, the same rules apply here as mentioned above.

Digital equipment

According to air carrier rules, you can take digital equipment on board the plane - a laptop, player, tablet, camera, charger and even a hairdryer. But there is a limitation regarding mobile phones. It can be brought into the cabin, but must be turned off. This is due to safety concerns, as radiation from mobile devices can interfere with the operation of aircraft electronics.

If you plan to carry large equipment with you that exceeds the permissible dimensions, it is better to check it as regular luggage.

What to do with documents and jewelry?

According to airline rules, you are allowed to take valuables, jewelry, wallets and important documents with you in hand luggage. You also need to take your passport with you so as not to accidentally end up in a foreign country without documents. There are situations when luggage does not fit on one plane and then it can be sent on the next flight.

Clothing and personal care items

When it comes to personal hygiene items, you can bring a toothbrush and toothpaste, a comb (without a handle), wet wipes and even nail polish remover on board the plane. At the same time, it is prohibited to take cutting or piercing things into the salon. This rule also applies to nail scissors.

From clothes you can take with you a coat, a jacket (sweater), an umbrella, a blanket and a shawl. Generally speaking, it is allowed to take almost all clothing if it does not contradict the airline’s rules and does not exceed the permissible standards (dimensions, weight).

What are the weight and size restrictions?

Separate question - How much hand luggage can you take on a plane?. Here, each airline has its own rules, which depend on the destination, ticket price, flight class and other factors. There are only two main criteria, namely size and weight:

  • Dimensions. They should not exceed 56 cm in length, 46 cm in height, and 25 cm in width.
  • Weight. Requirements vary here and different airlines may have limits ranging between 3 and 15 kg.

Results

Despite some similarity in the requirements of air carriers regarding hand luggage, some rules are strictly individual. For example, low-cost airlines that provide budget flights are stricter about hand luggage and allow you to take a minimum of things into the cabin. There is a maximum of one seat per person. More established companies will have fewer restrictions. In any case, it is important to clarify these points in advance, even before purchasing a ticket and checking in for the flight.