Sometimes the only thing that gets you through a tough week at work is dreaming about the holidays you have planned. We’ve put together a practical guide on up-to-date hand luggage rules and restrictions plus a hand luggage essentials checklist so that you are fully prepared and can sit back and enjoy the flight.
Hand luggage essentials checklist
From documentation to grooming to entertainment; we’ve thought of everything you’ll possibly need while flying!
Liquids you may need (remember you are limited to one bag and each container needs to be under 100ml):
- contact lens solution (if required)
- roll-on eye gel or eye drops
- moisture surge face spray
- multi-purpose moisturiser for hands and face
- small perfume diffuser
- small toothpaste (don’t forget your toothbrush!)
- mascara
- cover up
- recovery serum
- lipstick
- moisture gel for dehydrated lips such as Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream
Also take a reusable empty water bottle to fill up once you’re through security so you have plenty of hydration on the plane; the plastic glasses they give you on the plane often don’t hold much water.
Other essentials:
- Document folder: passport, boarding pass, flight itinerary, transportation/accommodation details on arrival, printed visas
- Valuables: keys, camera, jewellery, wallet and money
- Entertainment: tablet, mobile phone, good headphones, a guidebook on the place you’re visiting, a good novel and a notepad and pen for inspirational thoughts
- Medicine: vitamins, electrolytes, medication including contraceptive pills, painkillers
- Snacks: nuts and fruit are good for when you feel bloated
- Clothing: a change of underwear, a fresh comfortable t-shirt and a big, warm pashmina/scarf that doubles as a blanket
- Sleep: ear plugs, eye mask, sleeping pills
- Wipes: wipes don’t count as liquid and you can find them for pretty much everything including mosquito repellent, sun lotion, deodorant and face cleansing.
- Camera
- Sunglasses
- Safety pins and hair ties
- Hair comb/brush
- Tampons
- Mirror
- Chewing gum; to combat drowsiness when you arrive buy gum with caffeine
- Phone charger
- Plug adaptors
Rules and restrictions
Liquid allowance
There are restrictions on the amount of liquids you can take in your hand luggage. Where possible, pack liquids in your check-in luggage. If you do take liquids in your hand luggage, the containers must hold no more than 100ml – you can’t take a container larger than this, even if it is part-full.
Make sure you put all liquid containers in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm. The bag must be sealed, they won’t let you through security if items are spilling out the top, and you’re limited to one per person.
Liquids include the following:
- all drinks, including water
- liquid or semi-liquid foods, e.g. soup, jam 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
- any other solutions and items of similar consistency
Electrical items
You’re allowed to take electrical items in your hand baggage, but they have to be removed and screened separately. When flying to and from the UK, make sure your electronic devices are charged before you travel. If your device doesn’t switch on when requested, you won’t be allowed to bring it onto the aircraft. There are restrictions on lithium cells and batteries for items such as laptops, cameras and mobile phones so do check with your airline before travelling. You are allowed all of the following in hand luggage:
- Mobile phone
- Laptop
- Tablet devices
- MPS player
- Hairdryer or straighteners
- Camera and camera equipment
- Travel iron
- Electric razor/shaver
Sharp items
There is a restriction on carrying any objects that could cause injury to yourself or other passengers in your hand luggage. However, there are a few items that are allowed:
- Small scissors (with blades no longer than 6cm)
- Fixed-cartridge razor blades (disposable razor)
- Nail clippers/file
- Tweezers
Standard dimensions
Hand luggage mustn’t be larger than 56cm (H) x 45cm (W) x 25cm (D) (or 22in x 17.7in x 9.8in) and that includes wheels, handles and external compartments. This is the 
generally true but it can differ ever so slightly between airlines – check here for an up-to-date guide on hand luggage restrictions and weight allowances for major airlines.
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