Quite often, even experienced tourists have a question: what kind of cargo can be carried on an airplane? What weight and dimensions of luggage are allowed? How to save money on a flight, avoid paying for your luggage, or what to do if your backpack is lost. We will consider all these issues in detail in the article.

International transportation rules do not regulate clear standards for baggage transportation (each carrier has the right to independently change the numbers within the established rules, ticket price and aircraft type). Baggage is not always checked out individually for each passenger. There are two transportation systems:

  1. Weight.
  2. Local.

The suitcase must be checked at the counter, after which it is sent to the luggage compartment

Weight system

This principle of transportation is relevant in almost all CIS countries and Asia, as well as with some carriers in the European Union. It allows you to carry free luggage of a certain weight:

  • in economy class, the weight of the suitcase should not exceed twenty kilograms, and its dimensions should not exceed 203 centimeters (meaning the sum of length, height and width);
  • in business class, the weight allowed for transportation reaches 30 kilograms with the same bag dimensions.

If your baggage exceeds any established parameter in at least one point, then the carrier may require you to pay for a second “piece” at the domestic rate.

According to official rules air carriers for each child under two years of age is guaranteed free transportation luggage weighing up to 10 kilograms. However, the child may not have separate ticket(flies in the same seat with his parents). Children who are already 12 years old are entitled to an “adult” rate of free cargo transportation.

This system is quite convenient, since the number of your bags is not limited, and when traveling together, the weight adds up. If you both take an economy class ticket, then you have the opportunity to take with you one travel bag weighing 40 kilograms, two bags weighing 15 and 25 kilograms, or three with a total weight of up to 43 kg (don’t forget about the dimensions).

Note: Regular airline customers can receive a bonus from it and increase the weight of transported cargo by 10-15 kilograms.

It is very important to ensure there is no overload. Policy different airlines may vary greatly on this matter. If you are overweight by a kilogram, some carriers can turn a blind eye to this, while others issue a full invoice for the excess weight (quite considerable). Therefore, be sure to inquire in advance about the rules and regulations for transporting baggage on an airplane: they are usually indicated either in itinerary receipt, or on the company website.

Baggage enters the compartment via a transport belt

Place system

The weight system is quite convenient, but it is slowly fading into oblivion and being replaced by a local one. Initially, this system worked in the USA and Canada, now it has spread to South and Central America, Europe, Australia and even Russia (Aeroflot recently switched to it). Here the transported mass is also divided depending on the purchased class:

  • in economy you can take one seat with a bag weighing up to 23 kg;
  • The business has two pieces of luggage weighing 32 kg each (total 64 kg).

Note: When flying to the US and Canada, carriers often provide two cargo seats in economy class. Check this information in advance.

If you use bonus program carriers, you can get yourself extra bed.

One of the main features of the seat system is that the weight of the bags is not cumulative. That is, if you are traveling together in economy class and are carrying two bags weighing 25 and 15 kilograms, then you will be forced to pay for an overload of 2 kilograms (this will be considered as third place). Very often, the cost of a third seat is comparable to the cost of half or a whole flight ticket, especially for low-cost airlines. The situation is the same when traveling on your own - if you have two seats weighing 23 kilograms, then you won’t be able to put two bags of 30 and 10 kilograms on them.

Baggage rules may vary from airline to airline.

Note: Trade unions in many countries prohibit movers from lifting suitcases heavier than 32 kilograms. Having loaded 33 kg, you will not only pay extra for a new place, but also face a serious problem with cargo delivery.

The requirements for a suitcase in a seat system are more stringent - the sum of its three sides should not be more than 158 cm.

Oversized luggage

If the cargo you are transporting does not fall within the above parameters, then you will have to register it as oversized. According to the rules for carrying baggage on an airplane, the following are considered oversized:

  1. A suitcase or bag weighing more than 32 kilograms and measuring more than 203 cm.
  2. Various sports equipment (skis, surfboard and snowboard, trekking poles, etc.).
  3. Musical instruments (guitars, trombones, accordions, etc.).
  4. Various climate and household appliances (air conditioners, washing machines, freezers, refrigerators, TVs).

The carriage of any oversized cargo must be discussed in advance with the airline - if you arrive at the airport an hour before boarding and without warning, there is a high probability that it will simply not be accepted.

Note: the airline may refuse to transport you oversized items. There can be many reasons for this - lack of free space, inappropriate type of aircraft (the cargo may simply not fit into the loading hatches).

Oversize space is always paid according to the company's tariffs (it does not fall under the concept of free space). Although some companies allow free transportation ski equipment, thus luring customers.

Transportation of fragile luggage

Airline policy allows fragile baggage to be transported on aircraft. To do this, upon delivery, you must declare at the reception that it is fragile. An airport employee will put a special sticker on the suitcase, and the cargo will be delivered to the baggage compartment manually, and not at the elevator. However, the airline does not bear legal responsibility for its integrity. Therefore, it is recommended to take fragile items into the cabin and check them out as hand luggage.

Properly folded luggage will quickly pass inspection

Restrictions

Most airlines prohibit the following substances from being carried in the hold:

  1. Radioactive (note that absolutely all cargo is tested for radioactivity, so if you buy a souvenir and it turns out to be radioactive, you will have serious problems).
  2. Explosives (including cartridges, gunpowder, sparklers, flares, firecrackers, etc.).
  3. Highly flammable (no lighters, refill bottles, gasoline, solvents).
  4. Various gases (self-defense cans and, in some cases, deodorants).
  5. Toxic, oxidizing and poisonous.

It is also prohibited to carry weapons on airplanes (unless there is a special cabinet in the luggage compartment) and dangerous items, which can be used for attack. When transporting weapons, special permits are required, which are issued at customs.

Rules for the carriage of hand luggage

The passenger must distinguish between “baggage” and “hand luggage”. Baggage is a suitcase that is checked in at the airport upon landing. Carry-on luggage is a backpack or bag that you can take with you. The weight of luggage and the weight of baggage on an airplane for one person do not add up.

The following standards exist:

  • In business, luggage dimensions are no more than 115 cm (three dimensions), weight - 15 kg.
  • In economy - 115 cm, 10 kg.

Note: in most cases, you can take additional things with you: a book, a camera, a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet, outerwear, an umbrella, a folding stroller, food for a child, medicine, etc. A full list of these things can be found in the Rules of Transportation of this airline. These items do not add up to the luggage dimensions and weight.

Try to take a little less luggage with you than the airline allows. Sometimes problems can start due to an excess of even 500 grams. Want to avoid trouble? We will tell you a few nuances:

  • before purchasing tickets, study the carrier’s rules regarding luggage (many low-cost airlines do not include it in the ticket price);
  • Once you know how many kilograms you can carry, be sure to weigh your suitcase (this can be done at the nearest post office or on a home scale by picking up the bag);
  • if overloaded, transfer heavy items to hand luggage or simply take them on board (laptop, camera);
  • things in hand luggage, according to the rules, must be in plastic bags zipped;
  • if possible, try to register your cargo not as luggage, but as luggage (you will save a lot of time during check-in and will not lose your things).

You can take your laptop with you - it is not carry-on luggage or luggage

If the cargo is lost

So, you already know how much baggage you can carry on a plane. Now we will explain what to do if your cargo does not arrive at its destination with you. At the airport you must receive it using a tag or receipt - it is issued at the point of departure when passing through the counter. If there is no cargo, then you will have to write a statement to search for it. The airline will have to find it within 3 weeks and return it to you. If the suitcase is still missing or damaged, then a second application for compensation is written. Quite often, carriers (especially from CIS countries) send a refusal - feel free to take it and go to court. As a result, you will be compensated for moral and material damage.

Note: the airline should deliver your cargo to the specified address, and not force you to go pick it up. This is a standard rate and does not need to be paid separately.

In contact with

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 according to at least one parameter your luggage is in established standards does not fit, 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 plastic bag with clasp. 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 its weight. On international lines 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 2020?

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.

The note is written on the basis of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) and will help to better understand the rules of Russian airlines and the rights of passengers. New FAPs were updated last year and determine the minimum weight of hand luggage and baggage, their dimensions, as well as what items of baggage can be carried free of charge on board Russian airlines.

The minimum weight of free baggage checked in at the airport has remained the same and is 10 kg. The rule applies only to refundable air tickets. If you bought non-refundable air tickets, then they may not include luggage.

If the baggage carried exceeds 30 kg, you must notify the airline in advance. IN international rules this limit is 32 kg.

You can sum and combine both free and paid luggage. The main condition: passengers must travel together to the final destination of the route and the combined baggage must not exceed 30 kg. For example, if a family of 2 people is flying, each person’s ticket includes allowed luggage up to 23 kg; you can combine luggage - one piece of 30 kg and the second piece of 16 kg.

For business class passengers, whose ticket price includes 2 pieces of baggage of 23 kg each, the issue of consolidation remains unresolved and depends on the airline’s rules.

The minimum weight of hand luggage that can be carried free of charge has been determined and is 5 kg. Carry-on baggage of this weight is permitted at all air ticket prices. Airlines have the right to increase the weight of hand luggage at their discretion.

According to new aviation rules, airlines can independently determine the dimensions of passengers' carry-on luggage. As a rule, this requirement depends on the type of aircraft; the airline calculates the dimensions of luggage based on the capacity of the luggage racks in the aircraft cabin. The dimensions of hand luggage are determined so that each passenger can fit their hand luggage.

Free carriage of items along with hand luggage

There are certain things that can be carried free of charge along with hand luggage. Please note that a handbag, a men's briefcase and a backpack are mutually exclusive items; if you fly with a backpack, you can no longer carry a briefcase and a handbag, and vice versa. Sizes of backpacks, briefcases and handbags may be limited by the airline. The airline may also introduce a limit on the number of Duty Free packages carried.

List of things that can be carried free of charge

  • handbag
  • men's briefcase
  • backpack
  • packages from Duty Free
  • holdall
  • outerwear
  • baby food
  • baby carriage
  • bouquet of flowers
  • medicines

You are allowed to take crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs in your hand luggage free of charge. If these items cannot fit in your hand luggage due to their size, they can be checked in for free.

What cannot be carried free of charge in excess of the norm

The list of items that cannot be carried in excess of the carry-on baggage allowance has been expanded. The listed items can be transported in the cabin if you put them in hand luggage: a briefcase, handbag or backpack.

Electronic devices

  • laptops
  • Cell phones
  • tablets
  • players

Photographic equipment

  • cameras
  • video cameras
  • lenses
  • flashes

Printed products

  • books
  • magazines
  • newspapers

Other things

  • umbrellas!!!

Let us clarify once again: all of the listed items cannot be carried separately from hand luggage in “hands” or “on the shoulder”. They need to be placed in hand luggage that corresponds to the size (dimensions) of the airline, and there will be no problems.

Carry-on luggage on a plane is a real headache for most tourists returning from vacation. For many passengers, the very concept of “Hand Baggage” raises many questions. Unfortunately, not all passengers know the difference between hand luggage and luggage, and even more so from an accessory for hand luggage (an accessory for hand luggage is a very new concept for modern civil aviation).

This post will be a continuation of useful articles about tricks independent travel. Earlier, I wrote in detail about how to look for cheap air tickets, what travel insurance is and what travel insurance differs from insurance for traveling abroad, in this post we will talk in detail about hand luggage and how to fly on planes without overpaying for excess weight.

What is hand luggage

Here's what Wikipedia says about the concept of hand luggage:

Hand luggage is the cargo that a passenger takes with him on board a passenger vehicle (in our case it is an airplane, but vehicle it can be anything), without putting it in the luggage compartment.

As you can see, hand luggage is everything that a passenger takes with him on board the plane. Many people think so, but if you look more closely at the rules for transporting cargo on passenger planes, it turns out that everything that is on you, including outer clothing and the contents of your pockets, is no longer hand luggage, but is called personal equipment and is actually not taken into account in any way. And there are a lot of such interesting points in the rules of transportation, read about it further.

Rules for carrying hand luggage on an airplane

The basic rules for carrying hand luggage on an airplane are the same for most airlines, with the exception of low-cost airlines. For low-cost carriers, any excess is a means of additional income, so you should be aware of this and take into account the special rules of low-cost carriers.

It should be understood that any restriction on the carriage of things in the aircraft cabin is, first of all, a concern for the passenger and the safety of air travel, and then an opportunity to take an extra penny from the passenger for the excess. Now I will explain what I mean.

Here are the basic rules for carrying hand luggage on an airplane:

  • all hand luggage should be no more than 115 cm (the sum of three dimensions, 55?40?20) - everything is clear here, this is so that things fit on the shelves;
  • the weight of hand luggage should be between 8 and 12 kilograms (depending on the airline) - this is so that each passenger can independently put their things in the boxes above the seats;
  • bans on liquids and other prohibitions - unfortunately, after the American tragedy “September 11”, civil Aviation became different, the rules did not become more strict, they became completely different. Those who have flown before know how much easier it used to be to go through pre-flight inspection.

Hand luggage size

In this part of the post we’ll talk about how much hand luggage you can take on a plane, what to do with goods from Duty Free and about other interesting things that will help you save and not pay for excess weight.

Weight of hand luggage on the plane

The weight of the luggage that you want to take on the plane is strictly regulated and there can be no problems with this, or on the contrary, this is the main problem (after all, sometimes they require payment for excess weight). For different airlines, the weight can vary from 5 kilograms to 12 kilograms. Low-cost airlines may have their own quirks regarding the weight of hand luggage.

If you read this post to the end, you will find several legal ways to reduce the weight of your carry-on luggage and still carry everything you want.

Dimensions of hand luggage on an airplane

As I mentioned earlier, most airlines have the same size allowance for carry-on luggage, because most airlines have the same aircraft models and the same overhead bins.

Allowable size hand luggage, in most cases, is: 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm or 115 cm (the sum of 3 dimensions). Here you should take into account that you most likely won’t be allowed to carry skis 115 centimeters long on board, but will be forced to check them in as luggage, since there is simply nowhere to put them in the cabin, well, you can’t carry them in the aisle.

Passengers always have difficulties determining the dimensions of hand luggage; to solve these problems in advance, many airlines install special templates at airports that imitate the permitted dimensions and anyone can check their belongings using these templates.

Beginning travelers always have a question about what is the best way to pack things when flying in the cabin of an airplane. I have tried many options from a reliable suitcase to a comfortable backpack and can give some advice.

  • a carry-on suitcase is very convenient if you are transporting really valuable and fragile things (a priceless Chinese vase from the Qing Dynasty, fragile Murano glass figurines, etc.). In this case, the “armor” of the suitcase walls is justified; in all other cases, the suitcase is too inconvenient for carry-on luggage;
  • a carry-on bag is an excellent solution, it can be compacted and thus it will pass any “size” control, but carrying such a bag at the airport can be very inconvenient. If the bag has wheels, then this option is quite suitable;
  • a carry-on backpack is the most convenient thing that can be for carrying things on an airplane, it perfectly passes all the “size” controls (tested on a 45-liter backpack), it is easy to carry and your hands are always free. I recommend this option to everyone.

Duty Free goods in hand luggage

When purchasing goods in Duty Free shops at the airport (in the so-called “sterile zone”), you should take into account the weight of your purchases. The stores themselves do not impose any restrictions on the sale of goods (buy at least half the store).

In theory, Duty Free items are personal items and do not count as carry-on baggage, but boarding the plane can be difficult (if you have too many Duty Free purchases), so you should be rational about everything. You should also remember that transporting goods from Duty Free is required in a special container (in which the goods are packaged in the store) and not to disturb the packaging throughout the flight. It is advisable to keep the receipt for your purchase throughout the flight, it may come in handy.

If there were no problems boarding the plane and your Duty Free purchases are flying with you, then you may face restrictions at customs in the arrival camp. Each country has clear rules on the possibility of duty-free import of goods, and some (mostly Muslim countries) completely prohibit the import of the most popular Duty Free goods (alcohol). As a rule, customs “gives the go-ahead” for the import of 1 liter of strong alcohol and 1 block of cigarettes; for a larger volume you need to pay a duty. Each country has different rules, so you should check before you travel.

If you are flying with a transfer, you should remember that you will have to go through the security control procedure again and here your Duty Free bag may be regarded as hand luggage and not as personal items. In these cases, you must present a receipt from the Duty Free store of the first airport (where you made the purchase) and, of course, the Duty Free goods must be packaged accordingly.

Accessory for hand luggage

Now comes the fun part. Not long ago, some airlines introduced new passenger aviation concept - “Accessory for hand luggage”, for most passengers this is a real salvation from being overweight and here’s why. Some things go beyond the concept of hand luggage and end up as accessories for hand luggage; below I will give an approximate list (it may differ for each airline, and for low-cost airlines it may be completely absent). Now the passenger has hand luggage with a regulated weight and size and the opportunity to carry on the plane some of the things that were previously considered hand luggage and took up most of the space there.

Here's what you can take on the plane as an accessory to your hand luggage from Aeroflot:

  • handbag/men's briefcase;
  • folder for papers;
  • umbrella;
  • cane;
  • bouquet of flowers;
  • outerwear;
  • laptop computer, camera, video camera;
  • printed materials for in-flight reading;
  • baby food for the child during the flight;
  • a baby cradle when transporting a child;
  • suit in a suitcase;
  • cell phone;
  • crutches;
  • a bag with purchases from the Duty Free store.

And again, there are several incomprehensible situations: there are instructions about a laptop, but there are no instructions about a charger, there are instructions about a camera, but they will force you to check the tripod in your luggage, etc.

Carry-on luggage for children

For passengers with small children, carrying things for all children's needs becomes a big problem. Luckily, most airlines offer the option to use an additional standard-sized carry-on bag. This rule applies to passengers with children under 2 years of age; if the child has a full-fledged ticket and a seat in the aircraft cabin, then he also has a full-fledged place for hand luggage.

How and where to place hand luggage on board an airplane

To accommodate hand luggage on board the aircraft, there are luggage racks above the passenger seats; it is their volume that dictates strict requirements (in terms of weight and size) for passengers’ hand luggage. If necessary, hand luggage can be placed under the seat of the passenger in front (not all seats on the plane have this option).

Many airlines clearly state in their rules that during air travel the accessory must be placed under the seat of the seat (located in front of you), and all hand luggage must be placed on the shelf (above your seat). Place any items in the aisles of the aircraft or in the area nearby emergency exit- forbidden.

How much hand luggage can you take on a plane?

How much hand luggage you can take on a plane depends largely on the carrier company and the class of service.

For most airlines, there is the same standard for the number of pieces of hand luggage:

  • economy class - one piece of hand luggage;
  • business class - two pieces of hand luggage;
  • first class - two pieces of hand luggage.

Low-cost airlines stand apart; they may require additional payment for items in the aircraft cabin. Some American and Canadian carriers provide as many as 2 pieces of carry-on luggage when flying in regular economy class.

Liquids in hand luggage

Restrictions on the carriage of liquids in hand luggage seem to me the most crazy restrictions for airline passengers. Judge for yourself, because all these restrictions are for 1 liter of 100 ml. for real “bad guys” it’s very simple, just a few people with bad intentions and that’s it.

But for law-abiding passengers, these perversions of liquids in hand luggage cause enormous inconvenience and additional hassle. This is all due to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, which completely changed attitudes towards aviation security and now every passenger (including infants and their jars of baby food) is viewed as a potential terrorist.

The rules for transporting liquids in hand luggage are as follows: a passenger has the right to carry one liter of liquids (in total) in hand luggage; liquids must be placed in containers with a volume not exceeding 100 milliliters. All liquids carried on the plane must be packed in a sealed transparent bag (with a reusable zipper); the size of the bag for liquids should not exceed 20x20 centimeters.

And as always, there are many ambiguities that confuse passengers and cause problems. For example, you will not be allowed to take on board a half-empty tube of toothpaste if its volume is more than 100 ml; to all your objections, “There’s only half there,” the only reaction is “Not allowed.” It’s not so bad to have toothpaste, but what if it’s an expensive cream in a 125 ml tube? Anything with a volume of more than 100 ml. will be confiscated and disposed of.

There are a number of goods that do not resemble liquids (for example, no reasonable person would call cheese a liquid), but are considered liquids when transported on an airplane:

  • perfumery;
  • shampoos;
  • gels;
  • lotions;
  • sprays;
  • oils;
  • paints;
  • creams;
  • deodorants;
  • shaving foam;
  • mascara;
  • lipstick;
  • toothpaste;
  • beverages;
  • syrups;
  • soups;
  • cheeses;
  • canned food;
  • caviar;
  • jam;
  • homemade preparations.

Thus, it turns out that you can carry caviar and cheese in hand luggage, but not more than 1 liter (in total), which is divided into 100 ml. containers. A normal person cannot imagine hard cheese poured into small bottles, and this often leads to misunderstandings between passengers and employees at airports.

It's a joke about cheese in bottles, but it is advisable that all liquids be in labeled containers, this way you will save yourself from unnecessary questions. It should be remembered that airport workers have the right to open any jar or tube and verify the contents, it doesn’t matter if there is expensive cream or baby food inside.

What can you carry in hand luggage?

What can you take in hand luggage on a plane? Here you should answer the following question for yourself, about the necessity of the things that you carry into the aircraft cabin. It’s understandable when you take documents and really valuable things with you, but when people bring things into the aircraft cabin that could easily survive the flight in the luggage compartment, the question arises: “Why?” I believe that you should take the most necessary and valuable things in your hand luggage, and either check in everything else as checked luggage or not take it at all on your trip.

Beverages

Any drinks in glass, plastic or cardboard packaging up to 100 ml. can be carried in hand luggage; the requirements for packaging drinks from Duty Free stores are more relaxed and are not limited to a volume of 100 ml.

You can carry any drinks and alcohol in your hand luggage, but the strength of alcoholic drinks must be no more than 70%; anything higher is considered a flammable substance and is not allowed for transportation in the aircraft cabin.

Food and food

There are no special requirements or restrictions for food (you should check with your airline) if you are bringing food within reasonable limits (a sandwich for the road or a few apples). It should be remembered that in some states there are strict regulations that prohibit the import of meat, dairy and other products. It should also be noted that some products (for example, cheese, yogurt or caviar) are considered liquids, and the package volume should not exceed 100 ml.

Here is a list of these liquid products:

  • caviar;
  • yoghurts (regular or drinking);
  • soups;
  • honey, jam;
  • canned food (meat, fish, homemade preparations);
  • foods with a lot of sauce or gravy.

Some airlines allow the following solid and dry foods to be taken into the cabin:

  • sandwiches;
  • sausages, cutlets, sausages;
  • cookies, chips, bread, waffles;
  • vegetables and fruits;
  • sweets, cakes and pastries.

Electronics and modern gadgets

When passing customs control at the airport, you will be asked to remove your laptop from your carry-on baggage and place it in the basket for later scanning. Laptop, phone, smartphone, etc. may not be taken into account in the weight of hand luggage and are considered personal items, but here you should study the airline’s rules more carefully.

On some flights to the United States, any electronic device larger than a smartphone is prohibited from being carried in carry-on baggage.

The following electronic devices can be carried in the aircraft cabin:

  • mobile phone (with the exception of exploding Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones);
  • laptop, tablet, e-reader;
  • camera, video camera;
  • MP3, DVD player.

Medicines

Medicines and medicines needed on the trip can be taken in hand luggage, but please note that you may be asked to prove the need for certain medications (you should have a doctor's instructions on the need to take medications).

Care devices

The following personal devices can be carried in hand luggage.

  • a safety razor and replacement blades for it, as well as an electric razor;
  • hair dryer and other hair styling devices;
  • a toothbrush (including an electric one).

Cosmetics and hygiene products

In hand luggage you can take cosmetics and hygiene products in any (glass, plastic, paper, wooden, etc.) packages with a volume of up to 100 ml.

  • cream, gel;
  • suntan lotion or oil;
  • toothpaste;
  • deodorant (solid, spray, roll-on);
  • hairspray and foam;
  • liquid for contact lenses;
  • shampoo, mask, hair conditioner, etc.

Other items in hand luggage

  • literature and magazines;
  • a painting (its size must not exceed the allowable size for hand luggage);
  • dishes, glasses, sets, etc.;
  • musical instrument;
  • wedding dress and other clothes (must be carried in a special case - a briefcase, it is counted as one
  • piece of hand luggage).

It is important to know some features that may surprise you right at the airport (read the passenger's story in the comments to this post). For example, an ordinary skateboard may be considered a weapon and will be asked to be checked in as luggage. I became interested and I checked with the airport representatives whether this was true or not, that’s what they told me. The full answer to my letter can be seen in the photographs.

In accordance with aviation security requirements, according to paragraph 72 of the Order of the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation dated July 25, 2007 No. 104: “items and substances that can be used as weapons of attack, but not prohibited for transportation on board the aircraft, are packaged and transported in as checked baggage.

All restrictions on carrying items in hand luggage can be divided into several groups.

  • prohibited for safety reasons - weapons and toys that imitate them (firearms, piercing weapons, etc.), exploding Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones, I think everything is clear here;
  • prohibited for the convenience of passengers - everyone wants to smuggle their oversized cargo on board, but no one wants to sit next to a friend who brought oversized cargo into the cabin;
  • prohibited for commercial purposes - using an airplane cabin as a “gazelle for transportation” is possible, but expensive. If you want to bring 50 kilograms of mangoes from Thailand, pay for the excess and bring them.

Now let's talk about this in more detail, recent events with exploding Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones surprised and scared many. And as a result - a complete ban on the use of this smartphone model on board an aircraft.

Sharp objects, explosive loads and weapons

  • It is prohibited to take firearms and any piercing or cutting objects (knife, corkscrew, razor blades, sharp manicure utensils, etc.) into hand luggage;
  • working tools (screwdrivers, nails, files, drills, etc.);
  • sports equipment (skateboard, roller skates, scooters, baseball bats, etc.).

Electronics and modern gadgets are prohibited in hand luggage

After the scandal with the exploding Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone, many countries banned bringing Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones on board an airplane, and the Federal Air Transport Agency went even further and prohibited bringing this smartphone model even into the airport.

Many airlines have prohibited the carriage of small personal mobility aids powered by lithium batteries (unicycles, mini-Segways, hoverboards, hoverboards, etc.) in hand luggage and in the cargo compartment.

On March 21, 2017, the US authorities banned the carriage of electronic devices in hand luggage, the ban was imposed on flights from the countries of the Middle East and North Africa. Passengers from these countries (Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates) traveling non-stop to the United States of America are prohibited from carrying laptops, tablets, cameras and other electronics in hand luggage. The UK also joined this ban.

Food and food

If you managed to bring food and other food products on board the plane (some airlines are not particularly picky about this), then it is advisable to destroy (eat) it there, since many countries prohibit the import of any agricultural products, meat, milk and etc. without proper certificates.

Carrying hand luggage on an airplane, tricks and life hacks

The main life hack “How not to overpay for excess luggage” is to leave everything unnecessary at home, but not everyone can give themselves such pleasure - traveling with a half-empty backpack, so I’ll tell you how I deal with excess weight in my carry-on luggage.

Usually, I travel with two backpacks, one large (about 45 liters), the other small (30 liters). At the beginning of your journey, all things (including a 30 liter backpack) are placed in a 45 liter backpack and fly as hand luggage in the cabin. During a long trip, backpacks are filled with all sorts of necessary (and not so necessary) things and on the way back they no longer fit into each other, and this is where you have to think about how to optimize the weight and size of your luggage.

Here is a sample list of actions to reduce the weight of your luggage after a long trip:

Make the most of your body- sounds strange, but if you understand that overweight is inevitable, then you can carry some of the things into the cabin of the plane on yourself in the literal sense of the word. For example, you can wear warm clothes from your luggage (it will probably be hot and you will look stupid), you can put small but heavy souvenirs in your pockets, etc.

If you go even further, you can buy fashionable and very practical clothes from the famous brand SCOTTeVEST. Their signature jackets are specially designed for travelers, with top models featuring over 40 pockets of all shapes and sizes to accommodate a variety of gadgets and devices. With such functionality, all SCOTTeVEST brand clothing looks fashionable and modern. Any of their little things, be it a cap or panties, will be provided with pockets for storage.

Get rid of everything unnecessary- there are things that there is no point in bringing back and you can get rid of them in a variety of ways, you can simply throw them in the trash, donate them to the natives or sell them off. In my Indian travel, a gift in the form of an ordinary ballpoint pen evoked extremely positive emotions among local children.

Find a travel companion- if you find a fellow traveler who doesn’t have as much luggage as you, you can always ask for a favor. But here you should be very careful and trust the person (and he should also trust you), because where is the guarantee that it may end up in the things you handed over and where is the guarantee that a new acquaintance will return your luggage.

Send part of your luggage by mail- every country has a post office and this fact should not be ignored. The cost of sending to Russia will cost some money, but it is much cheaper than tariffs for excess luggage.

At the end of last year, amendments were made to general rules air transport luggage

According to the law, everything Russian airlines must obey the same standards.

What baggage rules are relevant in 2020?

New baggage rules allow one passenger seat on an airplane a bag/suitcase up to 30 kg. Each passenger, according to the rules, is issued individual luggage.

Russian and international airlines generally divide baggage into the following weight categories:

For a child under 2 years old, you can check in separate luggage up to 10 kg.

The allowed baggage weight depends on the ticket category:

  • In economy class – 20 kg per passenger.
  • In business class – up to 30 kg.
  • In first class - up to 30 kg.

If the weight of baggage exceeds the permissible limits, it is called excess baggage; luggage over 30 kg is heavy.

Most carriers allow a slight excess of luggage of 1-2 kg. If the excess weight is more than 2 kg, you will have to pay extra.

In case of excess baggage, the passenger pays extra for each extra kilogram. There are no uniform tariffs: each airline sets its own price.

Depending on the airline's policy and the specific flight, the excess charge can be calculated as follows:

  • Based on the cost of the maximum economy class fare. With this approach, 1 kg of excess weight costs 1.5% of the ticket price.
  • Based on the fixed amount established by the air carrier. This amount may differ on different flights and ranges from 5-15 € per kg.

In addition to weight, luggage may exceed the standard dimensions, including the sum of 3 dimensions (length + height + width). Such baggage includes:

  • Sports Equipment;
  • some musical instruments (double bass, guitar);
  • large household appliances.

The maximum dimensions of checked baggage for all classes must be 158 cm.

To transport large cargo, a preliminary agreement with the airline is required. On the day of departure, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance, since such cargo takes longer to register.

The company may refuse to transport oversized cargo if there is not enough space in the luggage compartment.

How much does luggage cost on a plane if the ticket does not include luggage?

Many airlines provide a baggage-free travel service, according to which passengers fly only with hand luggage.

The advantages of this service include the reduced cost of the flight. The downside is the fact that the tickets are non-refundable.

You are allowed to carry any items in your luggage, except those that are classified as dangerous in international practice. A list of them is provided on the air ticket.

It is also important to understand that there is no single global standard for baggage transportation for all airlines. You need to focus on the country to which the passenger is flying.

For example, when flying to Dubai, it is prohibited to take on board items and books of a religious nature other than Islam.

According to the rules, most airlines prohibit transporting in the luggage compartment of an aircraft:

Most airlines do not allow you to take a mercury thermometer into the cabin. It must be checked in as luggage, packed in a plastic case, and placed so that it is not damaged under any circumstances.

Most airlines prohibit the carriage of all types of knives, from pocket knives to kitchen and hunting knives. But there are also airports that allow the carriage of penknives and folding knives without fixation up to 6 cm in length.

To transport knives longer than 10 cm (household, hunting, etc.) in luggage, you must first obtain special permission. If a knife is carried in luggage as a bladed weapon, then it must also be in a case.

It is also permitted to transport in checked baggage, subject to the required conditions, such sharp objects as:

  • scissors;
  • razors;
  • swords and checkers;
  • bayonets and swords;
  • scimitars;
  • crossbows;
  • simulators of any type of weapon.

According to the transportation rules, it is not advisable to put in luggage:

Important! Take these items with you in your hand luggage or leave them at home.

Airplane baggage restrictions

Liquids include:

You are allowed to carry any of these liquids in your luggage. There are no restrictions on volume, however, general permissible weight standards must be observed (see above).

You can carry medications that are not prohibited in your luggage customs regulations and are on free sale, i.e. sold without a prescription.

Customs regulations prohibit the carriage of narcotic and psychotropic substances on planes. A prescription from a doctor indicating the dose is required for the following products:

Official bans in many countries include potent substances that may be contained in some medications, for example, such as:

  • codeine;
  • phenobarbital, ;
  • pseudoephedrine;
  • chlorphenamine maleate;
  • diazepam.

The permitted amount of medications on an airplane is very conditional: for your own use during the trip. If more than 5 packs of medicines are found in luggage, then customs services will most likely have questions for the passenger.

To avoid fines and confiscations, obtain documents proving the need to transport medications in these quantities.

All medications transported on an airplane must be in their original packaging and comply with the expiration date stated on the packaging.

Note! To ensure smooth transportation of insulin, you should apply for a diabetic passport before your trip.

You can place food in airplane luggage provided that:

  • This product is not included in the customs prohibited list (for international flights).
  • This product is not on the airline's list of restrictions.
  • The liquid product is unopened and hermetically sealed.

If a flight is made between countries, then the transported items and products are subject to customs requirements for individuals. They are set by the host countries, and these requirements must be taken into account.

As for domestic flights, customs regulations Such baggage does not apply.

Before traveling, it is necessary to find out the requirements of the customs of the country of destination, as well as the country where the transfer is made.

Customs bans often concern epidemiologically hazardous products without original packaging. For example, it is prohibited to import meat and dairy products into EU countries; This measure was introduced to prevent the spread of infections.

US Customs does not allow a number of products from other countries to pass through, including:

  • meat;
  • eggs;
  • fish;
  • dairy products;
  • many types of vegetables and fruits.

For carrying exotic fruits from southern countries You will need a special container so that they are not damaged during the flight.

On domestic Russian flights, you can carry an unlimited amount of alcoholic beverages with a strength of up to 24° in your baggage (but no more than the general weight standards for baggage allow).

Strong drinks (24–70°) - up to 5 liters, with:

  • up to 3 liters of alcoholic beverages – duty free;
  • over 3 and up to 5 liters - with additional payment at customs.

The uniform vehicle rate for exceeding the norm by 3 liters is 10 € for each liter in excess of the norm.

These rules for individuals apply to any imported alcohol in luggage, including:

  • beer;
  • vodka;
  • champagne;
  • wine, etc.

Alcohol can only be transported on an airplane in its original packaging.. Homemade wines and moonshine will be confiscated at customs.

In some countries, restrictions on the export of alcoholic beverages are even stricter. For example, from Hungary you can export no more than 1 liter of strong alcohol (from 22%), and up to 2 liters of less strong alcoholic beverages.

An exception is made only for grape wine and beer: here the restrictions are less strict - you can take out up to 4 liters of wine and 16 liters of beer.

Alcohol with an alcohol content of 24–70% is only allowed in checked baggage, and this must be taken into account when traveling on Russian air carriers.

There is no limit on the number of cigarettes you can carry in checked baggage. The basic rule is not to exceed the limits of the customs service of the destination country.

One passenger is prohibited from bringing into the territory of the Russian Federation more than:

  • 200 cigarettes (one block);
  • 50 cigars;
  • 250 grams of tobacco.

Important! Minors are strictly prohibited from carrying cigarettes.

These restrictions apply in all EU countries. In the USA, the limits are as follows: a passenger 21 years of age or older can carry up to 2 kg of tobacco (leaf).

As for electronic cigarettes, there are no restrictions on their transportation. Such a cigarette is equivalent to electronic devices such as a laptop or telephone.

Lighters are strictly prohibited on most airlines. The following cannot be carried in luggage:

  • zippo brand lighters;
  • souvenir lighters, even if they do not contain a single gram of gasoline;
  • other types of “personalized” lighters.

You can take a regular lighter filled with liquefied gas on board an airplane.

So, when planning a flight on domestic and international flights, be sure to study what and in what quantities you can carry in your luggage. The information presented above in the article will help in this matter.

Video: New rules for baggage and hand luggage on airplanes have come into force