What not to take with you on the plane. Allowed and prohibited: a list of what can be taken and what cannot be carried on an airplane in hand luggage in Russia and abroad
Going abroad, many travelers ask themselves the question - what can not be taken on board the plane, but what can? The list of things prohibited for transportation is quite long.
To prevent customs officers from confiscating personal property, you should find out in advance what you can take on the plane, the rules of a particular carrier and customs (if the flight is international).
What can not be taken on a plane?
There are a number of rules common to all types of air travel:
- When preparing for a trip, you should carefully study the conditions for transporting items of different groups, in some countries an attempt to violate these rules is punishable by law.
- Each airline has its own rules for carrying personal belongings - they determine how much luggage you can take into the cabin. How many kilograms is allowed to take? Usually the total weight of things does not exceed 10 kg.
- You need to check in luggage as many things as possible, leave especially valuable items with you - documents, mobile gadgets, money. In hand luggage you can carry an umbrella, a cane, a stroller, outerwear. What stroller can you take? It is most reasonable to purchase a stroller-cane for flights.
- What about a laptop? As practice shows, the safety of complex technical devices is a sore spot for many carriers. Therefore, it is permissible to take a laptop with you, there are usually no restrictions for portable equipment.
What is forbidden to take in hand luggage?
Lawrence/Flickr.com
Hand luggage on an airplane is all things recognized as safe for passengers and their presence in the cabin will not cause inconvenience. The list of hazardous items is constantly changing, the exact information should be obtained shortly before the flight directly from the representatives of the carrier company.
It should be remembered that the found prohibited items will be confiscated, they will not be allowed to be taken on board the aircraft. Any wrangling with the staff, attempts to prove one's case (with an obvious fact of violation) will not lead to success - the risk of being late for your flight will be very high.
Some items are forbidden to take with you and this list is the same for all airlines:
- Flammable substances in liquid and solid form.
- Any types of weapons - traumatic, souvenir items, knives and daggers.
- radioactive items.
- oxidizing substances.
- Magnetized items.
- Poisons of plant and chemical origin.
- Children's toys imitating real weapons.
If any of the above items is found in the luggage, the passenger will not be allowed on the plane, even arrest is possible. Therefore, you should not take risks and try to deceive the customs officers.
The following items cannot be transported in the aircraft cabin: nail files, penknives, razors, syringes, tweezers and scissors. According to the rules of air transportation, these things are classified as piercing and cutting and pose a potential danger to passengers. They will not be taken from the traveler, but they will definitely be asked to put them in luggage.
Separately, the rules for transporting devices with external batteries should be clarified - there are special rules for transporting batteries, the so-called high-risk flights. In this case, the list of things that cannot be taken into the cabin of the aircraft will be significantly expanded, even personal items will be banned. As a rule, the status of such a flight is announced in advance. Baggage weight may also vary.
How to transport liquids?
The list of such liquids is long, however, airlines meet the needs of passengers and allow the carriage of water, lotions, gels and similar substances in containers with a capacity of up to 100 ml. Is it possible to take spirits? Cosmetics - mascara, lipstick, perfume - also fall into the category of liquids. All containers, bottles and tubes are placed in a tight plastic bag with a secure closure. No need to think that a half-empty bottle of water with a volume of 200 ml will not raise questions. It will automatically be considered complete and asked to post. In extreme cases, larger gels and shampoos can be sent in baggage.
An exception to the rule is products for children under two years of age. Often the baby needs a large amount of food, in excess of 1 liter. In this case, the passenger is allowed to take in hand luggage the required amount of food for the child, milk in a thermos. For children over two years old, sandwiches, apples, biscuits, sweets are allowed to be transported from food. Do not forget about the sense of proportion - a big cake with cream will cause a lot of trouble.
Most airlines offer a special children's menu, children are fed separately during flights that last more than three hours. You need to order a children's menu in the carrier's service department in advance.
What medicines can be taken?
Fazal E Azeem Nisar / Flickr.com
Liquid medicines are transported in the same way as other liquids - in 100 ml bottles, in a separate transparent bag with a zipper. It is not so easy to transport tablets and powders, the list of prohibitions and restrictions will be very long.
- You can not take with you a lot of packs of pills, this will cause reasonable concern for the security personnel.
- You can take antipyretic, antiallergic, painkillers, iodine, bandage and spray from the common cold.
- Potent medicines, which contain psychotropic and narcotic substances, will have to be declared in a separate procedure; in addition, you must present receipts from the pharmacy and detailed instructions for use.
The list of drugs that are considered potent is different in each country. Therefore, information on the rules for transporting medicines should also be clarified at the destination, and not only at home.
What food to take on the plane?
In some cases (promotional fares, short-term flights), meals on board the aircraft are not provided. Or there is an allergy to products in the onboard menu. Therefore, it makes sense to take food with you, but before that, you must definitely check the list of prohibited foods.
Usually flights without meals are short in time, so sandwiches, nuts and chocolate bars, vegetables and fruits will suffice. Whatever food you take, it must be appropriately packaged, bread and vegetables must be cut in advance - they will not be allowed to bring a table knife on board.
The list of products for transportation in baggage is much wider. However, they are also subject to customs rules, and for each country they will be specific. So, in a number of European countries, livestock products and a number of vegetables are banned to prevent the spread of infections.
Tourists heading to the US will need to leave the following items at home:
- meat and any semi-finished products;
- fresh eggs;
- dairy products - cottage cheese, kefir, sour cream;
- most vegetables and fruits;
- canned foods;
- any kind of fish.
Some countries have very specific restrictions. So, from tropical countries it is impossible to export the local fruit durian, which has a strong unpleasant odor. An attempt to transport fresh fruit is punishable by a large fine, but dried fruits are allowed for transportation.
We must not forget about the possibility of quarantine in the country: you should find out about a temporary ban on the import and export of livestock products, vegetables and fruits on the eve of the flight. You can bring products to Russia in small quantities, for personal use. Transportation of meat (no more than 5 kg), cheeses in dense packaging, hard vegetables and fruits is allowed.
Separate rules exist for the transport of fish and seafood. The following standards are provided for export from Russia: fish - 5 kg; sturgeon caviar - 250 gr. In order to avoid the spread of a specific smell, it is necessary to have a tight, reliable package.
Products from Duty free stores
Tino Rossini/Flickr.com
Food products may be opened and eaten in the aircraft cabin. Non-food items and liquids purchased from Duti free must meet a number of requirements:
- Export of liquids purchased at the airport is allowed in Russia, EU countries, Kuala Lumpur, USA, Canada. In other countries, the possibility of export should always be clarified.
- All containers must be packed in the store's branded package.
- If there are one or more transfers along the route, packages cannot be opened.
- If the transplant is in the EU, drinks and gels purchased outside the EU will fall under the general rules of transportation. That is, large volumes of liquids can be confiscated.
For detailed information, you need to contact the representatives of the carrier, or call the hotline, the specialists will definitely tell you about the features of the goods in Duty free stores and their transportation.
Alcohol - how to transport correctly?
First of all, it should be remembered that only adults can transport alcohol, and the age varies in different countries. The following rules apply for the transport of alcohol:
- From abroad, you can bring 5 liters of alcohol for personal use;
- If the volume does not exceed three liters - the import is duty-free, from three to five - the duty will have to be paid. Usually they charge 10 euros for each additional 1000 ml.
- When calculating the volume, all alcohol is summed up - in luggage, hand luggage and purchases from Duti free;
- Alcohol of own production will not pass through customs - each container must have a complete factory packaging;
For safety, glass containers should be wrapped with a special bubble wrap; at check-in, luggage should be checked out as especially fragile. To do this, a badge with the inscription “fragile” is attached to a suitcase or bag.
Video: what can you take on a plane?
Preparation is a guarantee of a successful flight
If you thoughtfully approach the fees, any trip will only be a joy. Situations are different, but if you follow the simple rules of air travel, your mood will not be spoiled by the nitpicking of customs officers. In the presence of non-standard things or animals, a conscientious airline will always meet the passenger and provide comfortable conditions for transportation.
In 2017, new rules for carrying hand luggage on an airplane came out. We advise you to carefully read the list of what you can take in hand luggage and what not if you are going on an air trip. Ignorance of such subtleties, alas, can overshadow your vacation.
1. Food
You can carry any food on board the aircraft, except for liquid and jelly-like food. You can take with you:
- nuts;
- cookie;
- fruit;
- sandwiches;
- chips, etc.
For a child, you can take baby food. But refrain from yoghurts, juices, jellies and similar products, otherwise they will be confiscated from you. They will also take canned food and food in jars. All permitted products should be packaged in transparent bags. This will greatly speed up the inspection.
It is important to take into account the specifics of the carrier and the airport. So, at the Paris airport. Charles de Gaulle is not allowed to carry cheese in hand luggage.
Products from Duty Free can also be taken with you. The main thing is that the store packaging remains undamaged (the seller must pack the goods in a special bag with a capacity of 2 liters). in addition, save the receipt - it may be required when passing control.
2. Medicines
The following medications can be carried on board the aircraft:
- tablets;
- various drops;
- dressing materials;
- hydrogen peroxide.
It is better if the medicines are in undamaged original packaging, with instructions for use. Otherwise, when landing, customs officers may suspect that you are carrying prohibited substances under the guise of analgin.
If you have an injury, you can add crutches or other orthopedic aids to your hand luggage.
According to the rules, the volume of liquid in hand luggage should not exceed 100 ml. Therefore, if the medicine is liquid or in the form of a spray, make sure that the volume does not exceed what is allowed. Syringes cannot be taken on board.
3. Digital technology
What technical devices you can take on board are determined by the security regulations of the country you are traveling to. Usually, you are allowed to take in hand luggage:
- notebook;
- tablet;
- mobile phone;
- Mp3 player;
- camera;
- electric razor and toothbrush;
- charging for devices;
- voluminous electrical appliances (for example, a hair dryer).
You can (and should) also take headphones on board. If you are going to listen to music or watch a movie on a laptop, other passengers are unlikely to be happy to share this pleasure with you.
Although it is not forbidden to take a mobile phone with you, you may not need it during the flight. Often, before takeoff, phones are asked to be turned off altogether, because they can interfere with the operation of the electronic systems of the aircraft.
If you are going to take bulky equipment with you, remember the rules. Usually, the length of things in hand luggage should be no more than 56 cm, height - 45 cm, width - 25 cm. The maximum weight varies between 3-15 kilograms. The exact figure depends on the airport.
4. Documents, valuables and jewelry
In addition, you should take in your hand luggage:
- expensive jewelry;
- the documents;
- valuables;
- Wallet with money.
It is better to take your passport and other important papers with you - it’s calmer, you won’t worry about their safety all the way. In addition, if your luggage is suddenly lost, you will not be left in a foreign country without documents.
5. Cosmetics
You can carry any dry cosmetics on board:
- shadows;
- ink;
- pencils for eyes and lips;
- blush;
- powder, etc.
Liquids, jelly-like substances in jars and bottles with a volume of more than 100 ml are strictly forbidden to be transported on board the aircraft in hand luggage. Pack them in a luggage suitcase, otherwise you risk being left without your expensive jars.
With cans under pressure on the plane is also impossible. Therefore, you will have to get rid of shaving foam and deodorants.
Remember that usually the total volume of liquids should not exceed 1 liter. therefore, if you take water with you in addition to lotion and shampoo, and their total volume exceeds the allowable one, think about what will be more important for you on board.
6. Personal hygiene items
From personal hygiene items you can take in hand luggage:
- a toothbrush and paste (although you need to clarify about the latter - at some airports it is forbidden to take paste with you);
- wet wipes;
- Shaver;
- a comb without a sharp handle (sometimes it is forbidden to carry metal combs);
- nail polish remover without acetone with a volume of not more than 100 ml.
7. Clothes
You can take with you to the salon:
- jacket or sweater;
- coat;
- plaid;
- shawl.
In addition, you can carry a handbag, an umbrella and a walking stick.
8. Other
If you are traveling with children, in addition to hand luggage, you can take a portable cradle or stroller on board. It is not forbidden to take newspapers, magazines and other printed publications with you (without fanaticism, of course).
- weapons, and everything that looks like it (if you have a fashion accessory in the form of a grenade or a pistol, they can be taken away);
- piercing and cutting objects (this includes everything, even something that you would not even think of using as a tool to hurt another person, for example, knitting needles);
- animals;
- gas cartridges;
- toxic substances.
A full list of prohibited items is often indicated directly on the ticket. If this list is not there, ask about this issue right at the airport.
Check the rules for dimensions, they differ for each airline. Low-cost airlines are especially serious about this issue. Low-cost airlines have a strict rule: one person - one piece of hand luggage. Therefore, everything will have to be folded into one bag or package. An exception is allowed only for folding baby carriages, crutches and outerwear.
Hand luggage on an airplane is a real headache for most tourists returning from vacation. For many passengers, the very concept of "hand luggage" raises many questions. Unfortunately, not all passengers know what is the difference between hand luggage and luggage, and even more so from an accessory to hand luggage (accessory to hand luggage is a very new concept for modern civil aviation).
This post will be a continuation of useful articles about the tricks of independent travel. Earlier, I wrote in detail about how to look for cheap flights, what is travel insurance and how 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 overweight.
What is hand luggage
Here's what Wikipedia says about the concept of hand luggage:
Hand luggage is a load that a passenger takes with him on board a passenger vehicle (in our case, this is an airplane, but the vehicle can be anything), without putting it in the luggage compartment.
As you can see, hand luggage is all that the passenger takes with him on board the aircraft. Many people think so, but if you look more closely at the rules for transporting goods on passenger aircraft, it turns out that everything that is on you, including outerwear and the contents of pockets, is no longer hand luggage, but is called personal use and is actually not taken into account. And there are a lot of such interesting moments in the rules of transportation, read about it below.
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 budget carriers, any excess is a means of additional income, so you should know about it and take into account the special rules of low-cost carriers.
It should be understood that any restriction on the transport of things in the cabin is primarily a concern for the passenger and the safety of air travel, and then the opportunity to take extra money from the passenger for excess weight. Now let me 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 (in 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 within 8 - 12 kilograms (depending on the airline) - this is so that each passenger can independently put their things in boxes above the seats;
- bans on liquids and other bans - unfortunately, after the American tragedy of September 11, civil aviation has become different, the rules have not become stricter, they have become completely different. Those who have flown before know how much easier it was to pass the pre-flight inspection earlier.
Hand luggage size
In this part of the post, we will 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 money and not pay for overweight.
Aircraft hand luggage weight
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 vice versa, 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 "kookies" about the weight of hand luggage.
If you read this post to the end, you will find several legal ways for yourself to reduce the weight of your hand luggage and still carry everything you want.
Dimensions of hand luggage on the plane
As I mentioned earlier, for most airlines, the allowable size of hand luggage is the same, because most airlines have the same aircraft models and the same luggage racks.
The allowable size of hand luggage, in most cases, is: 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm or 115 cm (in the sum of 3 dimensions). It should be noted here that skis 115 centimeters long will most likely not be allowed to be carried on board, but they will be forced to be checked in, since there is simply nowhere to attach them in the cabin, well, not in the aisle to carry them.
With the determination of the dimensions of hand luggage, passengers always have difficulties, for which many airlines install special templates at airports that imitate the allowed sizes, and everyone can check their things using these templates.
Novice travelers always have the question of what is the best way to pack things that fly in the cabin. 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 walls of the suitcase is justified, in all other cases, the suitcase is too inconvenient for hand luggage;
- a hand luggage bag is a great solution, it can be tamped down and thus it will pass any “dimensional” control, but it can be very inconvenient to carry such a bag at the airport. If the bag has wheels, then this option is quite suitable;
- a hand luggage backpack is the most convenient thing to carry things on an airplane, it perfectly passes all the “size-to-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 items in hand luggage
When buying goods in duty-free shops (Duty Free) on the territory of the airport (in the so-called "sterile zone"), you should take into account the weight of purchases. The stores themselves do not impose any restrictions on the sale of goods (buy at least half of the store).
Theoretically, Duty Free items are personal items and do not count as hand luggage, but when boarding an aircraft, it can be difficult (if you have too many Duty Free purchases), so you should be rational in everything. It should also be remembered that it is required to transport goods from Duty Free in special containers (in which the goods are packed in the store) and not to break the packaging throughout the flight. It is advisable to keep a cash receipt for your purchase throughout the flight, it may come in handy.
If there were no problems with boarding the plane and your purchases from Duty Free are flying with you, then you may be subject to customs restrictions at the arrival camp. Each country has clear rules on the possibility of duty-free import of goods, and some (mostly Muslim countries) even prohibit the import of the most popular Duty Free goods (liquor). As a rule, customs "give approval" for the import of 1 liter of strong alcohol and 1 block of cigarettes, for a larger volume you need to pay a fee. Each country has its own rules, so you should clarify this before your trip.
If you are flying with a transfer, then you should remember that you will have to go through the security control procedure again and here your Duty Free package can 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 goods from Duty Free must be appropriately packaged.
Accessory for hand luggage
Now the most interesting. Not so long ago, some airlines introduced a new concept for passenger aviation - “Accessory for hand luggage”, for most passengers this is a real salvation from overweight and that's why. Some things go beyond the concept of hand luggage and fall into accessories for hand luggage, then 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 occupied most of the space there.
Here is what you can take on a plane as an accessory for hand luggage from Aeroflot:
- handbag / men's briefcase;
- folder for papers;
- umbrella;
- cane;
- bouquet of flowers;
- outerwear;
- laptop computer, camera, video camera;
- printed publications for in-flight reading;
- baby food for the child during the flight;
- baby cradle when transporting a child;
- suit in a suitcase;
- cell phone;
- crutches;
- bag with purchases from the Duty Free store.
And again, there are several incomprehensible situations, there are instructions about a laptop, but there is no instruction about a charger, there are instructions about a camera, but you will be forced to check in your tripod, etc.
Hand luggage for children
For passengers with small children, carrying things for all children's needs becomes a big problem. Fortunately, most airlines allow you to use an extra piece of hand luggage in a standard size. This rule applies to passengers with children under 2 years of age, if the child has a full ticket and a seat in the cabin, then he also has a full piece of hand luggage.
How and where to place hand luggage on board the aircraft
To place 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 passenger hand luggage. If necessary, hand luggage can be placed under the seat in front of the seated passenger (not all seats on the plane have this option).
Many airlines clearly state in their policies 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). It is forbidden to place any things in the aisles of the aircraft or in the space near the emergency exit.
How much hand luggage can I take on a plane
How much hand luggage you can take on a plane depends to a greater extent on the carrier company and on 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 an additional fee for things in the cabin. Some US and Canadian carriers provide as many as 2 pieces of carry-on baggage when flying in regular economy class.
Liquids in hand luggage
Restrictions on carrying liquids in hand luggage seem to me the most crazy restrictions for passengers on airplanes. Judge for yourself, because all these restrictions on 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 are a huge inconvenience and additional hassle. It's all because of the September 11, 2001 attacks that completely changed the attitude towards aviation security and now every passenger (including infants with their baby food jars) is considered as a potential terrorist.
The rules for carrying 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 a container 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, for all your objections “There is only half”, there is only one reaction “Not allowed”. Toothpaste is not so pitiful, but what if it's an expensive cream in a 125 ml tube? Anything over 100 ml. will be removed and disposed of.
There are a number of products that do not look like 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;
- ink;
- lipstick;
- toothpaste;
- beverages;
- syrups;
- soups;
- cheeses;
- canned food;
- caviar;
- jam;
- home preparations.
Thus, it turns out that you can carry caviar and cheese in hand luggage, but not more than 1 lirt (in total), which is divided into 100 ml. containers. A normal person is not able to imagine hard cheese poured into small bottles, and this often causes situations of misunderstanding between passengers and employees at airports.
About cheese in bottles is a joke, but it is desirable that all liquids be in labeled containers, this way you will save yourself unnecessary questions. It should be remembered that airport employees have the right to open any jar or tube and verify the contents, it does not matter what is inside an expensive cream or baby food.
What can be carried in hand luggage
What can you take in hand luggage on a plane? Here it is worth answering the following question for yourself, about the need for things that you drag into the cabin of the aircraft. It’s understandable when you take documents and really valuable things with you, but when people carry things into the cabin that could easily survive the flight in the luggage compartment, the question arises “Why?”. I think that you should take the most necessary and valuable things in your hand luggage, and either put everything else in your luggage, or not take it on a trip at all.
Beverages
Any drinks in glass, plastic or cardboard packages up to 100 ml. can be carried in hand luggage, the requirements for packaging drinks from Duty Free stores are more lenient and are not limited to 100 ml.
You can carry any drinks and alcohol in your hand luggage, however, the strength of alcoholic beverages must be no more than 70%, everything above is considered a combustible substance and is not allowed for transportation in the cabin.
Food and food
There are no special requirements and restrictions for food (should be checked with your airline), if you are taking food within reasonable limits (a sandwich for the road or a few apples). It should be remembered that on the territory of 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 volume of the package should not exceed 100 ml.
Here is a list of these products - liquids:
- caviar;
- yogurts (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, meatballs, sausages;
- cookies, chips, bread, waffles;
- vegetables and fruits;
- sweets, cakes and pastries.
Electronics and modern gadgets
When going through customs at the airport, you will be asked to take your laptop out of your hand luggage and place it in the basket for later scanning. Laptop, phone, smart phone, etc. may not be taken into account in the weight of hand luggage and be considered personal items, but here you should study the rules of the airline more carefully.
On some flights to the United States, any electronic device larger than a smartphone is not allowed in carry-on baggage.
The following electronic devices can be transported in the aircraft cabin:
- mobile phone (excluding exploding smartphones samsung galaxy note 7);
- laptop, tablet, e-book;
- camera, video camera;
- MP3, DVD player.
Medications
Medicines and medicines needed on the road can be taken in hand luggage, but please note that you may be asked to prove the need for certain drugs (you should have a doctor's indication that you need to take medicines).
Care accessories
The following personal devices may be carried in hand baggage.
- a safety razor and replaceable blades for it, as well as an electric razor;
- hair dryer and other hair styling devices;
- toothbrush (including electric).
Cosmetics and hygiene products
You can take cosmetic and hygiene products in any (glass, plastic, paper, wood, etc.) packages up to 100 ml in hand luggage.
- cream, gel;
- tanning lotion or oil;
- toothpaste;
- deodorant (solid, spray, roll-on);
- hairspray and foam for styling hair;
- liquid for contact lenses;
- shampoo, mask, hair balm, etc.
Other things in hand luggage
- literature and magazines;
- a picture (its size should not exceed the allowable for hand luggage);
- crockery, glasses, sets, etc.;
- musical instrument;
- a wedding dress and other clothes (it is necessary to carry in a special case - a suitcase, it counts 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). So, for example, an ordinary skateboard can be regarded as a weapon and will be asked to be checked in. I became interested and I asked the representatives of the airport whether this was true or not, that's what they answered me. You can see the full answer to my letter in the photo.
In accordance with the requirements of aviation security, according to clause 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 a weapon of attack, but not prohibited for transportation on board the aircraft, are packed and transported in as checked baggage.
All restrictions on the carriage of things in hand luggage can be divided into several groups.
- prohibited for security reasons - weapons and toys imitating them (firearms, piercing and cutting, etc.), exploding smartphones samsung galaxy note 7, I think everything is clear here;
- prohibited for the convenience of passengers - everyone wants to drag their oversized cargo on board, but no one wants to sit next to a friend who dragged oversized cargo into the cabin;
- prohibited for commercial purposes - it is possible to use the aircraft cabin as a "gazelle for transportation", but it is expensive. There is a desire to bring 50 kilograms of mango from Thailand - pay for the excess and take it.
Now let's talk about this in more detail, the recent events with exploding Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones surprised and frightened many. And as a result - a complete ban on the use of this smartphone model on board the aircraft.
Punching and cutting objects, explosive goods and weapons
- it is forbidden to take firearms and any piercing and cutting objects (knife, corkscrew, razor blades, sharp manicure accessories, etc.) in hand luggage;
- working tools (screwdrivers, nails, files, drills, etc.);
- sports equipment (skateboard, roller skates, scooters, baseball bats, etc.).
Electronics and modern gadgets prohibited in hand luggage
After the scandal with the exploding Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone, many countries banned the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones from being carried on board the aircraft, and the Federal Air Transport Agency went even further and banned this smartphone even from being carried to the airport.
Many airlines have banned the transportation of small-sized means for personal transportation on lithium batteries (monowheels, mini-segways, hoverboards, gyro scooters, etc.) in hand luggage and in the cargo hold.
On March 21, 2017, US authorities banned electronic devices from being carried in hand luggage, the ban was imposed on flights from the Middle East and North Africa. Passengers from these countries (Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the UAE) traveling to the United States of America non-stop are not allowed to carry laptops, tablets, cameras and other electronics in hand luggage. The United Kingdom has joined this ban.
Food and food
If you managed to carry food and other food products on board the aircraft (some airlines don’t particularly find fault with this), then it’s advisable to destroy it there (eat it), since many countries prohibit the importation of any agricultural products, meat, milk and etc. without proper certifications.
Transportation of hand luggage on the plane, tricks and life hacks
The main life hack “How not to overpay for excess baggage” is to leave everything superfluous at home, but not everyone can give themselves such pleasure - traveling with a half-empty backpack, so I will tell you how I deal with being overweight in my hand luggage.
Usually, I travel with two backpacks, one large (about 45 liters) and the other small (30 liters). At the beginning of your journey, all things (including a 30 liter backpack) fit into a 45 liter one and fly like hand luggage in the cabin. During a long journey, backpacks are filled with all sorts of necessary (and not so) gizmos and on the way back they don’t fit into each other anymore, and this is where you have to think about how to optimize the weight and size of luggage.
Here is a rough list of things to do to reduce the weight of your luggage after a long trip:
Make the most of your body- it sounds strange, but if you understand that an advantage is inevitable, then you can bring some of the things into the cabin on yourself in the literal sense of the word. For example, you can put on warm things from your luggage (it will probably be hot and you will look like a fool), 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, top models have more than 40 pockets of all shapes and sizes for different gadgets and devices. With such functionality, all SCOTTeVEST brand clothes look fashionable and modern. Any of their little things, whether it be a cap or shorts, will be equipped with pockets for storage without fail.
Get rid of everything superfluous- there are things that it makes no sense to bring 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. On my Indian trip, a gift in the form of an ordinary ballpoint pen evoked extremely positive emotions from local children.
Find a travel companion- if you find a fellow traveler who does not have as much luggage as you, then you can always ask for a service. 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 turn out to be in the things you transferred and where is the guarantee that a new acquaintance will return your luggage to you.
Send a piece of luggage by mail- in any country there is 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 the rates for overweight baggage.
The allowable weight varies from 23 to 32 kg free of charge per passenger, and a maximum of 10 kg is set for a child under 2 years old.
Weight is set depending on the fare of your trip(economy class, business class, etc.). As a rule, when traveling in business class, you are allowed to take more weight than in economy class.
Remember that you cannot carry in the luggage compartment of an aircraft, whose weight exceeds the permissible maximum; have to do above the established norm, therefore, in order to avoid such situations at the airport, measure the weight of your suitcase yourself at home on ordinary scales or shift everything into bags and suitcases.
However, in some European countries, loaders refuse to load more than 32 kg on board, and in this case, the surcharge will not save you in any way and you will have to transfer everything to an additional bag.
Your baggage is not summed up in any way, and if one of your bags weighs within the norm, and the other is more, then you pay for the excess of only the second bag.
It is worth noting that in some Western countries (Canada, USA) or the so-called members of the SkyTeam alliance, which includes the well-known airline Aeroflot, a baggage purchase system is used.
A piece of luggage is 1-2 free pieces(depends on the fare) one luggage up to 23 kg (economy class), and in the business class - these are free 2 pieces weighing up to 32 kg for each baggage, that is, baggage in this case is considered piece by piece.
For example, you can take 2 free places with a capacity of up to 23 kg. One of your bags weighs 18 kg, and the other 25 kg, then your first bag is one free piece of baggage, and the second is already the second separate piece, for the excess of which you need to pay extra.
If you have airline bonus cards, then they will provide an additional 1 more place.
There are also situations when a passenger needs to transport: musical instruments, household appliances, bulky items, in this case, be sure to negotiate with your airline in advance, where you will additionally have to pay for such transportation.
However, be prepared that they may refuse, as not all airliner loading hatches are capable of transporting such heavy objects.
However, as an exception, passengers can transport disabled people free of charge and, sports equipment, which counts as one free piece of baggage.
special permission
You can carry certain items that require a special permit and compliance with the necessary conditions. They pose a special danger, and therefore they are located in special compartments of the aircraft with closed access.
They include: firearms, hunting rifles, checkers, sabers, crossbows, gas cartridges, large scissors, etc.
As for weapons, you can carry them by aircraft on domestic and international flights, but only if you have the right to carry and store weapons, and in the case of international flights, then international permission.
Before going through customs inspection, you must notify an employee of the Ministry of Internal Affairs or a customs officer that you are transporting a weapon, where it will be registered and deposited in special compartments of the aircraft or handed over to the crew for storage.
Remember that each airline and the airport itself sets its own restrictions on.
Any weapon must be in a case and be unloaded. For example, gas pistol cartridges are generally prohibited from being transported by airliner at Vnukovo Airport.
All of the above items are handed over to the owner unchanged at the airport at the place of arrival.
What happens to seized items?
If you have found dangerous or prohibited items, then naturally they are subject to seizure. Each airport has a list of things prohibited for transportation on an airplane, as well as instructions, procedures and deadlines for their destruction and sale.
However, as a general rule all prohibited items are disposed of.
As a rule, organizations that are engaged in the disposal of seized objects are not disclosed, and do not know where they ended up.
Once seized, they are packed in black bags or bags and then burned or damaged so much that they cannot be used.
If any items have been taken from you, then the inspection staff will draw up a special act of seizure. You have every right to demand it.
If you believe that your items have been illegally confiscated which are not prohibited by the rules of the airline and the airport, you can go to court.
If you are transporting weapons, ammunition without a permit or generally poisonous, explosives, then problems cannot be avoided, and the internal affairs authorities will initiate criminal proceedings against you.
Weapons and other restricted items will be handed over to the police.
To avoid losing valuables, you can alternatively send them by mail or through international delivery services; leave for a fee in the storage room; transfer to relatives or friends for storage, etc.
Thus, before going on a trip or a business trip, carefully learn the rules for the carriage of goods in the luggage compartment and hand luggage, since any seemingly insignificant thing can complicate your further flight.
As soon as you bought a plane ticket, or better before making a trip, pay attention to the conditions for carrying luggage. Each airline has its own requirements. The minimum information will be specified when booking a flight, and for details, go to the section of the carrier's website, where the conditions of carriage are indicated. And read our review)
What are the rules for things on the plane
When boarding, everything that the passenger is carrying is inspected and weighed. It turned out that the suitcase exceeds the allowable weight or dimensions - there will be difficulties during registration, which threaten not only with a loss of time and nerves, but also with unplanned expenses.
Pay attention! Musical instruments and animals are transported separately, regardless of the volume of other things. The free baggage allowance does not apply to them, you will have to pay extra according to the tariff scale.
In international air transportation, there are 2 generally accepted measures for the transportation of passenger suitcases: weight concept and piece concept. The free and paid flight options with things are affected by:
- service class,
- flight duration,
- luggage dimensions,
- weight of things
- flight direction.
Weight concept or weight measure sets a limit only on the weight of passenger bags. It is applied at the majority of carriers of Asia, the CIS countries and a part of the European companies. For adult passengers and children over two years old, a 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 check-in and carry-on baggage per passenger. Information about the norm of things is placed on the purchased ticket. If the requirements change, the carrier must notify the passenger. It is allowed to take no more than 10 kilograms, up to 1.15 meters in size, into the cockpit of the aircraft itself without additional payment.
If a child under two years old is flying without a seat separate from the 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. It is common with airlines in Canada, the USA, in most countries of Central and South America. Among Russian airlines, this measure is used by Aeroflot.
With a quantitative measure, regardless of the ticket class, 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 is irrelevant 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 how difficult or long the flight, loading and unloading things is paid by the airline.
Oversized baggage
Oversized aircraft is considered:
- baggage piece weighing more than 32 kg and dimensions in all dimensions more than 2.03 m,
- 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.
You will have to pay for the transportation of baggage over the norm, it is best to clarify and arrange the airline's tariffs and payment terms in advance. And at the front desk, just present a receipt for payment of oversized items.
The airline may refuse to carry oversized baggage if there is not enough free space in the baggage compartment or cargo of this size does not fit into the loading hatches.
Transportation of fragile and valuable luggage
We recommend keeping important, fragile and valuable things and documents with you and taking them into the cabin of the aircraft, if they pass as hand luggage in size and weight. If fragile and valuable baggage is large, but less than 75 kilograms, it will be allowed to be carried in the cabin on a separate ticket.
If fragile baggage does not arrive intact, the carrier does not admit guilt. After all, airlines are not legally responsible for the safety of fragile things of a passenger.
With a mass of more than 75 kilograms, you will have to buy several pieces in multiples of the difference in the mass of luggage and the weight standard for 1 piece. The system of discounts for these tickets does not work.
hand luggage
Passenger items carried by aircraft are separated:
- baggage - these things travel in the baggage compartment and are handed over to the employees of the carrier company at the check-in counter before boarding the aircraft;
- hand luggage - things that the passenger takes with him into the cabin of the aircraft, their airline limits their weight and volume.
Usually, 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 by business, the weight of the suitcase is not more than 15 kilograms, the sum of measurements should not exceed 1.15 m.
In excess of the norm, excluding the total mass of baggage, a passenger can carry into the cabin of the aircraft:
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 grocery bag or a package.
But it is not exactly)
Low-cost airlines greatly narrow the list of things that you can take with you. Check the exact list on your airline's website.
Luggage on scheduled flights
Each passenger of the aircraft can carry a certain number of things without payment. The exact amount depends on the type of aircraft and airline regulations. One of the advantages of flying by large companies with regular flights is a large baggage allowance. Carry up to 23 kilograms in checked baggage and up to 7 kilograms in hand luggage for free.
The exact amount of free baggage is always indicated on your ticket.
When buying tickets for a regular flight at a discount, check with the airline for the maximum size of things in luggage and in the cabin of the aircraft. Maximum understand as approximate. It is important that the sum of the three dimensions for 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 much smaller than usual. Some low-cost airlines generally do not allow you to carry luggage without surcharge, and also severely limit hand luggage allowed on the plane.
Air discounters strictly check the compliance of things with the rules and earn on inattentive passengers who have not read the rules of transportation. Near the check-in counter and at the exit to the plane there are scales and frames in which hand luggage must fit. If the bag is larger, you will have to check it in your luggage and pay a fair amount.
Only 1 piece of luggage will be allowed on the plane of a budget company. Some low-cost airlines will still allow you to carry an additional handbag and a laptop into the cabin. Read the rules of the airline carefully.
If your hand luggage is more than the norm and there is nothing to take away, then check in and pay for your luggage in advance online before arriving at the airport. Checking luggage at the counter before boarding will cost twice as much. And payment at the gate upon landing will result in a substantial amount.
Advice! Low-costers do not limit the number of clothes on a passenger. Put on the most voluminous and heavy things.
Flying with a discount airline allows you to save a lot, but take things to a minimum and carefully read the rules for carrying luggage and hand luggage. Then there will be no problems and loss of money when boarding a flight.
Baggage on charter
The baggage allowance on a charter flight is 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 old (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.
More often than not, charter companies add up the weight of seats per passengers flying together. But it is better to divide the baggage evenly, as 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 missed without additional payment.
What to do with luggage when flying with a transfer
In transit, you can fly by planes of the same or different airlines. It is more convenient when you transfer without changing the carrier company:
- all flights will be registered in one ticket,
- you hand over things at the airport of departure, and you receive them upon arrival,
- airline employees are responsible for the flight of your belongings.
You are carrying things that need to be declared - at an intermediate point you will have to receive luggage and check it in yourself after inspection for the next flight.
It is more difficult when you fly by planes of several airlines. If the companies are partners and you checked in your baggage to the final destination, there will be no differences. But when the carriers are not connected, you will have to sweat:
- there will be separate tickets for each of the flights,
- things will have to be received and handed over again at the transit airport,
- being late for the connection and the safety of your luggage is your headache.
If you have a connection, allow more time for clearance and movement around the airport. Read the map of the airport in advance and plan your way to the point of connection. Travel with hand luggage only.
When we fly without luggage
More and more independent travelers are choosing to fly without checking in 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 for clearance. Travel with carry-on luggage and check in before you arrive at the airport - skip the queues and waste time.
Another waste of time is baggage claim. Waiting for luggage after the plane's arrival can take up to 1.5 hours, depending on the airport of arrival. If you have only hand luggage with you, you can go about your business immediately after getting off the plane and passing through passport control.
Enjoy your flight
A traveler's worst nightmare is losing your suitcase to an airline. Of course, most often things are found, but this unpleasant experience is not worth worrying about. But what about the fears that the suitcase will be damaged during loading or opened and something valuable stolen.
When your things travel side by side in the cabin, there will be no convulsive experiences and worries. A comfortable and roomy bag that you take in hand luggage guarantees no unnecessary worries.
Avoid extra spending
Overweight is a frequent and unpleasant phenomenon for travelers, which threatens with additional expenses. In addition, flying without luggage, you can easily move around with low-cost airlines with their incredibly low price tags.
The main difficulty when flying with hand luggage is the ability to refuse unnecessary things. Learn to hit the road with a minimum of luggage. This is especially useful for connections and difficult 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 are flying with luggage, take into the cabin only what you need during the flight: your favorite book, gadgets, documents and a warm jumper. Valuable and fragile items should also be kept with you. But if you are traveling exclusively with hand luggage, check what 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 allowed 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.
The requirements of a low-cost airline for the size of a flight bag can vary significantly. If you don’t want to pay extra, read and follow all the conditions of the budget carrier.
List of things allowed on the plane
- Food: You can bring any solid food on the plane. Do not attempt to carry liquids, jellies and creams larger than 100 ml. Take food and drink to the child in reasonable quantities with you and do not have to be placed in plastic, but you will need to present it during the inspection. Be prepared for additional questions and requests to open and try the content.
- Medicines: take any non-liquid medicines in reasonable amounts, it is better if they are in their original packaging and with instructions. If you have a large amount of medicines or if the products contain narcotic substances, have a prescription and a certificate from your doctor with you so that there are no problems at customs.
The volume of liquid medicines and sprays should be less than 100 ml. But aerosols and syringes are not allowed. - Equipment: the list of devices that can be carried by plane depends on the security requirements of the country. Usually there are no problems when transporting a phone, laptop, tablet, camera and player. You can also take small household appliances (electric shaver, electric toothbrush and hair dryer). If suspicious, the screening service may require you to turn on the device and demonstrate its operation.
If you are carrying equipment in hand luggage, remember that the airline limits the number of things in the cabin per passenger and their size. - Documents and valuables: Passport and all documents necessary for the trip (hotel reservations, tickets and car rental), as well as valuables, it is better to take on the plane. If the luggage is lost, all the documents necessary for staying in the country will be on hand.
- Cosmetics: take bulk and dry cosmetics without problems, but with liquid cosmetics it is more difficult: the total volume of liquid substances in your hand luggage should not exceed 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 funds at the screening or return to the check-in desk and check in your luggage. It is forbidden to take aerosols and containers under pressure on a flight, replace them with dry products.
- Hygiene items: there is a ban on piercing and cutting objects, regardless of their size, so manicure scissors, combs with a sharp metal handle and straight razors cannot be carried on the plane. Take the paste in a tube of less than 100 ml to avoid problems.
- Baby accessories: airlines allow you to take a stroller or a baby carrier on the plane at no extra charge. They are checked in as hand luggage and handed over to the staff at the entrance to the cabin.
How to carry Duty Free goods on an airplane
You can buy Duty Free products in the duty-free shopping area or while flying on an international flight. There will be no problems with solid goods, but when transporting liquids (perfumes, alcoholic beverages, 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 not be taken on a flight.
Having bought alcoholic beverages in Duty Free, find out the customs requirements for the export and import of spirits in the country of destination. When buying in Duty Free with a difficult route, find out the rules for transporting goods in the country of transit 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 area, alcohol will be required to be checked in as baggage. And when departing from US airports, only alcohol bought in the American Duty Free will be allowed in the cockpit.
Not all low-cost airlines allow you to carry a package with Duty Free without surcharges, it is considered a separate place and you will have to pay for transportation.
What is forbidden to carry on an airplane
It is forbidden to carry any dangerous substances or items that can harm other passengers on the plane. These are all types of weapons and weapons-like toys, radioactive, poisonous, caustic substances and pressurized gases. The customs service also has its own restrictions, they relate to money, jewelry, alcohol, tobacco, various valuables and art objects.
It usually doesn’t occur to budget travelers to pack something from this list, but on the signs at the airport you will find just such a list of prohibited substances.
Rules for carrying liquids on an airplane
On the plane, they will be allowed to take a maximum of 1 liter of liquid substances, in addition, all funds are asked to be poured into separate containers of 100 ml in size. Moreover, liquids are only water, but also any creamy and jelly-like products.
Please note that it is forbidden to carry liquids in containers larger than 100 ml, partially filled. If 50 ml of shampoo is packed in a 400 ml bottle, you will have to part with the product at the inspection.
- stock up on mini-packages, preferably with an indication of the volume on the package;
- distribute all liquid and creamy products into containers;
- pack all the funds in one transparent bag, preferably 20 by 20 centimeters in size;
- check that the total volume is not more than 1000 ml (10 containers).
Where can I get the right 100 ml containers? Leave the mini-packages that are given upon check-in at hotels: you will have shampoo, shower and cream. Buy cosmetics miniatures or a cosmetics travel kit, it contains 50-100 ml of products. There are universal containers for travelers on sale, all that remains is to pour your favorite funds and collect your luggage.
Zip-Lock, which is sold at any stationery store, is perfect as a package. And yet, the amount of liquid funds of travelers flying together will not be summed up.
How not to lose luggage on a flight
If you are afraid of losing your luggage during the flight, take measures before the flight that reduce the likelihood of loss:
- Remove used baggage tags after your flight. It is easy for an airport employee to make a mistake if the suitcase is hung with old tags and stickers and send the luggage along a different route.
- Keep valuable and necessary things with you. If it is not easy to replace a thing - take it into the cabin, because the carrier is not responsible for the loss.
- Mark the suitcase on the outside, indicate the city, last name and contact, preferably in English. Inside the bag, also put a leaflet with contacts and a request to return the luggage.
- Take photos of the bag inside and out, keep a list of all valuables, great if you can justify their value with a receipt.
- Remove the outer straps for the duration of the flight - they will catch on the transport line and the suitcase will get stuck.
- Wrap your luggage in foil, use wrapping at the airport or wrap it yourself. Stretch packaging will protect against burglars and damage in transit.
- Choose discreet models or buy a special case. Luxury suitcases attract too much attention, expensive bags can be stolen for the purpose of theft.
- Install on the combination lock and change the code: this will protect the bag from being opened when the zipper falls and diverges and will scare off or at least slow down the robbers.
- 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 luggage is lost:
- 50% of luggage is lost due to disruptions and inconsistencies in the operation of the airport,
- 15% of bags are not loaded on the plane due to the loss or absence of the baggage tag,
- 15% remain on the baggage belt - they are simply not picked up by passengers,
- 20% of baggage goes missing in other ways for various reasons.
Where do our missing suitcases go?
When checking in, a special label with a marking is hung on the bag, a ten-digit barcode contains complete information about the baggage:
- 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 baggage along the correct route, moving along the conveyor belt, the suitcase gets to the right place: the luggage compartment of the aircraft or the baggage claim area. If the tag is missing, there is a problem with the line or the barcode is not read correctly - the bag is in lost baggage or is flying on the wrong route.
Where do suitcases go at the airport?
- To distant distances: if a mistake is made in the labeling of the tag, the suitcase will fly on its journey: another city, country, continent - the larger the airport, the more exotic the suitcase route can be.
- In desperate obscurity: the tag is torn or loosely glued and lost when the suitcase passes through the conveyor belt, such unmarked bags settle in the unidentified baggage area.
- To the suitcase detectives. If the suitcase is lost or left uncollected from the conveyor belt (yes, this also happens) and the tag on it is intact, suitcase detectives come into play. By punching a barcode in the internal system, they find all the data about the owner and contact him to please the news of the find.
- On the international wanted list. World Tracer System is an international baggage tracing system, which involves most of the world's airports. The system is automated and searches for the missing baggage itself, comparing the route, color, size and weight of the bag within 100 days, you only need to fill out an electronic application using a special form.
- 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 the storage warehouse.
- To the auction: as soon as 100 days or 3 months expire, the owner of the lost luggage is no longer searched for. All such bags fall on a special sale, where they are sold without opening. The initial price is very low, and the contents will be a surprise for the buyer. Such auctions are 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 luggage
- check in the oversized baggage claim area: non-standard suitcases, skis, strollers or sports equipment will not be waiting on the conveyor belt, but in a special baggage claim area.
- contact Lost & Found: each airport has a service that searches for luggage. It is easy to find by Lost & Found signs. Show your baggage tag, identification document and fill out an application. It is important to describe the bag in detail and give special signs.
- notify the airline: it will not be superfluous to go to the airline's counter at the airport and check with them on the procedure, if the luggage is lost on the charter - start from this point.
- 3 weeks have passed, and the suitcase has not been found - it's time to apply to the airline for monetary compensation for lost items. Photos of the contents, an inventory of things and saved receipts will come in handy here.
- the refusal of the airline came - we go to court, in such cases the judge usually takes the side of the passenger, 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 luggage free of charge to the address indicated 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 an airplane: skis, snowboard, equipment.
If you are an active traveler, you have often faced questions about how to carry skis or diving equipment, whether it is possible to fly with a snowboard for free and how much it costs to transport a surfer. We recommend that you resolve all these issues at the stage or immediately after buying a ticket, at the airport it will be a multiple more expensive and, in the worst case, will end with a missed flight.
It is not so important winter equipment or summer equipment, we propose to solve the issue of a flight with sports equipment according to a simple and effective algorithm:
- try to fit into standard luggage: if the size of things allows you to squeeze into standard sizes and weights, we pack and fly;
- look for tickets from companies that transport sports equipment for free: such promotions are often carried out by airlines during the season on popular destinations;
- inform the air carrier in advance that you are flying with sports equipment, indicating the dimensions and weight;
- carefully and securely pack the equipment, it is better to use special cases for transportation;
- do not forget that sports equipment is issued in the oversized baggage area, and not on the conveyor belt;
- traveling with your sports equipment is rarely cheap, but the experience is worth it.
Our top tip when flying: Pack your luggage, stow away the extra stuff, and stow away the extra stuff again!
So, from this article you will find out: is it possible to carry an elephant-sized suitcase for free, why shaving foam will have to be left for inspection, how to take skis to a resort, why you should learn to fly without things, where to look for a missing suitcase and who are suitcase detectives.