As the holiday season approaches and  with most airlines now charging to book “hold luggage” more and more of us are turning our thoughts to just carrying hand luggage, but what exactly can and can’t we cram into our luggage and carry on board, on a European flight?

From January 2008 most UK airports eased the hand luggage restrictions but many still insist on you only carrying one bag through security (plus a separate laptop but excluding a camera!) and the liquid allowances remain in force. 

You may include in your hand luggage any liquids, gels, foams and pastes (including those in pressurised containers)  PROVIDING  they are no more than 100ml each  in size and  are contained in a single, transparent, re-sealable plastic bag, which in itself is no more than 1 litre in capacity and 20cm x 20cm.  (ladies this does include your lipstick and mascara!).

Prescriptive medication necessary for the journey and Baby milk and food can also be placed in your hand luggage but adults accompanying minors will be asked to taste the provisions themselves.  Once through security you are allowed to purchase and carry on board any goods bought.

Now you know what you can take on board, can you manage your trip with just one bag?  Size matters – the “carry-on luggage” must not exceed 56cm x 45cm x 25cm including handles, wheels and side pockets.  In most cases to get through security you must include handbags and anything else you are carrying in this bag, excluding your passport and boarding pass.

Musical instruments, pushchairs, walking aids and wheelchairs are also allowed through as extras but are thoroughly searched and x-rayed.

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