So, an exciting journey awaits you. Tickets have already been bought, thoughts are melting with a premonition of novelty and pleasant pleasures. For thoughts to become reality, you just need to properly prepare for the journey. And you need to start by packing the things that you will need during the trip.
When packing your suitcase, remember that on the way back it is always heavier from shopping and gifts. We remind you that everything that you take on the road must be divided into two unequal parts:
- carry-on baggage
- checked baggage
One will be with you in the aircraft cabin and is called hand luggage (or cabin luggage, if it will be stored in a special cabinet of the aircraft cabin if you wish). You are responsible for its safety.
And the second will fly with you, but in the luggage compartment of the aircraft and is called checked baggage. The airline is responsible for the safety of this baggage.
It should be borne in mind that the rules for the carriage of baggage on the plane for hand luggage and checked baggage are different. Those. what you can take with you under the guise of checked baggage may be prohibited from being carried in the cabin of the aircraft. So below is the basic rules for the carriage of baggage
HAND Luggage - hand luggage in an airplane it can weigh from 5 to 18 kilograms (depending on the requirements of the carrier's airline, route, fare, ticket). As a rule, carry-on baggage consists of:
Of all required documents(passports, business securities, credit cards, vouchers, insurance)
- valuable and fragile things (video cameras, laptops, jewelry, glasses, etc.)
- vital medicines, baby food
-and the rest depends on your tastes and personal life.
Approximate size of carry-on baggage
For the safety and comfort of passengers, carry-on baggage must not exceed the permissible dimensions so that it can be stowed under the seat of the aircraft seat. Usually these are dimensions 55x40x20 cm.
There are exceptions, for example, the Air Astana company allows business class passengers to carry hand luggage weighing up to 18 kilograms in the aircraft cabin. And from Lufthansa, first and business class passengers are allowed to take two pieces of hand luggage, and for economy class passengers - one. The permissible dimensions of one piece of hand luggage have been increased to 55x40x23, and the weight should not exceed 23 kilograms.
The main thing to remember is that any items that pose a danger to others, their imitators and models (these are radioactive, poisonous substances, weapons, stabbing, cutting and explosive objects) are strictly prohibited in the passenger's hand luggage.
Due to the increased frequency of terrorist attacks, requirements have been tightened and restrictions have been introduced on liquids, even on toilet and cosmetic products (it is curious that shaving foam and toothpaste are also classified as liquids). The maximum volume of liquid in any container must not exceed 100 milliliters, and the total total amount of liquid per person in hand luggage cannot exceed one liter. In addition, all liquids must be packed in one transparent resealable bag.
And the rest of the liquids exceeding this volume will have to be packed in checked baggage, there they will be accepted without any problems. Baby food, medications that may be needed during the flight can be packed in a transparent non-sealable bag.
Carrying liquid on an airplane
In addition to the norm free carriage luggage, you can take alcohol, cigarettes and perfumes bought in Duty Free, items of clothing, flowers, walking sticks, umbrellas, folded baby carriage, cradle, book, laptop (they are not shown when weighing).
CHECKED BAGGAGE. We have sorted out the hand luggage, now we will pack the checked-in luggage. Allowances for checked baggage are set for only two systems:
Restriction (norms) on the number of seats and weight
- restriction (norms) by weight
In most cases, norms are set for the number of seats. What does it mean? The passenger has the right to carry free of charge:
in business class - two seats weighing no more than 32 kilograms each
in economy class - one seat, no more than 23 kilograms each
Some companies, to attract customers, allow an additional number of pieces of free baggage. For example, on Czech airlines, Gold, Elite Plus cardholders are entitled to one additional piece of baggage free of charge, but weighing no more than 23 kilograms.
What should be kept in mind when packing? The rules for the carriage of baggage on the plane state that the weight of baggage cannot be summed up! If one suitcase is heavier than the norm, and the other is lighter than the permissible norm, but in total they do not exceed the permissible norm, then you still have to pay extra for the overweight of the first suitcase. The weight of the suitcase or bag is taken into account when weighing it.
Remember! During transportation, the weight of the baggage is not added up
Restriction on weight (weight allowance for baggage allowance) means that the passenger has the right to carry any number of bags free of charge, but their total weight should have been equal to or less than the norm for this route and class of service rate. The current weight norm for a specific route must be found in the ticket or in the fare rules on the airline's website. For example, Air Astana has a total weight of baggage and hand luggage no more than thirty kilograms for business class and twenty kilograms for economy class passengers.
What is the free baggage size limit? According to security requirements, the maximum size of one piece of packed baggage is set by the sum of three dimensions (length, width, height). As a rule, it is 158 cm. There are also exceptions here - for the companies Utair.ru and S7 Airlines, one piece of packed baggage should not exceed 203 centimeters in size and weigh 32 kilograms at the comfort class fare.
An exception is made for wheelchairs, musical instruments, sports equipment that cannot be divided into parts.
Absolutely all airlines general rule- excess baggage in terms of weight, quantity, dimensions must be paid for at the appropriate rates. Each company has its own rates when paying for the overweight.
Attention! With a surcharge for overweight - the weight of one piece of checked baggage cannot exceed 50kg!
In addition to the baggage requirements of the carrier's airlines, each specific country has a list of things and products that are restricted or prohibited from importing and exporting to the territory of the country. For example, more than 200 cigarettes cannot be imported to Turkey, and gambling equipment is prohibited to Israel.
Any traveler takes luggage with him. A passenger traveling on a business trip takes some change of clothes and documents with him. Those flying on a long-awaited vacation will need a large suitcase with personal belongings. And if a family goes on vacation, then there will be several suitcases and travel bags. In addition to large luggage, almost every plane passenger takes a small hand luggage with him in the form of a handbag or a man's purse.
Travelers traveling by bus or train find it much easier to place their luggage than those who are going to travel on an airliner.
The airliner is considered vehicle increased danger. Therefore, many items are strictly prohibited on board the aircraft. This is necessary to ensure the safety of passengers and airline employees.
The ban includes:
- any weapon and ammunition;
- fireworks and other explosives;
- any kind of gases;
- flammable and flammable substances;
- poisonous, radioactive and toxic materials.
The above and some other items, in the event of adverse situations, can harm the health of passengers and employees of the airliner, as well as negatively affect the flight. Transportation of such substances and items can be carried out by air, but only on specially equipped aircrafts.
Some air carriers' rules prohibit the carriage of certain items as carry-on baggage that could harm people if the flight conditions are violated.
These things include sharp and stabbing objects:
- any knives;
- crochet hooks and needles;
- sewing needles;
- medical syringes;
- corkscrews;
- scissors;
- metal nail files.
Some liquids are prohibited from being carried in the passenger cabin of an airliner:
- shampoo;
- shower gel;
- liquid soap;
- cream;
- various sprays;
- toilet water and perfume.
Some airlines allow liquids to be carried into the aircraft cabin, but in small quantities and in sealed bottles and tubes. However, if you purchased liquids from shops located on the airport grounds, then they may be allowed as carry-on luggage.
Baggage can be taken on board the aircraft if special requirements are met to ensure safe flights. There are two types of standards. In the first case, there are requirements that are met all over the world, regardless of the country or airline. In the second case, some safety standards can only be observed in some countries.
Carriage of weapons and ammunition, explosives, narcotic and other dangerous substances is prohibited in any country. And specific prohibitions include taking on board the plane with religious literature, which is prohibited in the state of arrival.
In addition to basic and specific prohibitions, there are restrictions that apply to certain airlines or airliners. For example, depending on the limited payload weight of each aircraft, limited weight baggage may be taken on board. The passenger carries a certain weight of baggage, and it cannot be exceeded. But any passenger airliner has its own payload weight.
Baggage is items that a passenger takes with him on board an airliner. Baggage is divided into two types: carry-on baggage and checked baggage, checked in to a special storage compartment.
When the check-in of passengers and check-in of air tickets takes place, the airport staff check in the passenger baggage. Before sending things for storage in the luggage compartment, they are weighed. Certain airlines have strict restrictions on the weight of baggage, although many carriers allow you to pay extra for excess weight.
The passenger takes hand luggage with him to the aircraft cabin. Above each passenger seat there is a special shelf for storing carry-on luggage. You can keep your personal belongings on your hands or next to the seat, but without disturbing other passengers. There may be a special pocket in the backs of the chairs for storing things. For example, a tablet stand.
How many things a passenger can take on board the plane will depend on certain factors. This is usually determined by the class of service. On the same plane, passengers from the economy class and business class can take a different amount of personal belongings.
Any baggage can be paid and free. But the concept of "free baggage transportation" is rather arbitrary. If you look at it, then any baggage is paid for, and its cost is initially included in the price of the ticket. If the passenger exceeds the permissible limit free luggage, then he has to pay the difference at check-in before boarding the plane. It is impossible to know in advance about the weight of the passenger baggage.
Tourists are interested in how much things can be carried on board the aircraft at no additional charge? It is difficult to name the exact rate, since each airline has its own rules for the carriage of passenger baggage. And also the size and type of the airliner making the flight matters.
Baggage allowances carried on board the aircraft free of charge may be weight or overall. In addition to a certain weight of passenger items, their dimensions matter. After all, in each aircraft the dimensions of the cargo compartments are different, as well as the dimensions of the luggage racks. Therefore, if you are going to transport light, but long or high luggage by plane, please read the rules for the carriage of things of the selected airline in advance.
It is impossible to give an exact figure for the weight of free baggage. But usually air carriers allow the passenger to take on board the aircraft from 7 to 15 kg of hand luggage, and as luggage from 20 to 30 kg.
For example, the well-known air carrier Aeroflot has established the following rules for the carriage of free baggage:
- An economy, comfort or premium passenger is allowed to take luggage no more than 23 kg.
- For those who are accommodated in the business class cabin, luggage up to 32 kg is allowed.
- Checked baggage must not exceed 158 cm in height, width and length.
- Regardless of the cabin class of the airliner, the passenger can take hand luggage that does not exceed the weight of 15 kg, and does not exceed 115 cm in size in all respects.
- If carry-on baggage will be placed on a shelf above the seat or under the passenger seat, then it should be no more than 55 cm long, no more than 40 cm wide, and up to 20 cm high.
But the traveler will be able to take certain things on board the plane for free, even if they exceed the allowed weight. Such items include crutches, devices for the disabled, baby carriers and other vital items.
For every tourist, carrying baggage by plane is always a challenge. The passenger must collect personal belongings in advance, which he will take on the road. Before you start collecting your belongings, you must familiarize yourself with the baggage transportation rules of the air carrier that will operate the flight in advance. Inquire in advance about the type of aircraft, as well as the allowed weight and dimensions of free baggage. If the cargo exceeds the free cargo norm, but you need it, inquire about its additional cost.
Please remember that the weight of free baggage will vary depending on the cabin class. Inquire about the permitted prohibited items as carry-on baggage, their quantity and packaging. You can find out all these answers by calling the Helpdesk of the selected airline. Read detailed information about the rules of baggage transportation on board the aircraft, please visit the official website of the air carrier.
After the information received, you can start collecting personal belongings necessary for the trip. Think carefully about the necessity of all things, especially this rule applies to clothing. In hot resorts, you are unlikely to need warm sweaters that weigh more than a few shirts and dresses. Items that are not allowed as carry-on baggage must be well packed in a suitcase or travel bag.
If the baggage is collected correctly and in accordance with the rules of the air carrier, you can avoid problems and difficulties when checking in for the upcoming flight.
Luggage and hand luggage on the plane
A passenger flying by plane must distinguish between baggage, which is checked in at the counter, and carry-on baggage. These are completely different concepts, and if you distinguish between them, then you can save a lot. Baggage is a large suitcase that you check in at boarding. He must be verified and registered. Hand luggage is a travel bag or backpack that a passenger can carry on board. It can be of such a weight and dimensions that you can put it in place yourself. But how much carry-on baggage you can take on the plane and what exactly can be put in such a backpack depends on the airline's standards.
What can be carried in carry-on baggage?
Medicines and baby food. Food must be packed separately and must be presented at check. But in order to bring medicine on the plane, you must have an appropriate prescription with the seal and signature of the doctor. This is especially true for aerosols and preparations containing narcotic substances.
Liquids. Here, some airlines have very strict volume limits. It is necessary to contact the airline in advance for information. In order to freely transport a certain volume of liquid, you need to follow some rules. All tubes must be packed in one bag. Any liquid substances must be in containers during transportation, and their volume must not exceed 100 ml. The tube itself with the liquid should be sealed in a plastic bag with a fastener.
Hygiene products. You can take almost everything, but most of them are liquids, which is why they are transported according to the relevant rules. But aerosols are not allowed at all.
Electronics. You can take any gadgets with you on the plane. They belong to personal belongings, and not to carry-on luggage, therefore they are not included in the weight limit of 10 kg. During landing, usually large electronics are checked: a laptop or a camera.
Food. You can take any food on board - dry or solid. But with regard to conservation, there is a liquid restriction.
Duty free zone. This issue should always be considered separately. Anything that you buy before boarding directly at DutyFree can be transported if you do not break the packaging. The only thing is that it all fits into a weight of 10 kg. If your carry-on baggage exceeds the volume, then you will have to pay a fine.
In addition, many airlines allow you to take personal items with you, the list of which includes: umbrellas, pillows, blankets, handbags, books, and so on.
It is forbidden to take:
Liquids up to one hundred milliliters in volume.
Hazardous chemical or biological substances.
Dangerous items, weapons.
Animal products, excluding sandwiches.
Explosive items.
How much carry-on baggage can you take on the plane
If a passenger travels in economy class, he can carry a bag for one piece of luggage with him on board the aircraft, and in business class it is allowed to take two full pieces.
The term "one place" means a bag with the sum of the sides in three dimensions (added width, height, length) up to 115 centimeters. A standard flight bag measures 55 * 40 * 20. But the weight of different air carriers may be different. It can depend on the distance or proximity of the route, or the type of aircraft. For example, Aeroflot allows the carriage of up to 10 kg of hand luggage, KLM - about 12 kg, Lufthansa - up to 8 kg. At the same time, do not forget that you will lift your bag into place yourself.
Most carriers in Europe and the CIS countries consider the weight of hand luggage in the range of 8-10 kg to be the norm. Before the flight, it is imperative to clarify this information with the company so that you do not have to pay extra. Some air carriers allow overloading, while others force them to buy second place even with a slight overweight of 300-500 grams.
Some Canadian and American carriers provide a full two pieces of carry-on baggage, even for Economy Class passengers. This is a great way to save money.
In order not to pay a fine, it is imperative that you familiarize yourself with the airline's requirements regarding personal belongings and how much carry-on baggage you can take on the plane.
As soon as you have bought a plane ticket, and preferably before you make a trip, pay attention to the conditions of baggage transportation. Each airline has its own requirements. The minimum information will be specified when booking the flight, and for details, go to the section of the carrier's website, where the conditions of carriage are indicated. And read our review)
What are the standards for things on the plane
When boarding, everything that the passenger is carrying is inspected and weighed. It turned out that the suitcase exceeds permissible weight or dimensions - difficulties will arise during registration, which threaten not only a loss of time and nerves, but also unplanned expenses. 
Pay attention! Musical instruments and animals are transported separately, regardless of the volume of other things. The free transportation rate 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: the weight concept and the piece concept. Free and paid flight options with things are affected by:
- service class,
- flight duration,
- baggage dimensions,
- weight of things
- direction of flight.
Weight concept or weight measure sets a limit only for the weight of passenger bags. It is used by most carriers in Asia, CIS countries and some European companies. For adult passengers and children over two years old, the weight measure allows you to transport free of charge:
- Economy - no more than 20 kilograms;
- Business - no more than 30 kilograms;
- The first - no more than 40 kilograms.
These limits include the combined check-in weight and carry-on weight per person flying. Information about the norm of things is placed on the purchased air ticket. If the requirements change, the carrier must notify the passenger. It is allowed to take no more than 10 kilograms into the cockpit itself, up to 1.15 meters in size.
If a child under two years of age is flying without a separate parent seat, the amount of things allowed for it will be 10 kilograms.
Piece concept or quantitative measure defines the number of units carried per passenger. Distributed by airlines in Canada, 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 class of the ticket, it is allowed to carry no more than two bags with a weight of up to 32 kilograms each free of charge. The combined weight of the seats is irrelevant and cannot be summed 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 what difficulty or distance the flight is, the loading and unloading of things is paid by the airline.
Oversized baggage
Oversized on an airplane is:
- 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 carriage of baggage in excess of the norm; it is best to clarify and arrange the airline's tariffs and payment terms in advance. And at the front desk, simply 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 pass through the loading hatches.
Transportation of fragile and valuable baggage
We recommend that you keep important, fragile and valuable things and documents with you and take them into the cockpit of the aircraft if they fit like hand luggage in size and weight. If fragile and valuable luggage is large, but less than 75 kilograms, it will be allowed to be carried in the cabin on a separate ticket.
If the fragile baggage does not arrive intact, the carrier will not admit his guilt. After all, airlines do not bear legal responsibility for the safety of fragile things.
With a mass of over 75 kilograms, you will have to buy several pieces that are multiples of the difference in the weight of the luggage and the standard weight for 1 piece. There is no discount system for these tickets.
Hand luggage
Passenger items transported by plane are divided:
- luggage - these things travel in the luggage compartment and are handed over to the carrier's employees at the check-in counter before boarding the plane;
- carry-on baggage - items that the passenger takes with him to the cabin of the aircraft, their weight and volume are limited by the airline.
Usually, hand luggage should fit into the standard: when traveling in economy class, the weight is 10 kilograms with a size not exceeding 1.15 m; when traveling on business, the weight of a 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 weight of baggage, a passenger can carry into the cabin of the aircraft:
flowers and a handbag, a coat and a stole, an umbrella and a book, a camera and a camera, a laptop and a tablet, a stroller for a child, a bag with groceries or a package.
But it is not exactly)
Low-cost airlines greatly narrow the list of things that you can take with you. Check your airline's website for the exact list.
Regular flight baggage
Each passenger of the plane can carry a certain amount 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 your baggage for free and up to 7 kilograms in your carry-on baggage.
The exact amount of free baggage is always indicated on your ticket.
Buying tickets for regular flight for a discount, check with the airline for the maximum size of items in your luggage and in the cabin. Understand the maximum as approximate. It is important that the sum of the three measurements in the height, width and depth of the passenger's bag is less than the sum of the dimensions in the airline's table.
Flying with luggage on low-cost airlines
The allowed baggage size for low cost airlines is significantly less than usual. Some low-cost airlines do not allow to carry baggage at all without additional payment, and also severely limit the carry-on baggage allowed into the plane. 
Air discounters strictly check the compliance of things with the rules and make money on inattentive passengers who have not read the rules of carriage. At the check-in counter and at the exit to the plane, there are scales and frames in which carry-on baggage should be placed. If the bag is larger, you will have to check it in and pay a lot.
Only 1 piece of baggage will be allowed on board the plane of a budget company. Some low-cost airlines will still allow you to carry an additional handbag and laptop into the salon. Read the airline's rules carefully.
If your carry-on baggage is overweight and there is nothing to remove, then register and pay for your baggage in advance online before arriving at the airport. Checking in your baggage at the counter before boarding will cost twice as much. And the payment at the gate upon boarding will result in a substantial sum.
Advice! Low-coasters do not limit the amount of clothing a passenger can carry. Put on the most voluminous and heaviest things.
A flight with an airline in a discounter allows you to save a lot, but take your things to a minimum and carefully read the rules for transporting baggage and hand luggage. Then there will be no problems and no loss of money when boarding a flight.
Charter baggage
The rates for the carriage of belongings on a charter flight are determined by the tour operator who sells the tour and is the charterer of the aircraft. On charter flights passengers are allowed to carry one piece weighing no more than 20 kg and 10 kg for children under 2 years old (if a separate seat is not provided for the child). The free allowance for charter flights is the same for business and economy class. 
Most often, charter companies add up the weight of the seats for passengers flying together. But it is still better to divide the luggage evenly, since the company simply will not accept items weighing more than 30 kg for transportation without additional payment.
Carry-on baggage allowance on charters is 5 kg per passenger. On a charter, the dimensions of baggage and carry-on baggage are not strictly monitored; a slight overweight is often passed without additional payment.
What to do with your luggage when flying with a transfer
In transit, you can fly by airplanes of the same or different airlines. It is more convenient when you change trains without changing the carrier company:
- all flights will be registered in one ticket,
- you hand over your things at the airport of departure, and you receive them upon arrival,
- airline employees are responsible for the flight of your belongings.
If you are carrying things that need to be declared, you will have to get your baggage at the intermediate point and check it in yourself after screening for the next flight.
It is more difficult when you are flying with planes of several airlines. If the companies are partners and you have checked in your baggage to the final destination, there will be no difference. But when the carriers are not connected, you have to sweat:
- there will be separate tickets for each of the flights,
- things will have to be collected and returned at the transit airport,
- being late for connection and safety of luggage is your headache.
If you have a connection, allow for more time to go through the registration process and move around the airport. Familiarize yourself with the airport map in advance and plan your way at the connecting point. Travel with hand luggage only.
When we fly without luggage
More and more independent travelers choose to fly without checking in their luggage. Fly with hand luggage - The best way save time and money and get only positive emotions from the flight.
Save time
Checking in and luggage screening takes time, as does standing in a queue for check-in. Travel with carry-on luggage and check in for your flight before you arrive at the airport - skip the line or waste time.
Another waste of time is baggage claim. Waiting for luggage after the aircraft arrives can take up to 1.5 hours depending on the arrival airport. If you have only hand luggage with you, you can go about your business immediately after leaving the plane and passing through passport control.
Enjoy your flight
The worst nightmare of a traveler is the loss of your suitcase by an airline. Of course, most often things are found, but this unpleasant experience is not worth experiencing. But what about the fears that the suitcase will be damaged during loading or open and steal something of value.
When your things travel side by side in the aircraft cabin, there will be no convulsive experiences and worries. A comfortable and roomy bag that you take in your carry-on luggage guarantees no unnecessary worries.
Avoid unnecessary spending
Overweight is a frequent and unpleasant phenomenon for travelers, which threatens with additional expenses. In addition, if you fly without luggage, you can easily get around by low-cost airlines with their incredibly low prices. 
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 all your belongings with you on the plane and your mobility will allow you to visit more places in one trip.
What you can take on the plane in hand luggage
When you fly with luggage, take into the cockpit only what you need during the flight: your favorite book, gadgets, documents and a warm jumper. It is better to keep valuable and fragile items with you too. But if you are traveling exclusively with hand luggage, check which things to pack and which ones you 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 rarely exceeds 10 kg per passenger. If the dimensions are not met, you will have to check in your luggage.
Low-cost airline requirements for the size of the flight bag can vary significantly. If you don't want to pay extra, read and fulfill all the conditions of the low-cost carrier.
List of things allowed on the plane
- Food: Any solid food can be carried on board. Do not try to bring in liquids, jellies or creams larger than 100 ml. Take food and drink for your 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 taste the content.
- Medicines: Take any non-liquid medicines in reasonable quantities, it is better if they are in their original packaging and with instructions. At a large number 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 you cannot carry aerosols and syringes. - Technique: the list of devices that can be transported by air 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). In case of suspicion, the inspection service may require you to turn on the device and demonstrate its operation.
Carrying equipment in your carry-on baggage - remember that the airline limits the number of items in the cabin per passenger and their size. - Documents and valuables: passport and all documents required for travel (hotel reservations, tickets and car rental), as well as valuables, it is better to take in the aircraft cabin. If the luggage is lost, all the documents necessary for staying in the country will be on hand.
- Cosmetics: carry loose and dry cosmetics without problems, but with liquid cosmetics it is more difficult: the total volume of liquid substances in your carry-on baggage 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 items at the screening or return to the check-in counter and check in your luggage. It is forbidden to take aerosols and containers under pressure on the flight; replace them with dry products.
- Hygiene items: on the plane there is a ban on piercing and cutting objects, regardless of their size, so nail scissors, combs with a sharp metal handle and dangerous razors will not work. 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 carrycot for a baby on the plane without surcharges. They are checked in as carry-on baggage and handed over to the staff at the entrance to the salon.
How to carry Duty Free goods on the plane
In a duty-free trade area or while flying on international flight you can buy Duty Free products. 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 sealed and packaged in a special way;
- do not open the package before arriving at the destination and passing the control;
- the bottle unpacked at the airport may be prohibited from taking on the 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 on 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 take 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. And when departing from US airports, only alcohol purchased 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 the carriage.
What is prohibited on the plane
It is forbidden to carry any dangerous substances or objects on the plane that could harm other passengers. These are all types of weapons and weapons-like toys, radioactive, poisonous, corrosive substances and gases under pressure. The customs service also has its own restrictions, they relate to money, jewelry, alcohol, tobacco, various valuable things 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 it 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. Moreover, liquids are only water, but also any creamy and jelly-like products.
Please note that it is prohibited to carry liquids in containers larger than 100 ml, partially filled. If 50 ml of shampoo is packaged in a 400 ml bottle, you will have to part with the product during the inspection.
- stock up on mini-packages, it is better with an indication of the volume on the package;
- distribute all liquid and creamy products into containers;
- pack all the products 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-packs that are given when you check in at the hotels: you will have shampoo, shower and cream. Buy miniatures cosmetics or a travel kit of cosmetics, it contains 50-100 ml of funds. There are universal containers for travelers on sale, all you have to do is pour your favorite products and collect your luggage.
Zip-Lock, which is sold at any office supply store, is a great package. And yet, the volume of liquid funds of travelers flying together will not be summed up.
How not to lose your luggage when flying
If you are afraid of losing your luggage during the flight, take measures before the flight to reduce the likelihood of loss:
- Remove used baggage tags after your flight. It is easy for an airport worker to make a mistake if the suitcase is covered with old tags and stickers and sends 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, surname and contact, better on English language... Inside the bag, also put a leaflet with contacts, and a request to return the luggage.
- Take a photo of the bag inside and outside, keep a list of all your valuables, it's great if you can justify their value by presenting a receipt.
- Remove the outer straps during flight - they will snag on the transport line and the suitcase will get stuck.
- Wrap your luggage in plastic foil, use the packaging at the airport or roll it yourself. Stretch wrapping protects 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 it on the combination lock and change the code: this will protect the bag from being opened when the zipper falls and diverge and will scare off or at least slow down the robbers.
- Insure your luggage against loss: if the suitcase is lost, the insurance will cover the amount of damage. To do this without any extra hassle, use one of the stores to buy insurance online
Why baggage is lost:
- 50% of baggage is lost due to failures and inconsistencies in the operation of the airport,
- 15% of bags are not loaded on the plane due to the loss or absence of a baggage tag,
- 15% remain on the baggage belt - passengers simply do not pick them up,
- 20% of baggage is lost in other ways for various reasons.
Where do our missing suitcases end up?
When registering, a special tag with marking is hung on the bag, the ten-digit barcode contains full information about the baggage:
- 6 last digits - unique baggage identifier
- 3 digits in the middle - flight number designation
- the first number is the baggage class.
The tag is a guide that allows the airport system to route baggage to the right route moving along the transport belt, the suitcase gets to the desired point: the luggage compartment of the aircraft or the baggage claim area. If the tag is not present, there is a problem on the line or the barcode is not read correctly - the bag ends up in lost luggage or is flying on the wrong route.
Where suitcases disappear at the airport:
- Far away: 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 pasted and is lost when the suitcase passes the transport tape, such bags without identification marks settle in the area of unidentified luggage.
- To the suitcase detectives. If the suitcase is lost or left not taken from the transport tape (yes, this also happens) and the tag on it is intact, the suitcase detectives come into play. By punching a barcode in the internal system, they find all the information about the owner and contact him to please with the news of the find.
- International wanted. The World Tracer System is an international baggage tracing system involving most of the world's airports. The system is automated and looks for the missing luggage itself, comparing the route, color, size and weight of the bag within 100 days, you just need to issue an electronic application in 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.
- For auction: as soon as 100 days or 3 months of the owner lost baggage stop looking. All of these bags go to a special sale, where they are sold unopened. The starting price is very low, and the contents will be a surprise to the buyer. These types of 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 baggage
- check in the oversized baggage claim area: non-standard suitcases, skis, strollers or sports equipment will wait not on the transport belt, but in a special baggage claim area.
- contact Lost & Found: every airport has a baggage tracing service. It's easy to find by following the Lost & Found signs. Show your luggage tag, identity document and fill out an application. It is important to describe the bag in detail and communicate special features.
- notify the airline: it will not be superfluous to go to the airline counter at the airport and clarify with them 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 things. This is where a photo of the contents, an inventory of things and saved receipts come in handy.
- the airline refused - 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 was found in another city or country - the airline is obliged to transport it at its own expense and deliver the baggage free of charge to the address indicated by the passenger - this is international rule which 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, in such situations, allocate a small amount for basic necessities.
How to carry sports equipment on the plane: skis, snowboards, equipment.
If you are an active traveler, then more than once faced with the questions of how to carry skis or diving equipment, is it possible to fly with a snowboard for free and how much does it cost to transport a surf. We recommend solving all these issues at the stage or immediately after buying a ticket, at the airport it will be several times more expensive and, in the worst case, will result in a missed flight. 
It is not so important winter or summer equipment, we suggest solving the issue of a flight with sports equipment using a simple and effective algorithm:
- try to fit into standard luggage: if the size of things allows you to fit into standard sizes and weight, 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;
- pack your equipment carefully and securely, it is better to use special covers for transportation;
- do not forget that sports equipment is handed out in the oversized baggage area, and not on the transport belt;
- Traveling with your exercise equipment is rarely cheap, but the experience is worth it.
Our top tip when flying: pack your luggage, remove the excess, and remove the excess 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 the resort, why it is worth learning to fly without things, where to look for the missing suitcase and who are the suitcase detectives.
