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Airplane travel - talk to me like I'm an idiot!

9 replies

Tillow4ever · 03/03/2025 10:39

I haven't travelled abroad in around 20 years and our family are going to Cyprus in 6 weeks time. We have a hold luggage allowance of 25kg each (not planning to use it all), as well as our hand luggage.

I know the rules have changed a lot since I last flew, so I'm asking for your help - what can and can't be packed where? I know there are rules around liquids, but not sure if I can just pack bigger stuff in my suitcase for example? Can you put electronics (eg electric toothbrushes) in the hold? Where do we put power banks?

Basically I don't know what I don't know, so appreciate any advice, hints and tips! Thank you very much.

OP posts:
HarrietofFire · 03/03/2025 11:02

Each country and airport is different. You need to look at the website for the airport you're departing from on the way there and the airport you're departing from on the way back. Have a great holiday.

Dueanamechange2025 · 03/03/2025 11:07

General rules are, bigger liquids in the hold luggage. Under 100ml can be carried in hand luggage but in most airports needs to be taken out and placed in clear plastic bags at security.

Rechargeable batteries like power banks should be in hand luggage and also put in separate trays at security. That includes, mobiles, laptops, tablets etc. One thing I always forgot to take out of hand luggage is straighteners (no idea why!).

Medication can go in either but should be labelled and ideally carrying the prescription (although I’ve never been asked for this).

Soontobe60 · 03/03/2025 11:08

Which airport are you flying from?

Lund · 03/03/2025 11:17

Just been on two flights this week. Check the websites of the airports you are flying from but at most you no longer need to remove liquids from hand luggage or put them in clear bags. 100ml limit remains but larger amounts fine in hold luggage. Can take empty water bottles through security and fill in departure lounge. Straighteners, electric toothbrushes etc fine in hand luggage although you’ll probably put these in the hold anyway.

fatgirlswims · 03/03/2025 11:35

The security rules at airports can be confusing, so I follow these guidelines when traveling with a checked bag.

Liquids: I place all my liquids in my suitcase, except for hand sanitizer and lip balm, which I put in a clear plastic bag (a Ziploc bag from Aldi works well). Liquids include cream gels, pastes, and anything that can be spread or poured. Aerosols must be 100 mL or less in size. All liquids must fit in a specific-sized Ziploc bag and, in total, should not exceed 1 litre. It’s such a hassle that I try to travel liquid-free. I’ve found some great solid deodorants that work well.

Medication is all in its original boxes with prescription labels and should be carried in hand luggage. If it’s a liquid, take it out of the bags at security.

Electronics: anything bigger than a phone, such as Kindle switches, hair straighteners, and so on, should be taken out of my bag at security.

They’ve changed their rule on scissors and razors, and these can generally be taken as long as they’re no longer than four cents. I only know this because my lost scissors were found by X-ray security!

Batteries and power banks were all in hand luggage and removed for airport security. Although it’s not all batteries, I believe it’s only lithium-ion batteries. So, a rechargeable toothbrush will be fine in your main case.

It’s really worth reading the entire guide and trying to understand them yourself. Some of the new airport security measures have none of these restrictions. However, I flew 12 flights last year and went through this process at each airport.

It’s much more painful if you’re only traveling with hand luggage.

For my hand luggage, I take a backpack and pack a change of clothes in case my case gets lost, such as swimwear, flip-flops, underwear, nightwear, and a dress that could be worn day or night. Also, if I have an AirTag, I put that in my suitcase so I can track it around the airport.

RentalWoesNotFun · 03/03/2025 11:50

Hand luggage has to be a certain size. Check with the airline. If it won't fit in their demonstration metal frame thingy you have to pay extra. We were £70. Fucking ridiculous.

You appear to be able to take one piece of hand luggage as well as a handbag. I didn't but everyone else did.

fatgirlswims · 03/03/2025 12:12

RentalWoesNotFun · 03/03/2025 11:50

Hand luggage has to be a certain size. Check with the airline. If it won't fit in their demonstration metal frame thingy you have to pay extra. We were £70. Fucking ridiculous.

You appear to be able to take one piece of hand luggage as well as a handbag. I didn't but everyone else did.

Ah yes the mysterious personal item.

You really need to check with the airline AND your invoice

We did a short hop to Paris fine and then to Tallinn and we had 10kg each of hand luggage but the airline restriction was 8kg so we had a performance of having to prove we had 10kg allowance

reluctantbrit · 03/03/2025 12:43

If you have hold luggage put all liquids apart from medication in there. It helps reducing the what-is-allowed-issue.
Powerbanks, chargers, phones, tablets, kindle all go in the hand luggage.

you can bring empty waterbottles through security.

you can bring food through security but no liquid and that means no smoothies or yogurt.

You can bring any dairy or meat into the EU.

some people bring spare clothes with them in the hand luggage. That depends on your preferences.

so check the size requirements for the hand luggage, they are very strict. The measurements include wheels and handles if they stick out.

Tillow4ever · 03/03/2025 15:53

Thank you all! I had no idea it changed by airport, so glad I asked. The general rules of thumb are helpful as I'd rather err on the side of caution.

We are flying from Gatwick. We are going to Paphos in Cyprus. I will check out their websites for a more comprehensive list!

Good tip about the water bottles - I was thinking it was going to cost us a fortune in drinks!

I'm so excited, but so worried I'm going to screw something up with the packing! I am hoping we can get away with 1, maybe 2 hold cases then a small bag each for the cabin. Definitely going to put pj's (we arrive at around midnight) and swimsuits in there in case of lost pins luggage.

Thanks for taking the time to reply to me everyone.

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