What is hand baggage?

Hand baggage — also called carry-on baggage or cabin baggage — is the luggage you take into the aircraft cabin with you. It stays with you for the whole flight, either in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

Hand baggage is always included when you book with eDreamTrips, on every airline and every fare. The exact allowance (a personal item, a full-size cabin bag, or both) varies by airline — your specific allowance is shown during booking and on your booking details page.

Typical size and weight limits

Most airlines allow one or both of the following:

These are typical numbers — each airline sets its own limits, which are shown on your booking confirmation and booking details page. Low-cost airlines tend to be at the stricter end of the range.

What you can pack in hand baggage

Hand baggage is best for valuables, essentials, and anything you'll need during the flight:

• Travel documents, passport, and wallet
• Medication (in original packaging, with prescription if needed)
• Electronics — phones, laptops, tablets, headphones
• A change of clothes and toiletries for a short trip
• Jewelry and valuables (never put these in checked baggage)

Liquid rules

Liquids in hand baggage must follow airport security rules:

• Each container 100 ml or less
• All containers inside one transparent, resealable bag up to 1 litre
• One bag per passenger

Exceptions apply for baby food, breast milk, formula, and medication. Some airports now have advanced scanners that allow larger liquids — check your departure airport's current rules.

Duty-free liquids on connecting flights: items bought airside can exceed 100 ml, but if you transfer through another airport — especially outside the EU or UK — they may be confiscated at transfer security unless sealed in a tamper-evident bag (STEB) with the receipt inside. Keep them sealed until you reach your final destination.

Travelling with young children

Most airlines make travel with babies and small children easier:

• Strollers, prams, and pushchairs are usually free and can be gate-checked right before boarding (see the checked baggage article for details).
• Baby food, formula, and breast milk are exempt from the 100 ml liquid limit — bring only what you need for the flight.
• Essential baby items (diapers, wipes, a change of clothes) can go in a separate baby bag; many airlines don't count this against your cabin allowance — check with your airline.

Medical equipment and mobility aids

Medical items generally travel in addition to your normal hand baggage, free of charge:

• Wheelchairs, walkers, crutches — free, carried separately, do not count against your allowance.
• CPAP machines, nebulisers, medical oxygen — allowed as an additional cabin item. Notify the airline in advance if you need oxygen.
• Medication in larger quantities is allowed with a doctor's note or prescription — always carry it in hand baggage.

What's not allowed in hand baggage

Commonly prohibited items include sharp objects (knives, scissors, razor blades), firearms and replicas, flammable materials, and large tools or sports equipment. Spare lithium batteries and power banks must be in hand baggage — they are not allowed in checked baggage.

For the authoritative list, check your airport's security website or the IATA dangerous-goods guidance.

If your hand baggage is over the limit

If your bag is too large or heavy at the gate, the airline may ask you to check it in — usually with a fee. To avoid surprises:

• Weigh your bag at home before you leave
• Measure it against your airline's stated dimensions (including wheels and handles)
• If you're close to the limit, consider adding checked baggage in advance — it's almost always cheaper than paying at the gate

Learn more

• Baggage basics: hand vs. checked baggage
• What is checked (hold) baggage?
• How do I add checked baggage to my booking?