What do you usually pack in your hand luggage when you fly? Here are 11 things that should always go in the aircraft when travelling. We also give you some rules on what can and cannot be packed in your hand luggage.
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Packing hand luggage
When you fly, you always have to pack some kind of hand luggage, whether you choose to travel with hand luggage only or you also check in a larger pack. But first and foremost, it's important to choose a suitable bag.
Choosing a bag for your hand luggage
Hand luggage rules vary from airline to airline, but as a general rule you can take with you one piece of hand luggage, such as a cabin bag or a bag and a small personal itemsuch as a handbag, a side bag or a small backpack. In some cases, you can take two pieces of hand luggage. We sometimes take one cabin bag each as hand luggage, but often we settle for one backpack each.
Advantages of checking in your cabin bag: Checking your cabin bag avoids dragging it in and out of the aircraft, which can be crowded and cumbersome. If you have a stopover, you don't have to take care of your bag during the stopover. By checking in a bag, you can also be more confident of getting on the plane if you're out at the last minute.
Advantages of having your cabin bag as hand luggage: You can keep better track of your bag and avoid the risk of losing it on the way (unless you lose it yourself, of course). If you don't have any checked luggage at all, you don't have to wait on that boring conveyor belt, but as soon as you land you can grab your bag and go.
To think about: All airlines have some sort of limit on the size and weight of hand luggage, and this can vary slightly between airlines. Here are examples of what applies on SAS:
- SAS Go and SAS Plus: One piece of hand luggage (max 8 kg and 55x40x23 cm) and one personal item (max 40x30x15 cm).
- SAS Plus to Asia/USA and SAS Business: Two pieces of hand luggage (same dimensions as above) and one personal item (same as above).
Eleven things to pack in your hand luggage
Here are 11 tips for 11 things that always go in our hand luggage.
1. Passports and tickets
The most important thing to pack in your hand luggage is of course pass and tickets (possibly digital); and boarding pass. If you've checked in your luggage, it's also good to keep track of that little baggage tag, just in case you're unlucky enough to have your luggage go astray.
2. Some items of clothing
In our hand luggage we might pack an extra jumperFor example, if it is warm outside but can get cold inside the aircraft. Otherwise, we try to travel in comfortable clothes, especially if it's a long flight and you may need to sleep on the plane. If you want, you can also pack something you can use on the first day at your destination - in case your luggage is delayed.
3. Hygiene products
We usually minimise emergencies, and we're not the kind of people who pack creams and stuff on the plane, but if you're flying really far it can be nice to have some toothbrush and toothpaste. Just remember that you have to choose travel packaging not exceeding 100 ml.
4. medicines
I (Helena) often get headaches and don't travel anywhere without it. headache tablets. If you may need other medicines, it is also good to pack these in your hand luggage so that you can access them during the flight.
5. Snacks or sweets
Flying makes you tired, and what is sold on board is often expensive and boring. It's also not always easy to call the flight attendants at the right time. We don't usually eat sweets, but we do have a sweet tooth. special rule that says we can buy a bag of sweets just when we are flying ... Sometimes we pack each one of the sandwich too, but sometimes we eat it even before we board.
6. (Empty) water bottle
Water is great to have available on board an aircraft! You are not allowed to take liquids through security, but you can bring an empty bottle of water with you. water bottleand some airports have stations where you can fill up with fresh water. If not, you can of course buy water at the airport, after the security check.
7. books
The best thing about flying is that you have time to read. The internet is often not available - or doesn't work well - and that's the perfect time to read. We always pack an exciting book or two, preferably a lightweight one. paperback.
8. Pen and paper
Sometimes you get ideas in the air that you want to write down. Perfect with pencil and paper! When travelling to certain destinations, you also have to fill in forms just before you land, so it's good to have your pen handy.
9. Computer with case
We don't travel anywhere without our computers. Since a computer is prone to theft, you want to have it in your hand luggage, and to protect it I always keep it in a soft case. Usually you can't use the internet on board, but you can do a lot of other things, like sorting and editing pictures.
At airports and similar places you can find public networks to connect to, but it can also be a good idea to bring your own WIFI router (or mobile phone that acts as a router). Together with a secure connection as a VPN you can surf safely wherever you are.
10. Camera, video cameras and mobile phones
Other technical equipment, such as camera, video cameras, drone and mobile phone we always pack in our hand luggage. This is, of course, equipment we care about and which is prone to theft, so we want to keep it in our hand luggage. There are also times when we want to take pictures of the view out the window, and we often want to switch on our phone as soon as we land.
11. Charger and power bank
If the charge in your mobile phone (or any other device) is running low, it's great to have a battery with you. power bank in my hand luggage. I also always pack the mobile phone charger and computer cord in your hand luggage. I've had the cord in my luggage when my luggage was delayed and suddenly I couldn't use my computer - I won't do that again.
More things to pack in your hand luggage
Here are some more suggestions for things you might want to pack in your hand luggage:
- Sleep mask
- Earplugs
- Naked cushion
- Headphones
- Support stockings
- Guidebooks on the destination
You will receive not packing in hand luggage
There are a lot of objects that you not are allowed to pack in their hand luggage. Many of the items seem quite unlikely to be considered. For example, who would think of packing something radioactive?
Listed below are some things you may want to know that you cannot take with you. You can find a more detailed description above unauthorised objects on the SAS website.
List of prohibited items to pack in hand luggage
- Liquid, cream or gel exceeding 100 ml/container
- Sharp objects such as scissors, razor blades or sharp tools
- Powder-like substances exceeding 350 ml (with some exceptions)
Electronic equipment containing lithium batteries (e.g. computer, camera, mobile phone) should be packed in hand luggage if they are 100-160 Wh lithium ion batteries. Batteries above 160 Wh may not be packed at all. Read more details on batteries at Transport Agency.
What do you usually pack in your hand luggage?
What do you usually pack in your hand luggage? What do you pack not? Please tell us!
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Ann says:
I always read on my phone instead, so I don't have to carry a book with me.
02 November 2019 - 9:23
Helena says:
Yes, that can be clever! We used to have tablets, but now we have paperbacks ...
02 November 2019 - 10:31
Maria's memoirs says:
I pack all my valuables (mobile phone, passport, wallet, etc.), woollen socks, empty water bottle (or always have some water in it that I drink before going through security), small notebook and pen, snacks, inflatable neck pillow, eye mask, etc., chewing gum (to relieve ear pressure), eye drops if it's a longer flight, printed info on bookings, etc., charger, hand sanitiser, etc.
I have a warm jumper and scarf on me so it doesn't count towards the weight of my hand luggage. The jumper can be tied around my waist if it's hot.
02 November 2019 - 9:38
Helena says:
It sounds like a list from an experienced traveller 🙂 Chewing gum can be smart if you have problems with your ears!
02 November 2019 - 10:32
Majk says:
The strange thing about batteries/powerbanks is that lithium batteries are not allowed, but I have had a computer, the drone with batteries, powerbanks, the mobile phone, iPad etc with me in hand luggage. All these things contain lithium batteries.
On one occasion, I also showed the security staff my drone.
02 November 2019 - 10:07
Helena says:
We have also shown the security personnel our drone, without any problems 😉 As far as I understand, it is larger lithium batteries that are not allowed. Computer and mobile phone etc are no problem. I clarified this now, so thanks for the great comment! Guidelines are available from IATA if I understand correctly.
02 November 2019 - 10:34
Emma, sun like sun? says:
Lithium batteries below 160 Wh are generally allowed in hand luggage but not checked in.
Here is info on batteries: https://transportstyrelsen.se/sv/luftfart/Flygresenar/Bagage/Vad-far-jag-ta-med-mig-ombord/Batterier-och-batteridrivna-produkter/
02 November 2019 - 11:58
bmlarstravellingblog says:
Our hand luggage often becomes a backpack and by the time the camera and a few extra lenses are in place, we have filled a large part of it. In addition to the necessary documents, there is often a book and something to munch on.
Some medicines also end up there.
02 November 2019 - 10:30
Helena says:
That sounds pretty much like the same priorities we do! 🙂
02 November 2019 - 14:15
Emma, sun like sun? says:
I think there is an error in the list. The e-cigarette should absolutely NOT be packed in the checked-in luggage, it should be in the hand luggage.
https://transportstyrelsen.se/sv/luftfart/Flygresenar/Bagage/Vad-far-jag-ta-med-mig-ombord/Tandare-och-tandstickor/
However, some airlines may have different views, but this is generally the case,
I've been a bit unsure about the crochet hook (about 15 cm, narrow and pointed) I usually take with me but it has always worked well so far. Just in case, I also have a spare in plastic but it is so flammable.
I usually carry my viscose sarong in my hand luggage. It takes up minimal space and weight, is perfect for layering and is strangely warm despite being thin.
If chewable, I usually put a roll of digestive biscuits inside. It's a bit sweet and also gives you a bit of a feeling of satiety.
02 November 2019 - 11:51
Helena says:
You are absolutely right, and thank you very much for pointing that out! I've sometimes thought about writing something about fact-checking. On the one hand I am meticulous and hate it when I get it wrong, but I also realise that I still get it wrong from time to time. I am very grateful when someone points out, I always check immediately and try to change as quickly as I can. After all, that's the good thing about digital - it's quick and easy to correct! Digestive biscuits sound like a good thing to bring!
02 November 2019 - 12:00
Emma, sun like sun? says:
I know, it's super easy to get it wrong, you're spinning around and your mind goes in three directions at once. I usually also try to fact-check, try to go to the source.
Some things MUST be in hand luggage (like the extra batteries), maybe the post should be updated with that?
And maybe mention that surströmming is totally forbidden! 😀
02 November 2019 - 13:21
Helena says:
Yes, I agree. I think I can clarify about the batteries. Will look through all the comments and then I'll look into it. Thanks again! 🙂
02 November 2019 - 14:16
Mr Nils-Åke Hansson says:
Reading tablet Letto Adlibris. There is not much flying here. But have children in London and grandchildren in Thailand so talk about hand luggage and luggage we have had.
02 November 2019 - 13:17
Helena says:
Reading tablets are smart! We used to use it, but now it's mostly regular books, maybe because we don't read so often anymore.
02 November 2019 - 14:17
Ama de casa says:
The amount of hand luggage depends on the length of the journey and whether there are changes involved. It also varies depending on whether you are travelling home or away. On the way out, it also depends on how long it takes to travel on to new destinations.
Our recent trip home, which took 49 hours from check-in in Sydney until we stepped inside the door at home, required a little more "freshening up" than usual. The outward journey required more "varied changes" in case the luggage didn't arrive as it should and we left on a cruise to Greenland "already" after one day (our checked luggage tends not to travel as fast as we do...).
But some essentials are of course always included in hand luggage and this of course includes the computer 😀.
02 November 2019 - 13:21
Helena says:
Yes, if you fly so really far, it will be a little different! Then it feels quite nice to be able to freshen up a bit, as best as possible 😉.
02 November 2019 - 14:18
Snows says:
If we go on a sun holiday, I always have a swimsuit in my hand luggage. If your checked-in luggage is delayed, you can still spend the day on the beach or by the pool.
02 November 2019 - 14:24
Frederica says:
Much like the list here; trying to avoid laptop (except for some jpbb trips). Mesh bag with charger +powerbank. Tablet, mobile phone, 1-2 books, folder with bookings + info. Bag with t-shirt and underwear. Folder with cash and cards for different countries. Contact lens stuff, several (many) soap bags. A couple of nut + fruit bags, maybe a Wasa sandwich. Usually drink water or tea on flights and in cafes instead of a bottle. Have a hard little Samsonite + a smaller bag inside where you can put the most important things.
02 November 2019 - 16:35
BP says:
We pack much like you do. As my husband is diabetic, there are always sandwiches and bananas in the hand luggage (except for insulin), just in case.
I can also tell you that we used to always carry a mini Swiss army knife in our hand luggage. That is, until it was confiscated at Stanstead airport. So now it is packed in our regular luggage.
02 November 2019 - 17:41
Ann-Louise Paulsson says:
I pack almost exactly the same things, but instead of paperbacks I usually download one or more books on the iPad. Nowadays I can't be bothered to take my computer with me when travelling, so it stays at home (unless it's a business trip, of course).
03 November 2019 - 17:43
Birgitta in Umeå says:
In my hand luggage I usually have a sudoku magazine of a more difficult type and knitting. I have tried both circular knitting needles, which are the most comfortable, and regular knitting needles in different materials and it has never been a problem.
04 November 2019 - 9:55