Packing your bags

Pack safely to avoid delays or missing your flight. 

Some items:

• must be taken in the cabin only or packed in checked baggage only
• need approval from the operator or aviation authorities
• can only be sent by cargo
• are banned from all flights.

Before you fly, check online or ask your airline what you can pack.

Packing tips

Check your airline’s baggage rules and:

• pack your own bags
• check if any items are dangerous goods and where to pack them
• always take spare batteries and power banks with you in the cabin
• keep essential items (like medicine) in your carry-on
• follow size and weight limits
• don’t pack restricted or banned items
• inform your airline of any special needs before you travel.

If you’re sending goods by air, you must:

• check if they are dangerous goods
• confirm if they can be transported by air
• arrange for them to be packed properly
• and declare them correctly.

Checked baggage

Checked baggage is luggage that you hand over to your airline at check-in to be stored in the aircraft’s cargo hold.

Before heading to the airport:

• check your airline’s baggage policy
• weigh and measure your bags at home
• ensure you pack your bag safely and it doesn’t contain prohibited or banned items.

Some items are banned entirely, while others can only go in checked baggage.

Carry-on

Carry-on is carried with you on board the aircraft. It includes bags, backpacks, handbags and items in your pockets.

Carry-on limits help keep everyone safe. Always:

• pack your own bag
• check airline size and weight limits
• keep baggage with you—never leave it unattended
• use airport cabin baggage check units at check-in if needed.

Check-in and bag drop

When you check-in online or at the airport, you must declare any dangerous goods in your baggage.

If you fail to declare or make a misleading or false declaration, you could face serious penalties – up to 7 years jail.