What can I put in my hand luggage?

Have you already booked your flight to an incredible destination? You've already decided what you're going to take in your suitcase, but you're finding it difficult to pack your hand luggage? Wondering what you can and can't take in the cabin?

Not to worry. We've all asked ourselves that question at least once. And to answer it, our team has put together this article on what you should pack in your hand luggage.

Hand luggage is an essential part of any trip, and one you should never forget. It allows you to carry with you all the essential travel items you didn't pack in the hold.

Whether it's sharp objects, electronics, food or everyday items, you'll find all the answers to your questions in this comprehensive guide to what you can and can't take on the plane in your hand luggage.

Let's find out right away.

I - What is carry-on baggage?

A carry-on bag is a piece of luggage that can be brought on board the aircraft and stowed in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. It's an essential item that can prove invaluable during your journey.

What is considered hand luggage?

Technically, any piece of luggage you "carry" on board an aircraft is a carry-on. Most airlines allow a piece of hand luggage to fit in the overhead compartment, as well as a "personal item" (small purse, computer bag, diaper bag, small backpack, etc. that can be placed under the seat in front of you).

What is the standard size of hand luggage?

International hand luggage sizes vary, but most comply with the same size requirements as domestic airlines.

Visit standard cabin baggage sizes have changed for baggage included in airline tickets since 2022, for several airlines. They vary from airline to airline, 45x36x20 centimeters for Easyjet, 40x30x20 centimeters for Volotéa, Vueling, Transaviaor 40x30x15 centimeters for AirFrance.

Make sure your hand luggage is the right size, or you won't be allowed to take your bag on the plane.

What's the difference between a carry-on and a personal item?

Most airlines allow passengers to take both a carry-on bag and a personal item such as a backpack, laptop bag, handbag or briefcase.

As a general rule, your personal item must be smaller than your carry-on bag, and can fit under the seat in front of you.

Is there a weight limit for carry-on luggage?

Generally speaking, airports do not impose a weight limit on hand baggage. If you can hoist it into the overhead compartment, you're in the clear!

II - What should you pack in your hand luggage?

Now that you know what hand luggage is, let's take a look at the essential travel items you need to keep in it.

As you probably know, valuables such as jewelry, documents and money are what most people pack in their hand luggage.

So we've compiled a list of absolutely essential travel items and made our own personal recommendations for the best items in each category.

When packing your hand luggage, your first priority should be to make your passage through the airport as smooth as possible. Items such as a travel wallet and an easily accessible toiletry bag will help you stay organized and get through security quickly.

Next, make sure your in-flight experience is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. That's where essential travel accessories like snacks and a travel pillow come in.

Finally, even if it's only a worst-case scenario, there's always a chance that your checked baggage won't make it to your destination. So you'll want to pack anything that will save you a day or two of waiting to find your belongings, such as your phone charger.

With these 8 must-haves, you'll be ready for anything unexpected on your trip, whether it's lost luggage, noisy neighbors on the plane, inclement weather, and much more.

1. You need a pen and a notebook

Here's the essential item you never knew you needed. With far-flung destinations, chances are you'll have to fill out a landing or immigration form before you're allowed to enter your destination country. Do yourself a favor and take one with you.

As for the notebook, it's a simple way of jotting down all your travel ideas. Choose one small enough to fit in your hand luggage.

2. A change of clothes

Having a change of clothes in your hand luggage is a must, especially for a long-haul flight. It's the ideal way to freshen up and feel normal again.

In case your airline loses your luggage, a change of clothes will get you through a day or two before your luggage is returned (or you buy yourself a new wardrobe).

Last but not least, it's a good idea to take along some rain gear if the rain is going to spoil your vacation. These include a windbreaker or mini umbrella. Now, if you don't mind the rain, you don't need to.

3. A toiletry bag

Again, the best way to stay sane on a flight is to stay as fresh as possible. Carrying a toiletry bag with you is therefore a great way to feel good and clean.

But what should you take? Don't stress, toiletries for one or two days should be more than enough.

In addition to the usual toothpaste, toothbrush and floss, take deodorant, lip balm and moisturizer for the face, hands or both. Whether it's an anti-aging moisturizer, a facial oil, or a nourishing hand cream, these products will help keep your skin in tip-top shape when you fly.

4. Disinfectant wipes and gel

Catching any kind of illness on the flight is a quick way to ruin what could have been a restorative vacation. Don't risk it.

Instead, use alcohol-based travel wipes to kill germs while you're on the move.

If you use a small bottle of hand sanitizing gel, just make sure it doesn't exceed 100 ml, or you'll have to kiss your boyfriend goodbye at the security checkpoint.

5. Something to keep you warm

Planes can be a little chilly. So bring a sweater or jacket to keep warm.

If you're going out in the sun and have already put on your sandals, you can also bring a pair of warm socks. If you're comfortable, you'll find it much easier to sleep.

6. Travel pillow

Long flights can be a stressful ordeal, especially when it comes to resting comfortably and getting something resembling decent sleep.

Most airplane seats are not ergonomically designed to allow you to sit for long hours without suffering neck pain.

So it can be a good idea to travel with a neck pillow to enjoy a smoother, more comfortable flight.

By cushioning your head, a U-shaped travel pillow can help you fall asleep and combat the usual fatigue caused by uncomfortable plane seats. Its lightness and compactness make it easy to slip into your hand luggage.

Easy to wash, the travel pillow is the ultimate travel accessory!

7. Eye mask

This item will save your life. Sleeping in an upright position can be difficult, so an eye mask is a handy tool that can make this challenge slightly easier. It allows you to block out light and make up for lost sleep while traveling.

And if you want to take things a step further, take along some earplugs too! For all those cases where you don't necessarily feel like wearing your headphones - for example, to sleep - but still want to muffle the ambient noise around you, a set of earplugs is just as essential.

8. A little entertainment

Sometimes the service on board is phenomenal, other times... not so much. So it's important to have something to pass the time.

That's why we recommend loading all your electronic devices with plenty of movies, TV series, games, e-books, etc. to keep you entertained.

And don't forget to pack a portable charger - you don't want your phone to go without power in the middle of your favorite series.

Ready to go on vacation?

Now you know all about hand luggage. When you're going on vacation and have to fly, think about the travel essentials you'll need on your flight. Then pack your hand luggage.

You should know that if you show up at check-in with a item prohibited on board the aircraftyou can normally put it in your hold baggage (assuming it is allowed in the hold).

If it is an item that is not allowed on board the aircraft at all, it will normally be confiscated at check-in before boarding. That's why you should always check your airline's regulations to find out what is and isn't allowed on board, before you pack your bags.

Do you have any tips to share about hand luggage? Let us know in the comments!

And to accompany you, discover our collections of vanity cases and toiletry bags for your toiletries, makeup and beauty products, the widest choice at Sogaïa. 

Please note that weight and size restrictions applied by airlines may change at any time.

If you would like to discover our Cabin Travel Bagthe right size to be included in your flight ticketat no extra charge, Click here.

To accompany you on your travels, you can also discover our collection of vanity bagscollection, some of which are perfect as a second piece of luggage, and that attaches to your suitcase for short trips and cabin luggage.

Discover the perfect model for your next adventure!