Carry On Luggage Recommendations

The carry on luggage seems like a minor detail after you have done so much getting ready for your expatriate living.

However, there are two things you must take into consideration when packing your handbag:

• Airlines luggage requirements and security restrictions.

• How to choose your handbag and what to include in it.

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Carry on Luggage: Size Requirements and Security Restrictions

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Handbag Luggage - Size Requirements

Most airlines allow one carry on baggage plus one personal item.

A personal item can be one of the following:

Purse, briefcase, laptop carrying case, small backpack, diaper bag, outer garments, and small shoulder bag.

The handbag luggage should be small enough to store below your seat or in the overhead compartment. In any case it is recommended to check with your airline their specific handbag size limit.

Other than the above, you should also find out the airline carry on weight restrictions as no extra payment will be accepted by the airline for overweight luggage.

If the airline decides to implement its carry-on rules, you will either have to check the refused carry on bag, or you might find yourself unpacking some of your items. This is a big hassle, when you are in a rush to catch a flight.

So, when shopping for a handbag please make sure you already know the airlines handbag size requirements.

Handbag Luggage – Security Restrictions

After the 9/11/2001, all airlines had changed their security rules regarding items that are allowed on board.

On August 2006 the security rules were changed again due to terrorist's threat to bomb airplanes departing from London to
the U.S.A using liquids to create explosion
during air travel.

Our family had a scary experience with the 2006 security alert - On August 2006, we completed our posting in Canada, and booked a flight back home on board BA with a stop in London. The security alert was issued at Heathrow airport the night before our flight.

We were a "little" concerned, and tried to hide it from our kids until right before we arrived to Toronto airport. At Pearson international airport we had to wait a long time in huge lines for BA check in. Once we arrived at BA counter we were requested to check our carry on luggage, and were allowed to take with us a Ziploc bag with our most needed items – purse, wallet, passports etc'. Of-course we did not argue.

This flight was one of the scariest flight we had experienced, but at least we had a nice holiday in London before we flew back home.

Lucky for all of us these kinds of security alerts do not happen that often.

However, all airlines have strict rules about what items can be included in your carry on luggage.

For example, it is not allowed to put any sharp objects like nail scissors, razors, or pocket knives in your carry on baggage. Such items may be considered a threat to safety and could be taken away from you. Pack them in your checked luggage instead.

As for medications - You may pack in your hand luggage all prescription and over the counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols). You may also bring insulin, even though it involves a needle and may take you a little longer to get through security.

The airline security regulations for carry on luggage might change without any notice. Therefore it is recommended that you check with your airline a few days before traveling for the most recent list of excluded carry on items. Doing this will reduce time and hassle at the security check point.

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Carry on Luggage – How to Choose and What to Pack

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Choosing an Airline Carry on Luggage

After checking all suitcases at the airline counter, you are left with a carry on luggage. You probably feel relief, no need to wonder around with so many suitcases.

However, don’t forget that carrying one bag full of personal items all over the airport can still be annoying, as there are considerable distances to walk upon arrival or departure at some airports.

Therefore when choosing your handbag luggage it is recommended that you look for:

• Lightweight carry on luggage preferably made out of nylon rather than Leather. Although leather is still a favorite for good looks, long life and resistance to damage, we are dealing here with weight and leather is heavy.
  
• Softside carry on bag rather than hard side bag – Softside bags are lightweight, sturdy, washable, and they absorb shock better than hard side bags.
• Handbag luggage with strong double zippers that can be locked, with comfortable handles and shoulder straps. It is good to have a removable shoulder strap in case you do need to check the bag so it won't get caught in the luggage carousel.
• A bag that is large enough to handle all the things you need to take, but small enough to fit the luggage size requirements of your airline

Be sure to label your handbag baggage inside and out, with your name, address and contact number for your destination.

What to Pack in Your Airline Carry on Luggage

Think about packing your carry on luggage as if it were the only bag you'll have for two days. This way you'll be sure to include all the little things you might want or need.

Here you can find some tips about what is important to pack in your carry on bag:

• Fragile and valuable items such as electronic equipment (including laptops, electronic games, etc.'), cameras, cash, credit cards, keys and jewelry, and other items of high importance should be kept in your carry on bag.
• Your carry on luggage should contain enough things to sustain you in case your checked luggage gets lost. Therefore pack in two changes of underwear, one set of extra clothes including socks, and vital medicines.
• Passports and other documents should be carried with you, secured yet readily accessible. Leave a photocopy of your passport ID page with your belongings in a different location from your actual passport. Likewise, make a copy of both sides of your credit cards and store in a secure location from your actual credit cards.
• Your daily toiletries - Things like toothbrush and small toothpaste, contact lens solution, items for personal hygiene, facial care products, a small bottle of shampoo and lotion. All of these should be packed in plastic zip up storage bags in case of spills.
• Take a sweater, sweatshirt, or a jacket for warmth. These things may or may not be available in transit, and you want to be prepared for temperature changes.
• Pack a large water bottle. Airplane air tends to be dry and keeping well hydrated is important. Take advantage of water offered in flight and save yours for when you need it.
• Add snacks to your carry on bag. Never count on having time to stop for something to eat while traveling. Be sure to include a pack of wet wipes for quick washing up.
• Some good reading material, and a travel pillow for comfort.

You bought the carry on luggage, packed it for yourself and your kids. Now you can relax a little on the plane.

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