What is hand luggage?
In the aviation community, the term "carry-on baggage" refers to any travel equipment carried on board the aircraft by each passenger. This type of baggage is in contrast to those that are checked in at the counter, traveling in the compartments of the aircraft's hold.
Carry-on baggage, also known as carry-on baggage, can come in a variety of shapes, structures, dimensions, and capacities. It can be a rigid or semi-rigid suitcase. But a soft travel bag with wheels or a backpack can also be fine .
The most important thing is to comply with the current standards applied by the airline you are going to travel with. This information is made available to travellers through various means. It is imperative to consult them before preparing your carry-on suitcase in order to leave for the airport with compliant luggage.
Across the Chalair network, the standard sizes regularly accepted for hand luggage are 45x45x25 cm with a maximum weight of 10 kg.
Good to know : these standards are set so that hand luggage can be slipped under the seat and/or in the dedicated compartments to ensure the comfort of passengers. Depending on the aircraft used for the different routes and the configuration on board each aircraft, these limitations may be revised upwards or downwards.
Is the backpack a carry-on piece of luggage or a personal accessory?
There are a multitude of accessories to accompany your travels, whether it is a carry-on suitcase, a checked suitcase, a travel bag, a vanity case, a backpack, a satchel, or a briefcase. With so many to choose from, it's easy to get lost, especially since each model is tailored to a particular purpose.
The cabin travel bag
You can find carry-on travel bags with handles, with a fairly rectangular or square shape. These items usually have dimensions adapted to the standards set by the airlines.
They are designed to optimize the transport of your belongings with a large opening to store clothes and a toiletry bag, but also a separate storage space to easily slip a pair of shoes. Small pockets allow quick access to your flight documents to go through the various stages at the airport.
Thanks to the handles, you can carry the bag on your back, leaving your hands free, or attach it to the handle of your suitcase in the hold via a hanging strap. Some models are also equipped with telescopic handles and wheels to make it easier to move to the boarding gate.
This type of backpack is considered hand luggage, just like a carry-on suitcase.
Panniers or small backpacks
Depending on the regulations, airlines may allow you to bring a personal accessory in addition to your carry-on baggage. However, it is regularly accepted that this item must be smaller than your main carry-on baggage. This is because the extra bag must be able to fit under the seat so as not to further clutter the luggage compartment.
Women's personal accessories are usually handbags. But depending on the carrier, a small or medium-sized backpack may also be allowed. The same goes for laptop or camera bags, business briefcases, etc.
In this case, you can choose to bring a backpack in addition to your carry-on suitcase. But find out beforehand how to make this choice. If the airline considers that you are carrying two pieces of hand luggage, you may have to pay extra.
Remember : if you use your backpack as carry-on baggage or as a personal accessory, you should be vigilant about its contents and avoid placing prohibited items in the cabin.