Should you pack your toiletries bag in your hand luggage?
You are free to carry your toiletries bag, including your personal hygiene essentials, in your hand luggage, whether you’re flying with or without additional checked-in luggage.
To make your journey easier, a range of travel accessories are available, such as vanity cases or hanging toiletries bags, which offer quick and convenient access whilst saving space.
However, it is crucial to choose a model that complies with air travel regulations to ensure you pass security checks smoothly.
How should you pack your toiletries bag to fit it into your hand luggage?
One of the crucial steps before your flight is to present yourself to the security officer. Your hand luggage must pass through an X-ray scanner before you can proceed to the boarding gate, and this is when the contents of your toiletries bag are scrutinised.
To make the screening process easier, opt for a small, transparent toiletries bag, measuring approximately 20 cm x 20 cm, so that the contents can be identified quickly.
To get through security smoothly, be sure to choose your toiletries carefully. Bottles of shower gel, shampoo and conditioner must not exceed 100 ml each, with a total limit of 1 litre per passenger for liquids. Samples can be useful, as can small empty bottles to fill with your own products or a special air travel kit.
Finally, another option to consider is using solid cosmetics, which offer an alternative to the restrictions on liquid products. Soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and even shaving products are available in solid form. You can even find chewable toothpaste tablets, which are ideal for travelling. These compact products help you save space and keep the weight of your luggage down.
Can you keep your toiletries bag with you during the flight?
Air travel regulations are strict regarding items permitted on board the aircraft, to ensure the safety of crew members and passengers.
Are you planning to carry your toiletries bag in your handbag or rucksack for easy access during the flight? Whether it’s to freshen up your face during the journey or to carry your medication, it’s essential to follow the protocols set by the airline. Some airlines provide storage pockets on the back of the seats, offering convenient access. However, this option may not be available on all flights.
Are there any precautions to take regarding toiletries in hold luggage?
The regulations for checked-in luggage allow for larger dimensions and a higher maximum weight than those for hand luggage. This means fewer restrictions on toiletries and aerosol cans, with containers of up to 500 ml permitted, subject to a limit of 2 litres per passenger. You can therefore take a more spacious toiletries bag with you.
For shaving accessories, the rules differ depending on whether they are carried in the cabin or in the hold. Open-blade or safety razors are generally more readily accepted in the hold than in hand luggage.
Good to know: your luggage will go through various handling processes at the airport before being loaded into the aircraft’s hold. It will undergo stages such as conveyor belt transport, visual inspection and transfer. It is therefore essential to seal and pack your liquid toiletries and cosmetics securely to prevent them from leaking onto the rest of your belongings.