Luggage
Before you go: Luggage
Use luggage that you can hoist from a carousel without help, whatever your height and weight. Invest in quality gear to see you through more journeys. Take care how much you pack into your cases to save zippers and stop fabric from snagging. Remember to stick a name and address label inside each bag.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Baggage restrictions
Following terrorist alerts, the British Airports Authority (BAA) has introduced new hand baggage regulations:
• Passengers can only take one small piece of hand baggage onto a plane and check in one or two pieces for the hold (depending on the destination; check with your airline).
• Liquids and cosmetics are allowed but they must be in a clear plastic bag. Liquids can be no more than 100ml. Re-sealable plastic bag can hold no more than a litre.
• Baby milk and liquid baby food are permitted but the contents of each bottle may have to be tasted by the parent.
• You are allowed to carry essential medicines of more than 100ml in your hand baggage, but you will need prior approval from the airline and departure airport, and supporting documentation from a relevant qualified medical professional (eg a letter from your doctor or prescription).
• All laptops and large electrical items (e.g. large hairdryer) must be removed from the bag and placed in a tray so that such items neither obscure nor are obscured by the bag.
• Pushchairs and walking aids are permitted but must be x-ray screened. Wheelchairs are permitted but must be thoroughly searched.
• Everyone but passengers travelling to the USA can take items purchased in post-security duty free shops into the aircraft cabin.
• Solid food is permitted.
Aircraft guidelines checklist
• Different airline have different policies on hand baggage. Check with your airline.
• Checked suitcases should weigh a maximum of 23kg (50lbs) although some airlines' limit is 20kg. You should check with your airline before travelling.
• Most airlines allow you to check one piece of luggage if you are travelling within Europe, and two pieces if you are travelling long haul, but there are restrictions and you should always check with individual airlines before you travel.
• Ryanair does not accept for carriage any individual item exceeding 32 kilos or with combined dimensions of more than 81cms (height), 119cms (width) and 119cms (depth). Each passenger may check in up to two checked bags upon payment of the applicable checked baggage fees by electing to purchase a checked baggage allowance of either 15 kilos or 20 kilos. Any passenger exceeding their personal checked baggage allowance will be charged for excess baggage at the rate prevailing on the day of travel. This is currently £20/€20 per kilo. Standard charges for 15 - 20 kilo bags range from £15-£40 depending on destination and whether you're travelling at a peak time, so see website for details.
• easyJet introduced new rules for checked-in baggage on September 1. Passengers are encouraged to limit themselves to a single piece of checked-in baggage. Additional bags will incur a charge of £5 (online payment) or £10 (if paid at the airport). The total weight limit is 20kg.
STYLES
One suitcase can look a lot like another, so adding a distinguishing feature to yours makes it easier to spot. A label holder is good, or a bright strap.
Above all, luggage should be practical. Sturdy, hard cases are great for frequent flyers, while holdalls are ideal for short trips. Soft cases hold more if you're planning a long break. Remember to keep luggage in transit locked.
What to look for
• Wheeled luggage with a pull-up handle
• Practical rather than just fashionable designs
• A manufacturer's guarantee
• Suitcases with an inner dividing flap, for extra storage
• Simple, compact laptop cases
• Rucksacks that suit your height, weight and shape
WHEN DISASTER STRIKES
Damaged luggage
If your luggage is left horribly mangled on an airport carousel, log a complaint immediately before leaving the airport. Be sure to get a reference number, quote it on your insurance form and send this off as soon as possible. There's often a deadline for damage claims.
Lost luggage
If your luggage is well and truly lost and not just delayed, tell your airline immediately and fill in a lost luggage form. There are some important points to remember.
• Airline payouts for lost or damaged luggage relate to weight per kilogram, not contents.
• Before replacing lost items, check that your airline will compensate you for them.
• Travel insurance covers most valuables but you may need extra cover for pricier items.
The Consumer Association's Which? Online website has detailed information about travel issues in its holidays section: www.which.net
