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 - and take care how much you pack into it to save zippers and stop fabric from snagging. Remember to stick a name and address label inside each bag as well.

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).
• The following items are currently prohibited from hand baggage: cosmetics including lip balm/stick; toiletries including toothpaste, hair gel, lotions, perfume, deodorant, cigarette lighters, shaving foam, aerosols, etc; any liquids; any drinks, liquid-based foods, and any sharp objects.
• Baby milk and liquid baby food are permitted but the contents of each bottle must be tasted by the parent.
• Prescribed medicines in liquid form, eg diabetic medicines, over 50ml, must be verified by a pharmacist at any of the airport pharmacies.
• All laptops and large electrical items (eg 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. If you are travelling to the US you are not permitted to take toiletries or cosmetics purchased in the departure lounge into the aircraft cabin and any drinks or liquid items must be consumed before boarding.
• Solid food is permitted.

Aircraft guidelines checklist

• Under BAA's new regulation, hand baggage should measure no more than 45cm long, 35cm wide and 16cm deep.
• Aim for a 4.5kg (10lbs) minimum weight limit for hand baggage
• The length, width and depth of a checked suitcase must add up to no more than 158cm (62in)
• 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 is now charging passengers for checked baggage. Checked suitcases can weigh a maximum of 20kg and cost £3.50/€4.50. If you wait until the airport to pay, the cost increases to £7/€10.
• 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